Ozu Ukai, one of the three major cormorant fishing (ukai) festivals in Japan. 

Along festivals in the Nagara River (Gifu Prefecture) and the Misumi River (Oita Prefecture), the Ozu Ukai is counted among the three major Cormorant fishing (ukai) in Japan. The history of this kind of fishing is long, being featured in canonical Japanese scripture like the 'Kojiki' or the 'Japan Shoki' (6th-7th century AC). Some of the artifacts excavated in Ozu from the Kofun period (3rd-7th cent) are reminiscent of Cormorant fishing (ukai). The Cormorant fishing (ukai) we see today is broadly consecrated to tourist activities. Nonetheless, cormorant fishing (ukai) can be still linked to familiar customs of locals who lived by the river at ancient times. 

The ability to catch good fatty fish was considered to be the strength of the ukai fishing method (cormorant fishing). Cormorants catch whole sweet fish, without hurting them. This kind of natural display has long been considered as a tribute to emperors, nobles and daimyos. It is believed that the fact that cormorants are birds that get easily well along with humans also contributed to their fishing methods. In Ozu you may occasionally see cormorants on the riverbanks, living in the wild. These are different to those used for ukai, which are sea species. 

Awase Ukai, an Ozu specific form of ukai 

This rare way of enjoying cormorant fishing involves riding for a long stretch side by side the fishermen boats, boasting a flaming bonfire. And is specific of Ozu. You can see all the action from a close range, cormorants catching fish while spraying water. The usho (cormorant fishermen) wear traditional outfits, like eboshi or haunches. Their skilful handling of the ropes is so spectacular that it takes your breath away. 

In other regions of Japan, cormorant fishing (ukai) is enjoyed from boats docked in the riverbanks while fishermen do their catches. In Ozu, however, spectators are able to ride their boats downstream, side by side fishermen. This greatly enhances the thrill of the experience. Due to the narrowness of some stretches of the Hiji River, both fishermen and spectator boats are a little bit smaller in Ozu. Currently, there are 15 fishing boats in Ozu. <br> 

The real thrill of catching fish. 

In Ozu's ukai, fishermen boats and spectator boats run very close together. Visitors can't help but lean over the side of the boat as they feel as if they can reach the cormorants with their hands. This "closeness" is the real thrill, but it also requires skilled techniques and "dialogue" (or delicate management) from the cormorant fisherman who needs to handle the cormorants, the stirring boatman of his boats and boatmen stirring spectators vessels. The well-thought-out dialogue between the boatman, the cormorant fishermen, and the cormorants creates the essence of Ozu's ukai. 

Nighttime, when the flow of the river looks quieter. Furthermore, the Hiji River spreads in a curve-like shape along its course, strengthening the uniqueness of this place. At Ozu ukai, boats are stirred by hand to prevent the sweet fish from escaping. Without the experience of boatmen, who know all details about Hiji River, navigating Ozu ukai would be not feasible. In addition, cormorant fishermen are required to be extremely skilled at handling their ropes and coordinate all the action. 

The cormorant birds, playing the leading role here, must be able to move freely in all directions, coordinating with the fisherman's instructions. Five cormorants go out on a single fishing trip. Thus it is very important that these cormorants get along well, so that their swimming is coordinated. On a daily basis, fishermen spend long time with the birds, getting to know each of the cormorant's personality. They are able to find out compatibility with each other. In the end, they consider cormorants to be their companions and never neglect to talk to them.  

The real thrill of 'proximity' is not just being close to the cormorants. It is experience all this sophisticated dance surrounding the fishing spectacle. We hope you will enjoy the closeness of the cormorant fishermen and boatmen. The boatmen and cormorant fishermen have long been familiar with this area and are skilled at providing hospitality to visitors.

On a cool summer night, enjoy a memorable boat cruise over the Hiji River. 

Gaze Ozu Castle and Garyu Sanso floating in the moonlight over the watercourse. On the houseboat, you can enjoy the cool breeze and sample a variety of local dishes and drinks. Ukai is a summer tradition in Ozu. An spectacle that talks to all of your five senses. At the Hiji River ukai, you will surely be able to feel the breath of the land of Ozu.