⑥小瀬鵜飼

長良川には1300年の歴史を持つ、岐阜市の"ぎふ長良川の鵜飼"と関市の"小瀬鵜飼"があります。

鵜飼は毎年5月11日から10月15日まで、行宮内庁式部職である鵜匠さんが、鵜を使い鮎を獲る漁法、それを観覧船に乗った客様に見せてくれます。かがり火を焚き、その灯りの中で、8羽ほどの鵜を手縄で操り鮎漁をします。

小瀬鵜飼の魅力は昔ながらの風情ある鵜飼が楽しめることと言われています。

人工的な音や光もなく漆黒の闇にかがり火が映えます。櫂で船べりを叩くの音、鵜匠さんのホウホウと鵜を励ます声、篝火の燃える音、これらが鵜舟の後ろの松尾山に反射して響き渡ります。

The Nagara River boasts a history of 1,300 years and is home to two cormorant fishing traditions: the Gifu Nagaragawa Cormorant Fishing and the Oze Cormorant Fishing in Seki City.

During the cormorant fishing season, from May 11th to October 15th each year, skilled fishermen known as Usho or cormorant fishing master from the Imperial Household Agency perform a traditional fishing method using cormorant birds to catch sweetfish (ayu). This captivating spectacle can be witnessed from sightseeing boats as the fishermen skillfully manipulate about eight cormorants using special ropes while fishing for ayu.

The charm of the Oze Cormorant Fishing lies in its nostalgic and traditional atmosphere. In the pitch-black darkness, illuminated only by flickering bonfires, you can experience the rhythmic sound of paddles hitting the sides of the boats without any artificial lights. The Cormorant Fishing Master's encouraging calls to the cormorants, the crackling sound of the bonfires, and the reflection of these sounds on the nearby Mt. Matsuo create a mesmerizing ambiance.