Nagara River, River system in Gifu and Aichi Prefectures, Japan
The Nagara forms a 166-kilometer (103-mile) waterway that rises from Mount Dainichigatake and flows through central Japan before reaching Ise Bay. Its course connects several cities and crosses three prefectures on its way to the sea.
The waterway once carried the name Sunomata and underwent major engineering changes in 1939 that led to land reclamation. These interventions created new space for urban settlements along its banks.
The waterway preserves a centuries-old method of fishing, where cormorants dive for ayu fish while guided by fishermen on wooden boats. These performances take place at night by torchlight and show a close partnership between humans and birds.
Visitors can watch the traditional fishing demonstrations between May and October, with the main season falling during summer months. The best viewing points lie along the riverbanks in the cities through which the waterway runs.
The water shelters Japanese giant salamanders and mitten crabs, both considered indicators of water quality. Traditional crafts such as papermaking and textile finishing still use the clear river water for their work processes.
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