If You're Going to Watch Cormorant Fishing on the Nagara River, You Should Stay at the Gifu Grand Hotel!

Ukai -- cormorant fishing -- on the Nagara River is a special attraction of summer in Gifu. Taking place each year from May 11 through October 15, this method of catching fish boasts a history of over 1,300 years.

Ukai is a fishing method in which the light of flaming torches at the helm of each boat startles sweetfish in the water, and tethered cormorants catch the surprised fish. The sight of a single fishing master handling as many as twelve birds is like a scene from an ancient picture scroll come to life.

The Gifu Grand Hotel is located on the bank of the Nagara River, and also offers a room package that combines an overnight stay with an excursion on an ukai viewing boat (one night and two meals). A full array of other local sights and attractions also await, including Mount Kinka with Gifu Castle perched atop, the old townscape of Kawara-machi, and more! You can also relax and unwind from your travels in the hotels open-air onsen rotemburo bath!

Getting there:
About 60 minutes by train from Central Japan International Airport to Meitetsu Gifu Station
15 minutes from Meitetsu Gifu Station by taxi or free hotel shuttle bus (4 runs per day)