Cormorant fishing, suspended because of sediment in the river, resumes in the 2026 season.
On a covered boat, by the light of an electric lantern, you watch the cormorant dive into the Chikugo River and come back up with the fish still alive in its throat: this is 鵜飼 (ukai), traditional Japanese fishing with trained cormorants, guided on a leash by a fisherman. The activity had been suspended because of sediment building up in the river after heavy rain, and the 2026 season marks its return.
Harazuru Onsen is a hot spring resort on the banks of the Chikugo River, in the municipality of Asakura, known for the cormorant fishing practised on the stretch of river that runs alongside the town.
ℹ️ The fishing takes place from 5 June to 30 September 2026: Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays and during Obon (10–17 August). Boarding at 20:15, departure at 20:30, lasting about 40 minutes. Booking requires a minimum group of 12 people.
🚉 Ukiha · 34 min walk
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