Ozu Ukai

Ozu Ukai is considered one of the major ukai events in Japan. In a style called awaseukai, a cormorant fisherman boat boasting bonfires slides downstream along passenger boats. This allows for a close range viewing of the fishing spectacle (and some sort of splashing from the birds). The cormorant master is dressed in a raven hat and a loincloth, and his skilful hand-handling is breathtakingly stunning. In addition, you can Ozu sights, like the Ozu Castle and Garyu Sanso (villa), floating on the river over the moonlight. 

Ukai is a traditional Japanese fishing method, already described in the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki, and said to have a history of about 1,300 years. The fish caught are fresh, unblemished and have been given as gifts to emperors, aristocrats, and feudal lords since ancient times. 

Reservations

Reservation online



plan 

1. Charter boats 

As dusk approaches in Ozu's summer evenings, boats and cormorants run side by side. While the latter try to catch sweet fish, passengers on the former enjoy the refreshing spectacle. And you can see the cormorants diving to catch ayu. It's a summer evening that can only be experienced in Ozu. 

Number of people Small boat / up to 10 people 
Large ship / Up to 18 people 
Event period [6/1-9/20] and schedule 18:30 集合・乗船受付開始(うかいレストプラザ)
ひじかわ遊覧と鵜飼いをお楽しみください
20:20 下船(大洲城下) 
  Small boat up to 10 people Large ship for up to 18 people
Boat charter fee (including viewing fee) 28,600円+料理代等 49,500円+料理代等
Options Guide: 8,800 yen 

2. Shared boat 

Feel the slow passage of time in Ozu at dusk in summer.
Please enjoy the awase ukai, a rare offering in Japan.

Boarding fee  No meals Adults 4,000 yen Children 3,000 yen
Meal included Adults 8,000 yen Children 5,000 yen
Event period  See separate calendar
Itinerary 17:50  集合・受付開始【大洲観光総合案内所(大洲まちの駅あさもや内)】
18:10  道先案内人と共に乗船場へ出発
18:30  乗船
ひじかわ遊覧と鵜飼いをお楽しみください
20:20  下船(大洲城下)
Important Notes Please take responsibility for your trash after eating and drinking.


3. 'Garyu Ichigo' boat 

Enjoy riding the luxurious Garyu Ichigo while contemplating Cormorant fishing (ukai). 

Garyu Ichigo 

old man

While enjoying Ozu's scenic beauty delight yourselves with the masterful techniques of cormorant fishermen and the liveliness of cormorants. Exclusive cuisine awaits Garyu Ichigo passengers. 

Number of people For 2 to 8 people 
Boat charter fee 49,500円+料理代等


Options

Garyu Ichigo  chartered boat  shared boat
Food service: 10,000 yen
Guide: 10,000 yen
Guide: 8,800 yen
Imotaki (local hot pot): 1,100 yen × number of people
 


Reservations

Reservation online

Brochure download

Inquires 

Ozu City Tourist Information Center 〒795-0012 Ozu (Ehime Prefecture) Ozu 649-1 Ozu Inside the town station "Asamoya"
Reception time 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
TEL 0893-57-6655

 

Location
Information 
Location
Ozu (Ehime Prefecture) Ozu 649-1(Ozu Tourist Information Center)
Time
Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and holidays 9:00-18:00
Holidays
3 days at the end of the year 
Phone
0893-57-6655 (Ozu Tourist Information Centre) 
Website 
https://ozuukai.com/
Access
  • Reservation required 
Season (best time to visit)
Around June to mid-September every year
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