Travel Guide Gifu

Located 37 km from Nagoya, the city of Gifu experienced a major earthquake in 1891 and suffered numerous bombings at the end of the Second World War. It is famous for its famous night fishing for cormorants(ukai). This fishing, of Chinese origin, is accomplished from May to October by the light of lamparos placed at the front of the boats (in fact, it is a small brazier hung on the top of a pole at the front of the boat). The cormorants are released by the master fishermen(usho) in order to nibble the trout(ayu). It is enough to bring back the bird as fast as possible and to squeeze its gullet with the metal collar which holds its neck, in order to recover the trout. This fishing takes place on the banks of the Kiso, Ibi and Negara rivers. This practice, which is twelve centuries old, has been passed down from father to son. A flotilla of boats illuminated by paper lanterns allows tourists to approach and admire the technique of the fishermen. Gifu remains famous for its lanterns and, in general, for all paper ornaments. The perfect place to make such purchases. From Nagoya, the train ride takes about 20 minutes, via the JR Tokaido Rapid line.