Ukai, the ancient art of fishing with trained cormorants, has been practised on the Kiso River for some 1,300 years, and Inuyama’s summer performances unfold in one of its finest settings — the dark river beneath the floodlit silhouette of Japan’s oldest castle keep. From June to mid-October, spectators board wooden yakata boats hung with lanterns and drift alongside the fishing craft as usho masters in traditional grass skirts and ceremonial dress work a dozen leashed birds by the light of blazing pine-fire baskets, the flames, splashing and handlers' calls conjuring a scene unchanged for centuries.
🗓️ At a Glance
| Location | Kiso River, Inuyama, Aichi |
| Hours | June–mid-Oct, evening departures (~19:00); daytime cruises some days |
| Admission | ~¥3,000–3,500 for viewing boats |
| Time needed | 1.5–2 hours |
| Best time | Clear, windless summer evenings |
What to See
- Trained cormorants fishing by blazing fire-basket light.
- Usho masters in ceremonial dress working a dozen birds.
- The floodlit silhouette of Inuyama Castle above the dark river.
- Lantern-lit wooden spectator boats drifting alongside.
Combine Your Visit
- Combine with Inuyama Castle visited that afternoon.
- Pair with Meiji Mura for a full Inuyama day.
- Read our Aichi overview .
Getting There
- By train: Meitetsu to Inuyama-Yuen Station, then a short riverside walk to the boat dock.
- Booking: reserve viewing boats in advance, especially for weekend evenings.
Tips
Book ahead — boats are small and summer weekends sell out — and note that performances cancel when the river runs high after heavy rain, so build in flexibility. The classic Inuyama day pairs the castle and old town in the afternoon with ukai after dusk, and boats with dinner service let you eat as the fires drift past.
