鵜匠の家 すぎ山

Immersing yourself in the ancient traditions of Japan is unthinkable without discovering the art of Ukai—a unique method of fishing using trained cormorants. The Sugiyama Ukai Master's House in the city of Gifu is more than just a museum; it is a living testament to centuries of history, located in an authentic building on the banks of the picturesque Nagara River.

This site is the traditional home of a family of hereditary masters who have guarded the secrets of their craft for thirteen generations. Inside the house-museum, visitors can see original interiors, specialized equipment for night fishing, and even special quarters for keeping the birds. The location holds special significance as the Ukai tradition on the Nagara River is included on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

A visit to the Sugiyama house offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of Japan's most spectacular traditional trades. It houses a rich collection of artifacts: from ancient boats and bamboo baskets to rare photographs and videos detailing the daily lives of the fishermen and their partnership with their feathered companions.

To clarify the details of your visit, such as the current schedule or admission fees, you can use the contact information provided below. We recommend contacting the administration in advance, especially if you plan to visit during the high tourist season. The current address and phone number will help you find your way easily on-site.

Within the walls of this historic house, a fascinating introduction to the details of the usho profession awaits you. You can examine in detail the tools used for centuries to catch ayu fish: special rings that prevent cormorants from swallowing their prey, sturdy ropes, and traditional boats. One of the most interesting parts of the exhibition is the mini-lectures from the owners, who often share personal stories about their dynasty's life.

For those who enjoy interactive experiences, unique activities are provided. For example, guests are invited to try on traditional master's clothing or try their hand at controlling a cormorant model to understand the complexity of the work. Be sure to watch the demonstration of how the birds hold the fish—it allows you to appreciate the incredible harmony between man and nature at the heart of Ukai.

If you visit between May and October, a visit to the house should be combined with a night boat trip on the Nagara River. Watching the fishing by torchlight will be one of the highlights of your trip. The museum's gift shop offers miniature boat replicas, washi paper products, or unique ceramics decorated with cormorant imagery.

The site is perfect for families: children will be delighted by the ecological aspects and meeting the birds, while adults will appreciate the depth of cultural heritage and the aesthetics of Japanese daily life. Don't forget your camera—the house's authentic wooden interior and river views provide a magnificent backdrop for photos.

The Sugiyama Ukai Master's House is located at 73-1 Nagara, in the central part of the city. It is just a 5–10 minute walk from the famous Nagarabashi Bridge. Getting here from major metropolises is quite easy: from Tokyo or Nagoya, take the JR Tokaido Shinkansen to Nagoya Station, then transfer to the Wide View Hida express, which will take you to Gifu in about 30 minutes.

City buses run regularly from Gifu Railway Station to the attraction. Routes No. 5 or No. 17 are suitable—you should get off at the Nagarabashi stop. The public transport trip takes about 15 minutes, followed by a short walk following the signs to the river.

If you prefer a more comfortable way to travel, you can take a taxi directly from Gifu Station. The trip will cost about 1,000 yen and take no more than 10 minutes. For those arriving from Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO), it is most convenient to take a direct train to the city, which takes about an hour.

In good weather, many tourists prefer to rent a bicycle, as the area along the Nagara River is excellent for cycling. Additionally, a visit to the Sugiyama House can easily be combined with a tour of Gifu Castle, as these sites are located in the same tourist area.

The tradition of Ukai—fishing with cormorants—originated on the banks of the Nagara River as far back as the 9th century, during the Heian period. This unique method of catching ayu fish so impressed the Imperial Court that the masters were granted special status. The Sugiyama family is one of the oldest dynasties of masters (usho) in the region, carefully passing down their secrets and skills from generation to generation for over 1,200 years.

During the Edo period, the art of Ukai enjoyed the patronage of the shogunate, and at the end of the 19th century, in the Meiji period, this tradition began to transform into a captivating tourist attraction. The Sugiyama House served not only as a home for the family but also as an important center for preparing for night fishing, preserving the authentic atmosphere and lifestyle of the masters of that time. It houses unique records of 13 generations of the dynasty and documents on the life of the community.

Over the centuries, the house has faced various challenges, including serious floods on the Nagara River, but it was restored each time by the owners. Today, this place is recognized as an important element of the cultural landscape, and the art of Ukai in Gifu itself is included in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

Interestingly, the master fishermen are still officially listed as employees of the Imperial Household Agency of Japan. The Sugiyama House acts as a guardian of this connection across time, demonstrating the evolution of the craft from a purely practical occupation to an object of national treasure and pride for the entire country.

For a standard tour of the "Sugiyama Ukai Master's House" exhibition and listening to the introductory lecture, 1–2 hours is sufficient for most visitors. This time is enough to study the ancient tools, look at photographs, and soak in the history of the family of hereditary fishermen.

However, if your visit falls during the active fishing season (May to October), we recommend budgeting an additional 1.5–2 hours. This will allow you not only to visit the house-museum but also to walk to the river, watch the boats being prepared, or even take part in the evening Ukai show, which is the highlight of any trip to Gifu.

Currently, official opening hours for the Sugiyama House may vary depending on the tourist season and festivals held on the Nagara River. We strongly recommend that visitors check information on the official website before their trip or make a preliminary call.

Usually, the visiting schedule is closely linked to the Ukai period, which lasts from May to October. During the winter months, access may be limited or by appointment only. Remember that operating hours may also change during Japanese public holidays.

The house's location in the historic quarter by the Nagara River offers excellent opportunities for further exploration of the city. A stroll through the surroundings will allow you to feel the atmosphere of old Japan more deeply and see architectural monuments from different eras.