Ukai: Japan's Cormorant Fishing Tradition

Watch fire-lit boats and trained cormorants on a summer night: a friendly guide to ukai, Japan's cormorant fishing tradition, with tips for Gifu visitors.

Published October 17, 2026 at 10:19 PM JST | By Tokyo Paul

Quick answer: Ukai is Japan's traditional cormorant fishing, in which masters on fire-lit boats guide trained birds to catch ayu at night. The best-known site is the Nagara River in Gifu, where the season usually runs from mid-May to mid-October.

On a warm summer evening, a long wooden boat glides down a dark river with a blazing fire at its bow, while trained birds dive beside it in the glow. This is ukai, Japan's cormorant fishing tradition, and it is one of the most atmospheric cultural experiences you can have during the river season. The practice is especially associated with the Nagara River in Gifu Prefecture, where it has continued for about 1,300 years. This guide explains how ukai works, why it has such a special place in Japanese culture, and how to plan a respectful and enjoyable visit.

What Is Ukai?

Ukai means fishing with cormorants, and in Japan it was traditionally used to catch ayu, a freshwater fish often called sweetfish. The fishermen, known as ushō or cormorant masters, work from boats at night. Each master handles a small team of birds on leashes, and the Gifu page describes control of up to a dozen cormorants from a single boat. The birds swim beside the boat, dive for ayu, and bring them back to the surface.

A loose snare is tied near the base of each bird's throat. It prevents the cormorant from swallowing larger fish, so the catch stays in its throat pouch until the fisherman brings the bird back to the boat. The master then gently collects the fish. Japanese fishers use the Japanese cormorant, a seabird well suited to diving in rivers.

The fire on the boat is both practical and beautiful. The blazing basket, called a kagaribi, lights the way for the boatman steering and for the birds fishing. Its reflection dancing on the river is often described as the highlight of an evening, and it explains why the experience is usually offered after dark. Fish caught this way are valued, and the Gifu cruise page notes that cormorant-caught ayu keep their freshness and fat because they die instantly.

A Tradition Shared with Emperors and Warlords

The earliest mention of Japanese cormorant fishing usually cited is in a Chinese history called the Book of Sui, completed in the year 636, which records ancient Japanese people using the method. Since the Heian period, watching ukai has also been a pastime for aristocrats and warlords. In 1568, Oda Nobunaga hosted a messenger from Takeda Shingen with a cormorant fishing demonstration, and after 1615 Tokugawa Ieyasu enjoyed ukai and ayu in Gifu.

The masters then presented ayu sushi to the shogun and were allowed to fish freely on the river. Over time the tradition gained further protection, and today the masters of Gifu and Seki are employed by the emperor as Imperial Fishermen of the Imperial Household Agency. That long relationship with the court is one reason ukai has a dignified, ceremonial atmosphere. It is a living craft, carried on with great pride.

The Nagara River itself deserves a mention. It flows through Gifu and Mie prefectures, runs for about 166 kilometers, and is counted among Japan's three clear-flowing rivers. Its clean water is the perfect home for ayu, and the setting makes the evening feel peaceful and timeless.

Where and When to See It

The most famous place is the Nagara River in Gifu City. According to a listing for the Gifu cruises, the season runs from May 11 to October 15, and evening cruises depart in the early evening, with several sailings shown in the schedule. The page also notes that sailings are cancelled on harvest moon night and on days when the water is high. Reservations are required for the observation boats, so booking ahead is sensible.

Ukai takes place in around a dozen locations across Japan, mostly in summer. Seki in Gifu also hosts the tradition, and other well-known places include Inuyama, the Hozu River at Arashiyama in Kyoto, Uji, and the Oze River. Each site has its own season and schedule, and each offers a slightly different atmosphere. Because details such as dates, boat operators, and fees can change from year to year, it is best to check the official site for your chosen location before you travel.

Many sites offer free viewing from the riverbank as well as paid sightseeing boats. The boats follow behind the fishing vessels so you can see the action closely, and a cruise typically lasts about an hour. Some places offer dinner cruises booked through operators, hotels, or restaurants. Bank viewing is a lovely, relaxed option for those who prefer to keep things simple.

Practical Tips for Visitors

In Gifu, the cruise office is near the Nagara River and can be reached by taking a Gifu Bus from JR Gifu Station to the Nagara-bashi stop, followed by a short walk of about one minute. Arrive early so that you have time to check in and settle onto the boat. Evenings by the river can be cooler than expected, so bring a light layer, and carry insect repellent in the warm months.

Wear comfortable, non-slip shoes for boarding, and follow the crew's directions as boats move across the water. Keep voices low during the fishing, since the birds and the masters work with focus, and avoid flash photography, which can distract them. If you want to take photos, a steady hand and a higher camera setting will capture the glow of the fire without disturbing anyone.

As of autumn 2026, the season for most sites has already closed or is about to, so this is a good time to plan next summer's trip. Check the official site of your preferred location for the new season dates, prices, and booking rules once they are announced. Planning early also helps you pair your visit with other attractions in the area.

Savoring Ayu

No ukai evening is complete without tasting ayu. The fish is the only species in its genus and family, and it has a typical life of one year, which is why its name in Japanese characters can be read as "year fish." Its flesh is distinctively sweet, with aromas often compared to melon and cucumber, and it is the prefectural fish of both Gunma and Gifu. A common way to serve it is shioyaki, where the fish is skewered in a swimming pose and grilled over charcoal with salt.

Ayu is a seasonal favorite, so it is worth looking for it on menus in towns along rivers where ukai is practiced. The simple preparation lets the clean flavor shine. Enjoying it by the same river where it was caught makes the whole experience feel complete.

Quick Takeaways

Ukai is a centuries-old fishing method that uses trained cormorants, fire-lit boats, and a gentle collaboration between masters and birds. Gifu's Nagara River is the best-known place to see it, with a season that usually runs from mid-May to mid-October, though other sites across Japan hold their own summer seasons. Book ahead, dress for a cool river breeze, and let the quiet glow of the fires do the rest.

It is a memorable chance to meet a living tradition up close, and a delicious one too if you finish the evening with grilled ayu.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does ukai work?

A master controls several cormorants on leashes from a boat lit by a fire basket. The birds dive for ayu, and a loose snare near the base of each bird's throat stops it from swallowing larger fish. The master then collects the catch.

When is the ukai season in Gifu?

According to a Gifu cruise listing, the season runs from May 11 to October 15, with sailings cancelled on harvest moon night and on high-water days. Reservations are required, and details can change, so check the official site before you travel.

Where else in Japan can I see cormorant fishing?

Ukai takes place in around a dozen locations, mostly in summer. Besides Gifu, well-known places include Seki, Inuyama, the Hozu River at Arashiyama in Kyoto, Uji, and the Oze River. Each has its own season and schedule, so confirm dates with the local organizers.

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