Nagara River: Cormorant Fishing and Scenic Traditions in Aichi

Why Visit Nagara River

The Nagara River carves through Aichi Prefecture before emptying into Ise Bay, offering a mix of cultural heritage and natural scenery that draws visitors year-round. Its clear waters support traditional cormorant fishing known as ukai, a practice preserved for over 1,300 years where trained birds catch ayu sweetfish under lantern light.

What to See and Do

Evening boat tours let observers watch the fishing masters and their cormorants up close along stretches near the river’s lower reaches. Daytime activities include gentle kayaking or cycling paths that follow the banks through rice fields and small villages. Nearby, the river’s proximity to Inuyama allows easy side trips to the hilltop castle and its preserved old town.

Best Time to Visit

Late spring through early autumn brings the most comfortable conditions, with peak interest in ukai runs from May to October. Cherry blossoms line sections of the river in early April, while autumn foliage creates striking reflections on the water in November.

How to Get There

From Nagoya Station, local trains reach riverside stations such as those along the Meitetsu Bisai Line in under an hour. Buses connect further upstream points, and rental bicycles are available at several trailheads for exploring the flat riverside routes.

Nearby Attractions

• Inuyama Castle and its surrounding merchant district
• Meiji Mura open-air architectural museum
• Short drives to the coast at Ise Bay for fresh seafood