ukai-viewing

The traditional cormorant fishing of the Nagara River, passed down since ancient times
The traditional fishing method of cormorant fishing, passed down through generations. In the pitch-black darkness, with the majestic Gifu Castle towering atop Mt. Kinka in the background, the scene of the flickering torchlight reflected on the river's surface invites you into a mystical world, as if you have slipped through time.
How To Spend
How to Enjoy Ukai Viewing



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Post-Dinner Boat Ride
Enjoy a delicious dinner at the ryokan, then board a boat to experience Ukai up close.
Cool Evening Ukai (Noryo Ukai)
Board a late-night cruise after dinner to experience Ukai in a more tranquil setting.
Indoor & Riverside Viewing
Watch the Ukai spectacle from the lobby, guest rooms, or the riverside right in front of Sugiyama.
15:00
Check-In
Please check in by 16:00 and unwind in your room or the hot springs before dinner.
Check-In
If you prefer a later check-in, we recommend arriving by 17:00 to enjoy a relaxing evening before your meal.
Check-In
For the best Ukai experience, we recommend a 17:30 dinner seating.
17:30
Dinner at Sugiyama
Enjoy Sugiyama’s signature seasonal dishes while admiring the beautiful scenery of the Nagara River.
Dinner at Sugiyama
Dinner Options:17:30 or 19:00
Enjoy Sugiyama’s signature seasonal dishes while admiring the beautiful scenery of the Nagara River.
Dinner at Sugiyama
Dinner Options:15:30 or 19:00
Enjoy Sugiyama’s signature seasonal dishes while admiring the beautiful scenery of the Nagara River.
19:00 – Gather in the Lobby & Board the Boat
Gather in the lobby
Guide to the boat
19:30
Ukai Viewing
from the Sightseeing Boat
At the start of the Ukai performance, your sightseeing boat will sail alongside the cormorant fishing boat, allowing you to witness the masterful techniques of the Ukai fishermen and see the cormorants catching ayu fish up close.
Indoor & Riverside Viewing
"For a relaxed experience, enjoy the Ukai spectacle from the lobby lounge, dining area, or river-view guest rooms. You can also sit along the riverside promenade in front of the ryokan to take in the mesmerizing view."
20:00
Sōgarami (Grand Finale of Ukai)
In this dramatic mass fishing technique, six cormorant boats line up and move in unison, illuminated by torches reflecting beautifully on the river’s surface.
Sōgarami (Grand Finale of Ukai)
In this dramatic mass fishing technique, six cormorant boats line up and move in unison, illuminated by torches reflecting beautifully on the river’s surface.
Sōgarami (Grand Finale of Ukai)
In this dramatic mass fishing technique, six cormorant boats line up and move in unison, illuminated by torches reflecting beautifully on the river’s surface.
20:30
Return to the Ryokan After the serene flow of the river and the lingering echoes of Ukai, head back to the ryokan to unwind.
Late-Night Ukai
from a Sightseeing Boat
20:30 – Start of the Ukai Viewing Experience Watch Ukai against the illuminated backdrop of Mount Kinka and Gifu Castle, while enjoying the cool summer night breeze.
21:30
Return to the Ryokan After the serene flow of the river and the lingering echoes of Ukai, head back to the ryokan to unwind.
- Boarding Information Guests typically board the boat directly in front of the ryokan.
In some cases, boarding may take place at the sightseeing boat pier, in which case transportation will be provided.