Nagaragawa Cormorant Fishing
culture
長良川鵜飼
1,300-year-old torchlit cormorant fishing where imperial-appointed masters command 12 birds at once.
For 1,300 years, fishing masters have commanded cormorants on leashes to dive for ayu sweetfish by torchlight on the Nagara River. Spectator boats follow the fishing fleet from May through October, watching as each usho controls up to 12 birds from a wooden craft. The six hereditary usho families hold imperial appointments, making this one of Japan's most ancient continuously practiced traditions.
Want to visit Nagaragawa Cormorant Fishing?
Build a trip to Gifu