Verified [Verified] denotes information that has been published with confirmation of its owing parties.

Nagara River Ukai Museum

Explores the allure of the traditional fishing method "Gifu Nagara River Cormorant Fishing," a practice that has been continuously passed down through the ages.

Last update :

The museum introduces the traditional fishing method "Gifu Nagara River Cormorant Fishing," which has been passed down for over 1300 years, from various perspectives including its history and culture. Although the Nagara River Cormorant Fishing is held seasonally from May 11th to October 15th each year, visitors can experience its charm even during the off-season.

The "Guidance Theater" offers a sense of immersion as if watching cormorant fishing live, with a life-size cormorant boat set against a large scroll-like screen displaying footage of cormorant fishing, enhanced by sound and lighting effects that draw you in.

The museum also shares episodes related to historical figures who loved cormorant fishing, such as Lord Oda Nobunaga, who used it as a form of hospitality, Tokugawa Ieyasu, who established the Edo shogunate, the haiku poet Matsuo Basho, Emperor Meiji, and Charlie Chaplin. Additionally, exhibits on the ecology of cormorants are fascinating.

Highlights

  • A museum conveying the charm of "Gifu Nagara River Cormorant Fishing," a traditional fishing method passed down for over 1300 years.
  • The "Guidance Theater," with its large scroll-like screen displaying cormorant fishing footage, is a major highlight.
  • The museum also offers insights into the ecology of the cormorants used in fishing.

Photos

  • The "Guidance Theater," where cormorant fishing footage is projected onto a scroll-like screen.

    The "Guidance Theater," where cormorant fishing footage is projected onto a scroll-like screen.

  • A unique, approximately four times larger cormorant model allows visitors to learn about the anatomy of cormorants.

    A unique, approximately four times larger cormorant model allows visitors to learn about the anatomy of cormorants.

  • The "Kagaribi Tunnel" near the entrance of the exhibition room features the names of six cormorant fishermen and their inherited family crests illuminated against a backdrop of bonfires.

    The "Kagaribi Tunnel" near the entrance of the exhibition room features the names of six cormorant fishermen and their inherited family crests illuminated against a backdrop of bonfires.

  • Visitors can see cormorants being raised in outdoor cages.

    Visitors can see cormorants being raised in outdoor cages.

  • The "Nagara River Cormorant Fishing History Scroll" exhibition introduces the history of Nagara River Cormorant Fishing.

    The "Nagara River Cormorant Fishing History Scroll" exhibition introduces the history of Nagara River Cormorant Fishing.

  • The "Scenic Lounge," offering leisurely views of the Nagara River and Mount Kinka, is located in a free access area.

    The "Scenic Lounge," offering leisurely views of the Nagara River and Mount Kinka, is located in a free access area.

Official FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.

Q

Do you have signs or pamphlets in foreign languages? (If you do, which languages are available?)

A

Pamphlets are available, Signs are not available.

Q

Is free Wi-Fi available in the area?

A

Yes, it is.

Q

Are coin lockers available?

A

12 coin lockers are available.

Q

Is it possible to re-enter the premises?

A

It is possible on the same day. (Exhibition room re-entry is not allowed)

Q

Are there any smoking areas?

A

There is outdoors smoking area.

Reviews

Details

Name in Japanese
長良川うかいミュージアム
Postal Code
502-0071
Address
51-2 Nagara, Gifu City, Gifu
Telephone
058-210-1555
Closed
Tuesdays (If it falls on a holiday, closed on the following weekday, Open every day from May 1 to October 15)
Business Hours
9:00am - 7:00pm (Admission allowed until 6:30pm) ※Closed at 5:00pm from October 16 to April 30 (Admission allowed until 4:30pm)
Admission
Adults 500yen, Children 250yen
Access
From JR Gifu Station or Meitetsu Gifu Station, ride the Bus bound for Nagarabashi for 17 minutes, and get off at Ukaiya, and about walk 6 minutes.
Credit Cards
Accepted
Official Website
Official Website (Japanese)