Yamaguchi: Cormorant Fishing Kicks Off by Scenic Bridge
![](https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/10578716.jpg)
Cormorant fishing masters skillfully maneuver cormorants with ropes.
17:02 JST, June 24, 2023
IWAKUNI, Yamaguchi — The summer tradition of cormorant fishing on the Nishiki River in Iwakuni, Yamaguchi Prefecture, has begun for the year.
The river, which flows through the city, is famous for the Kintaikyo Bridge, a designated place of scenic beauty. The practice of fishing for ayu sweetfish using Japanese cormorants has been employed on this river for about 400 years.
On June 1, the first day of the sweetfish season, cormorant fishing masters, dressed in traditional black caps and straw skirts, embarked on three boats illuminated by torches. They skillfully managed 17 cormorants using ropes tied around the birds’ necks to catch sweetfish.
There were about 60 onlookers watching from pleasure boats who cheered the team efforts of the cormorants and fishing masters.
Tours will run until Sept. 10. Reservations are required and the boat fare is ¥3,000 for adults and ¥1,500 for children aged 12 and under.
"Features" POPULAR ARTICLE
-
Tokyo Meiji-era Station Bustles with Life Once More; Former Station Remodeled into Commercial Facility, Observation Deck to Watch Passing Trains Up Close
-
Colorful Summer Has Arrived; More than 1 Mil. Visitors Expected to Visit Shonan Hiratsuka Tanabata Festival
-
Wonder of Freezing Foods; Serving Sweets, Snacks Frozen Gain Popularity in Japan
-
I Feel Resentment Toward My son’s Wife for Going Abroad on a Working Holiday
-
My Co-Worker with a Child is Often Absent, Leaves Early
JN ACCESS RANKING