8Nagara River Cormorant Fishing

”Cormorant Fishing” is something that has been done for over 1,300 years in Gifu’s clear stream Nagara River. It is a traditional fishing method where the fishermen used trained cormorants that dive under the water and swallow the fish whole. During the dark of night, the fishermen and cormorants, together atop a fire-lit boat fish in the river, the scenes of watching these trained birds fish for the fishermen brings about a calming, mysterious, and unique atmosphere.
Cormorant fishing takes place nationwide, however, the cormorants used at Nagara River Cormorant Fishing and Seki Yusen Co. - Cormorant Fishing are the only birds that are protected as imperial property, they are presented to the Imperial household yearly. You can visit and watch either of these cormorant fishing spectacles all seasons of the year, maybe even whilst eating your lunch. At Seki Yusen Co. - Cormorant Fishing you are able to enjoy Hida Beef, French lunches that use Gifu Prefecture’s ingredients as well as wine as you watch the sight.