Opening of the Ukai on the Nagara River in Gifu
Polished by history, the tradition shines.
An event marking the beginning of ukai (cormorant fishing) held every year on May 11. After the ukai safety prayer ceremony, viewing boats set out one after another in the evening, enveloping the atmosphere in a festive mood with drum performances and fireworks. The Nagara River ukai takes place every night from May 11 to October 15, excluding days when ukai is not held and during high water periods. The flickering bonfire reflects on the river's surface, and the classical fishing method displayed by the cormorant trainer and the cormorants invites you into a mystical world that feels like slipping back in time to ancient days.
Around Minato-cho, Gifu City
About 15 minutes via National Route 256 from the Gifu IC on the Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway
About 15 minutes by Gifu Bus to Nagara Bridge from JR Gifu Station or Meitetsu Gifu Station, get off at 'Nagara Bridge South / Kawaramachi' and walk about 1 minute.
- Date & Time
- 5/11(Sun) 15:00～20:55
- Note
- Ukai is held every day from May 11 to October 15, excluding days when ukai is not held (one day around the Harvest Moon) and during high water periods.
- Venue
- Around Minato-cho, Gifu City
- Address
- 1-2 Minato-cho, Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture
- parking
- Gifu Park outer parking lot: paid
- Access
- About 15 minutes via National Route 256 from the Gifu IC on the Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway
- Access (Public)
- About 15 minutes by Gifu Bus to Nagara Bridge from JR Gifu Station or Meitetsu Gifu Station, get off at 'Nagara Bridge South / Kawaramachi' and walk about 1 minute.
- Contact
- 058-262-0104 （Gifu City Ukai Viewing Boat Office）
