The Cormorant Fishing "Miyoshi Ukai" Viewing Ticket in Hiroshima
A 450-Year-Old Tradition and Culture
Miyoshi Ukai is a folk traditional Miyoshi City, Hiroshima, with over 450 years of history. Cormorant masters, called "Ushō," lovingly train cormorants to catch fish like ayu, preserving a rare fishing method found in only a few places in Japan.
Miyoshi’s unique "parallel style" has cormorant boats and sightseeing boats moving side-by-side, letting visitors watch the fishing closely and comfortably.
Instead of traditional fire torches, environmentally friendly LED lights softly illuminate the river, creating a enchanting atmosphere.
Visitors can also talk directly with the boat captain, learning about local culture while enjoying the experience.
Enjoy a special summer evening in Miyoshi where tradition, nature, and innovation come together.
What to expect
Miyoshi Ukai is a rare summer tradition held annually in Miyoshi City, Hiroshima, from June 1st to September 10th during the Ayu fishing season.
Designated as an important intangible folk cultural property, it offers visitors the chance to see Japan’s unique cormorant fishing up close.
Children and adults alike enjoy this engaging experience.
Watch skilled cormorant masters and their trained birds catch fish while cruising on a sightseeing boat.
Enjoy freshly grilled salt-seasoned Ayu along side local seasonal dishes.
It is an unforgettable experience blending tradition, nature, and local flavors. Feel free to take photos during the activity.
Good to know
**Useful Information **
Booking Information This is a request-based booking. Your reservation will be confirmed via email once availability is checked.
Operating Season June 1 – September 10 (Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays only) Operates on Wednesdays only for the final day of the season.
Departure Time Boat departs at 7:00 PM. Reception is from 6:45 PM to 7:00 PM.
Duration Approx. 2 hours total, including reception and boat ride.
Boat Details Number of boats: 6 Maximum passengers per boat: 10 people
Access from Hiroshima Approx. 1.5–2 hours by train or bus, plus 7 minutes by taxi or 15 minutes on foot from the nearest station.
Language Support Japanese only. No guide service available. We recommend using a translation app for communication.
Weather Policy May be canceled due to weather. Notification will be made by noon on the day.
Food & Drink Feel free to bring your own food and beverages, including alcohol. Please be considerate of others—guests causing disruptions may be asked to leave the boat.
Accommodation Recommendation Since the activity ends late at night, we recommend booking a hotel nearby for a comfortable stay.
For Families with Young Children ・Children under 5 years old can join for free if seated on a parent’s lap. ・If a separate seat is required, a regular passenger fee will apply. ・No meal plan is available for children under 5. Please make your purchase in advance.
Reviews
one of the most amazing cultural experiences we have had. decided to book the tour, hired a car from Hiroshima and ended up staying the night in Miyoshi (highly recommended this)even though we still had accommodation booked in Hiroshima. An experience you will never forget. we opted for the meal and this is worth the extra. From arriving to finishing we had an amazing time. 10/10 for the whole team who make this tour possible and for keeping this amazing tradition alive.
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