Discover “Tomozuri,” a time-honored Japanese traditional fishing method, and encounter the pristine Ayu of the Nagara River—an internationally acclaimed World Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System.
We provide all essentials for your Ayu fishing experience, from gearing up with premium fishing tackle to traditional fishing footwear, ensuring a seamless experience. Just bring yourself! We invite you to discover the sophisticated art of “Tomozuri,” a century old Japanese fishing method that utilizes the natural behavior of wild Ayu in our pride crystal-clear river streams. This sophisticated technique utilizes a live Ayu as a decoy, artfully leveraging the territorial instincts of wild Ayu to secure the catch. Surrender to the gentle rhythm of the river; standing with a single rod offers a profound, meditative harmony with the natural world. Our venerable, experienced instructors will escort you to prime locations and offer tailored, step-by-step guidance, allowing absolute beginners to partake with complete peace of mind. Indulge in this exclusive opportunity to connect deeply with Japan’s rich cultural heritage and the sublime bounty of its rivers.
| Duration | 3 hours |
| Price | ¥16,500 per person (tax included) |
Age Requirement: Open to junior high school students (aged 12) and older (Minimum booking of 2 guests required).
We will gather at SOSEKIAN and get ready before heading to the fishing site.
Included in the Fee:
- Rental of all necessary gear (traditional tabi water shoes, fishing rod, landing net, complete tackle set, and ayubune sweetfish holder)
- Professional instructor fees
- Insurance
- One-day fishing permit
What to Bring: Personal items including a hat, sunglasses, and a change of clothes.
Dress Code:To ensure your safety and prevent minor injuries, please wear clothing that covers your skin (long sleeves and long pants recommended).
Note: Further details will be provided upon booking.
The Nagara River, which flows gracefully through Gifu Prefecture, originates at Mount Dainichigatake in Gujo City and journeys approximately 166 kilometers down to Ise Bay. Revered for its crystalline waters, it is celebrated as one of Japan’s Three Most Pristine Rivers, alongside the Shimanto and Kakita Rivers. The rich bounty of this river has long been deeply intertwined with local life, culture, and fishing traditions—a harmonious relationship that earned it designation as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS) in 2015 under the title “Ayu of the Clean Nagara River. “Notably, the main stem of the Nagara River remains free of major dams, preserving its pure, unaltered natural state to this day. It is within this sanctuary of pristine waters that the time-honored tradition of “Ayu Tomozuri” (decoy fishing) has been faithfully passed down through generations. Utilizing the fierce territorial instincts of the sweetfish, this uniquely Japanese angling method requires delicate, sophisticated techniques to entice and catch wild Ayu using a live decoy—offering a profoundly deep and rewarding experience.
