Nagara River Ukai Museum

Located along the Nagara River, this museum preserves and showcases the 1,300-year-old tradition of ukai—cormorant fishing. Visitors can explore a wide range of exhibits covering everything from the history and techniques of cormorant fishing to the ecology of cormorants and why Gifu’s cormorant masters are officially recognized by the Imperial Household Agency. If you're planning to attend the ukai fishing season, held annually from May 11 to October 15, a visit to the museum beforehand may completely change the way you see this traditional practice.