Seki City | Nagara River's Thousand-Year-Old Flame: Ose Ukai Cultural Exploration & In-Depth Chinese-Language Guided Tour with Ayu Kaiseki (Sweet Fish Kaiseki) - 1 Night, 2 Meals 051
| Departure / Meeting Point: | 長良川鐵道「關車站」 |
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| Duration | 2 days 1 night (one night's stay with two meals) |
| Operating Period | 2026-05-11 ~ 2026-10-15 |
| Minimum Number of Participants | 8 ~ 18 people |
| Price (per person) |
Adult: ¥38,000 Child: ¥38,000 |
| Age Restriction | 6 歲以上（需家長陪同） |
Itinerary Details
A sensory shock at close range: Ukai Ose
Unlike large tourist areas, Kose Ukai offers a purer, more intimate viewing experience. The sightseeing boat travels alongside the pelican, allowing you to clearly hear the pelicans’ shouts, the splashing of oars, and the crackling of the campfire. With a Chinese-speaking guide providing real-time translation, you can understand the pelicans’ masterful manipulation of 12 ropes with their fingertips and experience the spirit of craftsmanship that has been designated an Important National Intangible Folk Property.
Nagara River on the dining table: Ayu (sweetfish) kaiseki
“Pelican fishing” is a method of hunting sweetfish, known for their “fragrant aroma of water.” Before and after the tour, the hotel’s chef will use techniques such as salt grilling, simmering in sweet broth, and mixed rice porridge to present the most delicate flavors of the sweetfish. Understanding the river’s bounty through taste, combined with a Chinese-speaking guide’s in-depth analysis of the historical background, elevates this journey from the eyes to the soul.
Itinerary
Day 1: A Stunning Riverside Feast and Bonfire
Registration and Cultural Introduction Dinner
Meet your guide at the “Seki Station” on the Nagara River Railway. After arriving at the hotel, enjoy a “Sweet Fish Kaiseki” meal, during which your guide will explain the history of pelican farming, the living habits of sea pelicans, and the key procedures for tonight’s tour.
Boarding and audience ceremony
Depart on a houseboat, parallel to the pelican boats. Witness the climax of the “pelican release” and “final roundup,” and finally, upon reaching the shore, enjoy a “fukumi” (appointment) to observe up close the pelican catch and the craftsmanship of the pelican artisans. Afterwards, walk back to your cabin to rest.
Day 2: Morning stroll and return home
Hotel breakfast and the slow pace of life along the Nagara River
Enjoy a Japanese breakfast provided by the hotel and admire the quiet morning scenery of the Nagara River.
Check-out and return
After this enriching cultural experience, continue your journey towards Gunjo-Yamana or Gifu city.
Important Information & Cancellation Policy
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Important Notes: Pelican voyages are subject to natural conditions. In case of heavy rain or rising water levels, voyages may be cancelled (free rescheduling or full refunds available). The river can be cool at night, so please bring a windproof or warm jacket.
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Cancellation Policy:
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Once a reservation is made, a 5% system cancellation fee will be charged if the reservation is cancelled due to personal reasons.
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14–8 days before departure: 20%
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7–2 days before departure: 30%
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The day before: 50%
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Not present on the day: 100%
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