[Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi Prefecture] A summer tradition that has continued for about 400 years! Let's go see cormorant fishing at Kintaikyo Bridge

Cormorant fishing at Kintaikyo Bridge appears in records from the early Edo period, about 400 years ago. The lord of Iwakuni at that time was Hiroyoshi Kikkawa. At that time, the bridge built over the Nishiki River was repeatedly washed away by repeated floods. ``A bridge that never flows'' has long been a cherished wish of the Iwakuni clan. Hiroyoshi furthered his research and built Kintaikyo Bridge. Cormorant fishing takes place with the completed Kintaikyo Bridge in the background. It must have been a special sight for Hiroyoshi Kikkawa.

Modern fishing at Kintaikyo Bridge is a recreation of the traditional fishing methods and techniques as much as possible. For a limited time in the summer, you can enjoy the view from a houseboat. Climb aboard a boat floating on the cool surface of the river and watch cormorant fishing from a close-up perspective, just a few meters away. The real thrill, the heroic appearance, and the illuminated Kintai Bridge. It is truly a picture scroll of the period that even the lords loved.

About the operating period, fees, and hours of the cormorant fishing pleasure boat (limited period starting from June)

Operation period

June 1st - September 10th

Operating hours

19:00-21:00 (about 2 hours)

Basic charge

Adults (junior high school students and older) 3,000 yen (tax included), Children (3 years old to elementary school students) 1,500 yen (tax included)

*If a child under 2 years old requires a seat, a fee will be charged (child rate).

*As a general rule, reservations are required, but you can board the ship even just before departure if there is capacity.

Kintaikyo Bridge also offers sightseeing courses in spring and autumn, in addition to the cormorant fishing season, so that you can enjoy each season. The beauty of the Kintai Bridge seen from the houseboat, the cherry blossoms and autumn leaves reflected on the water, and the purity of the Nishiki River, a stream so clear that you can see the riverbed, are nothing short of impressive.

This is also recommended outside of the cormorant fishing season.

Spring pleasure boat "Sakura Boat"

The time when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom is the time of the year when Kintaikyo Bridge is at its most colorful. How about entrusting yourself to the flow of the Nishiki River in the bright sunlight? You can enjoy the riverside and Kintai Bridge decorated with cherry blossoms.

“Sakurafune” operation period in 2024

March 16th (Sat) - May 31st (Fri)

Operating hours

11:00-17:00 (Last flight 16:30) *Flight scheduled until 21:00 during cherry blossom season (Last flight 20:30)

Mini pleasure boat (board with other groups) [Boarding time approximately 20 minutes]

Flight days: Saturdays, Sundays, holidays, and weekdays during cherry blossom season.

Flight fee: Adults (junior high school students and older) 500 yen (tax included), Children (3 years old to elementary school students) 300 yen (tax included)

*If a child under 2 years old requires a seat, a fee will be charged (child rate).

*Eating and drinking are not allowed on board.

*Reservations are not required.

*In addition, a chartered pleasure boat [1 hour, reservation required] is also available. Meals can also be arranged on board for chartered pleasure boats.

Autumn pleasure boat "Momiji-bune"

The area around Kintaikyo Bridge is also a beautiful place for autumn leaves. Not only Momijidani Park but also Shiroyama will change color. Under a clear blue sky, you can enjoy the colorful river surface and Kintaikyo Bridge as you cruise on a houseboat. Why not go for a walk on the water?

“Momiji-bune” operation period in 2024

September 11th (Wednesday) - September 30th (Monday), November 1st (Friday) - November 30th (Saturday) *Services are scheduled to be suspended in October.

Operating hours

11:00-14:00 (last flight 13:30)

Mini pleasure boat (board with other groups) [Boarding time approximately 20 minutes]

Flight days: Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.

Flight fee: Adults (junior high school students and older) 500 yen (tax included), Children (3 years old to elementary school students) 300 yen (tax included)

*If a child under 2 years old requires a seat, a fee will be charged (child rate).

*Eating and drinking are not allowed on board.

*Reservations are not required.

*In addition, a chartered pleasure boat [1 hour, reservation required] is also available. Meals can also be arranged on board for chartered pleasure boats.

summary

This time we introduced a sightseeing boat where you can see Kintaikyo Bridge from the boat. In addition to the ``Ukai Pleasure Boat'' which is a summer tradition, you can also experience the beauty of Kintaikyo Bridge along with the purity of the clear Nishiki River on the ``Sakura Boat'' in the spring and the ``Momiji Boat'' in the autumn.

Please see here for other sightseeing information in Iwakuni City.