The 1300-year-old traditional art of Ukai is no exception and today, it’s one of the most sought-after experiences in Aichi Prefecture.
Today, this exceptional traditional practice can only be seen in 5 locations in Japan including the beautiful Kiso River that flows past majestic Inuyama Castle and the scene is nothing short of spectacular day or night, observing the fisherman using ancient methods to catch fish accompanied by the dexterous skills of cormorant birds, from their traditional wooden vessels.
This is a rhythmic, choreographed event where the fisherman, who’s trained the cormorants to catch fish, control up to 12 of these birds at a time. The cormorant are made to dive underwater, tethered to rope that the fisherman is controlling, and almost like a puppet master, he carefully guides them to the catches. When they surface, they expel the fish out onto the boat and to see the process unfold is nothing short of spectacular.
The relationship between the fisherman and the cormorant is a special one, built of trust as the birds generally reside in their homes.
The boats, or ubune, are 12 meters long and generally carry a team of three to achieve their goals and travelers who wish to ride alongside them are treated to incredible views both day and night, along with the cool sprays of water that the cormorants generate as they playfully poke around for their catches. The fishermen are donned in blue or black cotton suites, linen hats, special non-slip sandals, and a straw raincoat around their waist to keep them protected against the cold water splashes.
Centuries ago, watching Ukai was popular amongst feudal lords, and Emperors recognized it as an art form to celebrate. Ukai is performed at night from 13-meter-long flat-bottomed wooden boats called “Ubune” with fires burning at their bow. Two crew man the rudder, navigate the shallower waters and collect the fish, while the leader handles the cormorants.
The season runs between June and September, except for full moon evenings when the water levels rise too much to make fishing possible. Guests can travel along on this experience right with the fisherman up close or even privatize the experience with unique special beverages, light bites and geisha or maiko entertainment.
