Gifu: Japan`s Heartland.

Gifu, Japan`s 17th most populated prefecture lies in the very heart of Japan.

Ravaged by an earthquake in the late 19th Century and bombed heavily during World War II Gifu City, the capital of Gifu Prefecture is not really an attraction in itself.

The most common reason for a stop over in Gifu is to watch the Cormorant fishing (a 1300 year old tradition that even Charlie Chaplin enjoyed).

Developed as a means for inhabitants to feed their families, (no cup noodles back then), Cormorant fishing involves using trained birds (Japanese Cormorants) to catch fish at night in the Nagara River.

The fishermen control the birds using rope and they are prevented from actually swallowing the ayu (sweetfish) and trout by a ring around their throats.

Running from May 11th to October 15th annually, (unless there is a full moon or stormy weather), visitors can view the fishing for free on the Nagaragawa (Nagara River) Promenade or they can purchase tickets to ride on general viewing boats or rent a private boat.

Also if you have some time up your sleeve you might want to visit Gifu Castle, which obviously is a modern reconstruction like almost all Japanese castles.

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