Cormorant fishing

In place of nets or rods, Uji’s fishermen use cormorants on leashes. The birds dive for the fish, store them in their beaks and are then hauled back to the boat to give up their prey. Snares around the birds’ throats prevent them from swallowing the fish, so this is not an attraction that will amuse bird lovers. At night, the fishing takes place by flaming torchlight, and the local tourist bureau organises boat trips for a close-up view.