Get ready to witness a centuries-old tradition come to life on the beautiful Hijikawa river in Ozu, Ehime Prefecture! The cormorant fishing season kicked off on June 1, with trained seabirds showcasing their skills in catching fish under the enchanting glow of torchlight.
Cormorant fisherman Toshikazu Inoue shared that excitement is building as more and more people eagerly await the start of the season. Imagine being one of the 120 lucky spectators on 14 boats who witnessed the first catch of the season!
The Hijikawa river is renowned as one of the top spots in the country to experience cormorant fishing, offering a unique cruise experience that runs alongside the fishermen's boats. Not only can you witness this traditional art up close, but you can also enjoy a leisurely 2.7-kilometer boat ride down the river, taking in the picturesque scenery along the way.
Dating back to the Edo Period, cormorant fishing in Ozu has a rich history that was revived as a tourist attraction in 1957. Despite setbacks like a devastating flood in 2018 and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, visitor numbers are on the rise again. Last year saw a rebound to 3,477 visitors, and this year, organizers are aiming to surpass 4,000 visitors.
Don't miss out on this unforgettable experience! The cormorant fishing season runs until September 20, so grab your tickets for the watching cruise at just 4,000 yen for adults and junior high school students, and 3,000 yen for children aged 4 or older. For more details and to plan your visit, check out the event's official site at ozuukai.com. Let's make this season one to remember! 🐟🌟
Image source: https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2016/02/24/national/fishermen-unite-quest-reform-revive-prime-tohoku-industry/
