Catch and Eat Ayu Sweetfish on the Nagara River in Gifu
Overview
Ayu have been prized for their sweet taste and refreshing scent. These fish are a valuable protein source and live only in clear streams. On the pristine Nagara River, catch your lunch and cook it with locally-grown vegetables in this experience.
Highlights
- Discover the "Ayu of the Nagara River System," a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS)
- Try catching ayu in the traditional “tomozuri” (live decoy fishing) style
- Enjoy the fish’s unique taste with locally grown vegetables
- Learn how to skewer and cook ayu
Key Information
Important Information
• Tomozuri fishing involves standing in the river. Participants should be in good physical condition • In the event of rain, the activity may be adjusted to a different form of ayu fishing • While activity materials are available in English, your guide will only speak Japanese • Ayu Park is taking precautionary measures against the spread of COVID-19, including temperature checks, wearing masks and gloves, and disinfection of surfaces • Food allergies cannot be accommodated
- Participants must be aged 7 or older
Booking (4 steps)
Duration
Included
• Life jacket, water shoes, clothing, and fishing gear rental • Ayu fish (if not caught during the experience) • Lunch with ayu and local vegetables
Not Included
• Drinks
What to Bring
• Your confirmation email, subject: Order Confirmed • Comfortable clothes that you don’t mind getting wet • A towel
Meeting Point
Nagaragawa Ayu Park
Venue Address
Gujo, Gifu Prefecture, Japan
Provided by
有限会社阿弥陀ケ滝観光/amidagatakikankou
Description
Ayu sweetfish are beloved for their sweet taste and commonly cooked on a skewer over an open fire. On this activity, you’ll visit Ayu Park on Gifu’s Nagara River and try your hand at catching one of these delicious fish the traditional way.
The area is recognized by the UN as the "Ayu of the Nagara River System," a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS). This designation reflects the efforts of local people to use traditional, sustainable farming methods and preserve the river's diverse ecosystem and crystal-clear waters for generations to come. Ayu Park was awarded the Sasutena Award for sustainable practices by the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries for 2020.
The “tomozuri” fishing style involves using a live ayu fish to attract others. If you’re successful, you’ll have earned your lunch! Even if you don’t manage to catch a fish, you’ll be able to eat a farmed one from the park. Next, you’ll skewer your fish, watch it cook over a charcoal fire, then enjoy its unique taste alongside locally-grown produce.
This activity is available daily from June 15–October 30, starting at either 10:00 or 11:00. A sample schedule is as follows.
11:00 – Meet at Ayu Park 11:15 – Watch a video about the Nagara River and ayu fish 11:35 – Tomozuri fishing. Approx. 20 minutes per person 12:25 – Skewer and prepare ayu 13:00 – Lunch 13:45 – Activity ends
