Cormorant Fishing Night Tours at Kintaikyo Until September 10th!

Iwakuni’s Kintaikyo is a locally famous bridge that attracts thousands of foreign and domestic visitors per year. At certain times of year, there are rowboats that travel up and down the Nishiki River with seasonal themes. In the summer (June 1st to September 10th), there is a night tour where the boatmen demonstrate cormorant fishing, an ancient technique in which humans utilize the birds’ superior nocturnal vision to assist in catching fish that people would otherwise not catch by themselves. Passengers may bring food aboard to eat while the boat moves, but it is also possible to reserve a boxed meal from a local hotel, which will be served on the boat. For reservations, please dial +81-0827-28-2877 or make your reservation online using the link below (do note, they only speak Japanese).

English website: About Ukai （Cormorant Fishing）at Kintaikyo Bridge |

Don’t fret if you cannot make it in time for the cormorant fishing tour! In the autumn (September 11th to September 30th, November 1st to November 30th), there is also the Momiji Boat day plan. The boat ride is shorter, cheaper, and only available during the day, but it is a phenomenal way to see the leaves changing color along the riverbank. In the spring (March 20th to May 24th), there is also the Sakura Boat day plan, in which passengers can see the pink cherry trees while traveling back and forth on the Nishiki River. No matter what season, so long as the boats are available, a quick tour underneath Kintaikyo is a great addition to an Iwakuni day trip!