Japanese fishery performance in Hiroshima "Ukai"

“Ukai” is cormorant fishing. This is a very traditional yet dramatic method of fishing ” Ayu” or sweet fish. The cormorant fishers wear a traditional outfit, while you can watch the performance in proximity. This elaborate performance is open to the public in only summer months. Make you to go to Hiroshima during your summer vacation and take a stop at the “Tokaichinaka Park” right by “Basengawa river”.<div

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A piece of history preserved in Hiroshima through Ukai

The practice of “Ukai” cormorant fishing commenced in Japan during the Nara Period approximately 1558 to 1569. Prominent poets and song writers have written about this practice and expressed the beauty of it. The "Ukai" practiced in Hiroshima’s Basengawa river developed in the latter period of the Sengoku Period which dates back to the 17th Century. After the army of warriors were defeated by ”Mori clan” who later became feudal lords during the Edo Period, they developed the method of "Ukai" fishing. It is believed that over the next 3 generations, the method was gradually improved to the present form shown in the performance. By improving the torches used, the fisherman was able to raise the yield of fish. Since then, this method of fishing has been preserved. This fishing practice is open during the summer months. In 2017, the "Ukai" was only available between June 1st to September 10th, make sure to check the website for the latest information at the URL: https://miyoshi-kankou.jp/en/

The enthralling techniques of catching fish

Cormorant fishing is a method used from hundreds of years ago, relying solely upon a natural method of fishing. Cormorants are known to naturally prey upon the fish specie ”Ayu” sweet fish. The cormorant dives its head underwater and catches the fish, and then swallows it. In order to avoid the cormorant from totally swallowing the fish, a rope is tied around the base of the throat of the bird. Once the fish is caught, the cormorant is brought back to the boat and it spits the fish out. Regarding the unique characteristic of "Ukai" fishing in Hiroshima, they use a 6.75-meter rope, the longest rope used in Japan. The fisherman has the ability to handle 6 to 8 cormorants at a time using a wide range of techniques. This makes it very thrilling and dynamic to watch. As the fisherman’s boat and the watcher’s boat is at close distance, you will be able to have a close look at the performance for the hour. Normally dark colored cormorants are used; however, white cormorants were gifted from ” Sichuan”, which can also be seen catching “Ayu” in the river of Basengawa river. Sichuan is a province located in the Southwest of China along the Yangzi rive, and it is also the twin town of Hiroshima. The contrast between the pitch-black night skies and the white cormorants is very aesthetically pleasing for anybody to enjoy. Since the fishing process is swift, the Ayu caught by cormorants are known to be fresher than the traditional fishing methods used. In order to watch the fishing performance live in action, go to the ” Tokaichi Oyamizu-kouen” by the Basengawa river.

How to visit

From Haneda airport to Hiroshima airport is approximately 90 minutes. For more information on flight schedule or price listings, please check the official airline website. To get to "Tokaichi oyamizu-koe": By car: Take the "Chugoku" expressway to "Miyoshi" interchange. It will take 15 minutes from there by car. Or take the "Onomichi Matsue" express way to "Miyoshi" West Interchange, and it will take 15 minutes from there. By train: Take the "Geibi" line to "Miyoshi" Station. It will then be approximately a 15-minute walk to get to the park.
Address:Boat boarding area in Shinsui-park(Tokaichinaka, Miyoshi, Hiroshima Prefecture)