Kiso River Cormorant Fishing
木曽川うかい
Ride a houseboat on the Kiso River below Inuyama Castle to watch cormorant fishermen catch sweetfish, a traditional method with a history of 1,300 years.
Kiso River cormorant fishing has a history of about 1,300 years and takes place each year from June 1 to October 15 around Inuyama Bridge. Spectators board a yakata-bune houseboat and head beneath Inuyama Castle, with bonfires lighting the river. Fishermen hold the lines as more than ten cormorants dive to catch ayu (sweetfish), while the castle's night silhouette forms the backdrop, creating a unique atmosphere. Inuyama's cormorant fishing is one of the few in Japan that also takes place by day, known as daytime cormorant fishing. Boat fares start at about 3,000 to 3,500 yen for adults. Boats with meals are available, but reservations must be made in advance. The boarding point is near Inuyama-Yuen Station on the Meitetsu line.
Opening hours
Jun 1–Oct 15, from dusk
Nearby sights
- Uraku-en Garden & Jo-an Teahouse
- Inuyama Naritasan Temple
- Haritsuna Shrine
- Inuyama Castle
- Sanko Inari Shrine
- Inuyama Festival & Inuyama Artifacts Museum
- Japan Monkey Centre
- Jakko-in Temple