Nagaragawa Cormorant Fishing: A 1,300-Year Tradition of Gifu

Across a river surface lit by torch flames, boats guided by cormorant masters skillfully handling their birds move forward. Nagaragawa cormorant fishing, carried on for more than 1,300 years on the Nagaragawa in Gifu City, is a mystical summer-night tradition. Still conducted today as Goryo-ukai, imperial cormorant fishing managed by cormorant masters of the Imperial Household Agency, this dignified traditional fishing method has its history and skills designated a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property. Viewed up close from a viewing boat, cormorant fishing is a highlight of Gifu sightseeing.

Highlights

Nagaragawa cormorant fishing is conducted as Goryo-ukai, managed by six cormorant masters belonging to the Imperial Household Agency, and the sweetfish caught are presented as gifts to the Imperial Family and to Ise Grand Shrine. A cormorant master handles 10 to 12 sea cormorants, having them catch sweetfish while controlling them with ropes called tanawa. The old-fashioned costume of a folded-eboshi cap and a straw waist skirt is one of the sights.

In the climactic sogarami, several cormorant boats line up abreast and drive the sweetfish into the shallows, unfolding a scene full of power. The flames of the torches, the boats floating in the darkness, and the calls of the cormorant masters echoing with the sound of the water come together to draw viewers into a mystical world.

Seasonal Enjoyment

Cormorant fishing is held at night from May 11 to October 15 each year (excluding the night of the harvest moon and times of high water). Summer nights (July and August) in particular are lively with visitors seeking cool relief. The very time spent gazing at the river surface in the evening breeze and waiting for the fishing lit by fires is a luxurious moment unique to summer nights.

Access and Basic Information

From JR Gifu Station or Meitetsu Gifu Station it is about 15 minutes by bus, and the viewing-boat dock is right at the Nagarabashi bus stop. From Nagoya Station it is about 20 minutes to Gifu Station by JR, so access is good. The viewing boats have set departure times and are very popular, so advance reservations are the norm. Boarding fees for adults are roughly in the low thousands of yen, and ryokan and hotels sometimes offer viewing plans that include a meal.

Practical Travel Notes

The best season is July and August, when the cool river breeze can be enjoyed, but early in the season in May and late in the season in October allow relatively calm viewing. Viewing boats gather and depart in the early evening, so allow around two hours including the waiting time before the fishing begins. Because of its popularity, early reservations are essential, especially on weekends and during summer vacation. The river surface can grow chilly at night, so even in summer it is comfortable to have something to throw on. Nearby spots worth visiting include the Kinkazan ropeway and Gifu Castle, the old townscape of Kawaramachi, and Nagaragawa Onsen, so a plan of city sightseeing by day and cormorant fishing by night is recommended. In terms of budget, combining the viewing boat with a meal or an overnight stay starts from around ten thousand yen per person.

A Word of Advice

Cormorant fishing is a traditional method that depends on nature, and it is suspended during high water and on the night of the harvest moon, so plan your schedule with some flexibility. The viewing boats keep strict departure times, so allow plenty of time. The torches shine most vividly after dusk, so enjoying the waiting time itself as part of the atmosphere of a summer night is the true delight of Nagaragawa cormorant fishing.

📚 Sources

The content here is organized from public information by the Gifu City organizations that run the Nagara River cormorant fishing, Gifu City tourism, and on-site guidance. The viewing season, the operation and fares of the viewing boats, and whether reservations are needed change by season and operating conditions. Events may be cancelled during high water or rough weather. Because fees, hours, and access can change, please confirm with official sources before you set out.

Visitor Checklist

• Time needed: A half day to a full day if you add daytime city sightseeing to watching the cormorant fishing from a viewing boat.
• What to bring: It takes place riverside at night, so a layer to put on is reassuring even in summer. Viewing boats are often by reservation, so confirm advance booking and payment methods.
• Suggested route: By day, tour Gifu Castle via the Kinkazan Ropeway and the old Kawaramachi townscape; at night, watch the Nagara River cormorant fishing.
• Combining nearby: Staying at Nagaragawa Onsen lets you enjoy the night cormorant fishing at a relaxed pace.
• Note: Confirm guidance in advance about food, drink, and belongings on board.