Uehikawa Cormorant Fishing Festival

During the Nara period, Otomo no Yakamochi composed a waka poem about the cormorant fishing he witnessed on the Jinzu River (formerly known as the Urihi River).
The "Urihigawa Cormorant Fishing Festival" was born from that single poem, transcending 1,300 years.

Bonfires illuminate the water's surface, and cormorant fishermen walk along the riverbank, manipulating their cormorants in a "walking crossing."
And then there's "riverboat fishing," which is done while the boat is moving forward.
Both are precious examples of traditional cormorant fishing in Japan, and the scene unfolding before your eyes is like something out of an illustrated scroll.

Local children add warmth to the festival with performances such as the Sansai dance, Urayasu dance, brass band music, and cheerleading, and the festival concludes with fireworks lighting up the night sky.

Respect for history, community bonds, and the enchanting scenery of a summer night—
As the river breeze gently blows, the flickering lights and the quiet sound of water intertwine with the story of thirteen hundred years.
It's a festival where you can experience such a special time.

[2026 Program]
17:00 Opening
17:10 Opening Ceremony
17:35 Cheerleading
18:05 Cormorant fishing in a private room
18:25 Band performance
19:00 Urayasu no Mai
19:20 Koshichu Sansai Dance
19:30 Cormorant fishing demonstration and cormorant fishing drumming
20:00 Finale stage fireworks
20: 10 concert