Private Boat Charter in Arashiyama for Traditional Summer Ukai Performance <2-Hour>

Highlights

• Online pre-booking exclusive to VELTRA! Witness the summer tradition of "Ukai" from a private boat charter
• Avoid the crowds and enjoy a relaxed viewing experience
• Feel free to bring your own light snacks and drinks to enjoy on board

What to expect

Immerse yourself in a magical summer evening with a Arashiyama Private Cormorant Fishing Boat Tour. Board a traditional wooden boat and watch the ancient art of Ukai come alive under the warm, flickering glow of bonfires.

What's included

• Cruise fee

Schedule

1. Reception at Arashiyama Tusen North Pier
2. Departure

   The houseboat glides gently upstream through the darkening waters of the Oi River. As boats pass each other in the night, the lanterns cast silhouettes of cormorants against the gloom, capturing the evocative charm of the ancient capital.

   
3. What is Ukai?

   Ukai is a traditional fishing method where a master fisherman, known as an "Usho," handles several trained sea cormorants using tethers to catch river fish such as ayu (sweetfish).

   
4. Viewing "Ukai" from a Private Houseboat

   As night falls and the torches (kagari-bi) are lit on the cormorant boats, the "Ukai" begins. Guided by the rhythmic sound of the boatman’s oar, six cormorants leashed to the master's hand dive and resurface in a mesmerizing dance, plunging underwater to catch ayu and other river fish.

   
5. Tour Ends

Location and Directions

• Check-in / Check-out

  Arashiyama Tsusen North Boarding Area

  Sagatenryuji Susukinobabacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8385

  

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  Itinerary

  Please come to the boarding point, using the blue boat floating on the shore upstream of Togetsukyo Bridge as a landmark. At the boarding point, please tell us the name of your reservation and you will be boarded.

  

  Parking information

  Parking is not available at the boat boarding point. Please use the nearby coin-operated parking lots.

Operated by

Cancellation policy