The history of ukai stretches far back, and cormorant fishing in Arashiyama is said to date back around a thousand years. According to some sources, the tradition began during the Heian period when Emperor Seiwa introduced cormorant fishing as part of boating excursions held for the Imperial Court. Stories of the tradition have also been passed down in poetry.
Dressed in traditional kazaori eboshi headwear and a koshimino straw skirt, the ukai fishermen guide sea cormorants as they catch ayu sweetfish and other river fish. Their movements are said to remain largely unchanged from those of a thousand years ago. As the kagaribi fires are lit over the river, passengers aboard the traditional boats can watch the flickering flames and movements of the cormorants from close by.
From THE MACHIYA EBISUYA Hotel, walk approximately 8 minutes to Shijo Station and take the Hankyu Kyoto Line. Transfer once at Katsura Station to the Hankyu Arashiyama Line, which will take you to Arashiyama Station. From Arashiyama Station, it is approximately a 5-minute walk to Togetsukyo Bridge, where you can experience this ukai tradition.
Dates: July 1–September 23, 2026
Location: Along the Oi River (North and South boarding areas)
Reception: From 6:00 PM
Same-day tickets are available for purchase at the boarding areas.