Experience the traditional fishing methods "Tomozuri" and "Tenkara" on Japan's beautiful rivers

Two traditional fishing methods that have been practiced in Japan for a long time

Our experience service offers two types of programs.

1. Tomozuri fishing

It is a traditional fishing method that originated in Japan.

It first appeared in a document in 1697 AD and has since developed in Japan.

This is a unique type of fishing that utilizes the modification that causes Ayu to attack enemies within their territory.

Licensed instructors will give a thorough lesson in the fishing techniques that have been passed down from master to apprentice and parent to child.

The sweetfish(ayu) you can catch are very beautiful.

2. Tenkara

This is also a traditional fishing method that originated in Japan.

Its origins date back at least 400 years ago to the Edo period, when it was established by commercial fishermen as an efficient way to catch yamame trout, iwana char, and other fish in mountain streams. It was passed down among local fishermen after the Meiji period, and was revived as a sport fishing method in the 1950s.

It is sometimes called "Zen Fishing" overseas, and is gaining popularity as a form of fishing that strips away all the unnecessary elements from fly fishing and allows you to enjoy the fish as it is.

Using only a rod, line and fly, you can catch beautiful mountain stream fish at a good pace.

We want children to enjoy these two great traditional fishing experiences too, so children aged 13 and over are welcome to try them out!

The experience takes place in Gujo Hachiman

The experience location is Hachiman-cho, Gujo City, Gifu Prefecture , a small old castle town deep in the mountains commonly known as "Gujo Hachiman."

It is known as a town of Tomozuri fishing and Bon Odori dancing.

There is also Gujo Hachiman Castle, famous as the oldest reconstructed wooden castle in Japan.

Fishing will mainly take place in the Nagara River or Yoshida River that flow through Gujo Hachiman (although in the event of flooding due to rain, we may fish in a different river).

There is a fascinating article on Gujo Hachiman on MATCHA, so be sure to check it out.

It's a lot of fun even when it rains and fishing is cancelled!

Characteristics of the experience service

RiverLabo's experience services are all-inclusive , so you can come empty-handed and enjoy!

o Tomo-tsuri and Tenkara fishing lecture (a licensed fishing guide will give you detailed instruction on traditional fishing methods)

o Complete equipment rental (rods, tackle, clothing, shoes, etc.)

o Lunch with local ingredients and drinks included

o Recreational fishing license

o Life jacket

o Playing in the clear river "Underwater Walk (seeing and flowing)"

o Safety briefing and support from an English-speaking guide

o Instant sharing and sales of photographed photos and video data (some videos only)

Flow of the experience

10:00 AM Gathering

Gujo Hachiman Station or Hotel (Gifu City, near Gujo Hachiman)

*If you are picked up and dropped off at a hotel in Gifu City, your fishing time will be shortened slightly.

11:00AM Arrive at the river point

Let's start fishing!

12:30 AM Lunch

Lunch made with local ingredients.

PM3:00 Depart from the river

4:00 PM End of the tour

The tour will end at Gujo Hachiman Station or a hotel (Gifu City, Gujo Hachiman area).

The end time varies depending on the pick-up location.

Transportation to Gujo Hachiman

Please see this article for more details. Thanks to gugu lab!

Application and fees for experience

Full service is scheduled to begin in 2026, with test operations being conducted on specific dates in 2025.

Please apply using the Google form below. We will contact you by email.

Application Form

The fees are as follows, and for safety reasons, we only accept groups of up to 4 people.

1 adult: 30,000 yen

1 child: 5,000 yen *13 years old and over

Fees are paid on site and can be paid by cash, various credit cards, or QR code.

For safety reasons, we limit the number of guests to two per guide, so depending on the date, we may not have enough guides and we may only be able to accept applications from up to two guests.

Why not try a traditional fishing experience on a beautiful river during your trip to Japan?