Seki City | A Thousand-Year Tradition on the Nagara River: Cormorant Fishing & Ayu Kaiseki Experience with Chinese-Speaking Guide – 1 Night, 2 Meals 051
Itinerary Details
A Sensory Encounter with Cormorant Fishing
Unlike large-scale tourist attractions, cormorant fishing on the Nagara River offers an intimate and authentic viewing experience. Your sightseeing boat travels alongside the cormorant boats, allowing you to hear the calls of the fishermen, the splash of the oars, and the crackling of the bonfire. With a Chinese-speaking guide providing live commentary, gain a deeper understanding of how the fishermen skillfully control up to 12 ropes while working with the cormorants. Witness the dedication and craftsmanship behind a traditional art recognized as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan.
Nagara River on the Dining Table: Ayu Kaiseki
Ayu, or sweetfish, is one of the Nagara River’s seasonal treasures. Before and after the cormorant fishing experience, enjoy a refined kaiseki meal featuring locally caught ayu, prepared in traditional ways such as salt-grilling, simmering, and sweetfish rice porridge. Combined with your guide’s insight into the history and culture of the river, this experience allows you to discover the Nagara River not only through sight and sound, but also through its flavors.
Itinerary
Day 1: Riverside Dinner & Cormorant Fishing
Registration and Cultural Introduction Dinner
Meet your guide at Seki Station on the Nagaragawa Railway. After arriving at the hotel, enjoy an ayu (sweetfish) kaiseki dinner while your guide introduces the history of cormorant fishing, the role of the cormorants, and the key moments to look out for during tonight’s experience.
Boarding & Close-Up Viewing
Board the sightseeing boat and cruise alongside the cormorant boats. Watch the fishermen work with the cormorants during the final roundup, then observe the catch and traditional techniques up close as the boats come ashore. After the experience, return to your hotel and relax for the evening.
Day 2: A Quiet Morning on the Nagara River
Hotel Breakfast & the Slow Pace of River Life
Enjoy a Japanese-style breakfast at the hotel, then take in the peaceful morning scenery along the Nagara River. After the excitement of the previous evening, enjoy a slower glimpse into everyday life along the river.
Check-out & Continue Your Journey
After check-out, continue your journey toward Gujo or Gifu City, with a deeper appreciation for the traditions and culture of the Nagara River.
Important Information & Cancellation Policy
Important
Information &
Cancellation Policy
Important Notes
- Cormorant fishing cruises are subject to weather and river conditions. In the event of heavy rain, high water levels, or other unsafe conditions, the cruise may be cancelled. If the cruise is cancelled, free rescheduling or a full refund will be provided.
- The temperature on the river can feel cool at night, especially during the cruise. Please bring a windproof or warm jacket.
- The experience is conducted primarily in Japanese, with Chinese interpretation and explanations provided by a Chinese-speaking guide.
Cancellation Policy
- Once a reservation is made, a 5% system cancellation fee will be charged for cancellations due to personal reasons.
- 14–8 days before departure: 20%
- 7–2 days before departure: 30%
- 1 day before departure: 50%
- On the day / No-show: 100%
