The most representative local dish in Gujo’s summer
Gujo’s summer tradition, “Ayu cuisine”. In Gujo, you can enjoy all kinds of Ayu (Sweetfish), including salt grilled, Ikizukuri (Sashimi prepared from live fish), Kanroni (stewed food in soy sauce and sugar), Ayu porridge, fried Ayu, and Uruka (Fermented internal organs).
In Gujo, there are two types of branded Ayu, Gujo Ayu and Wara Ayu. Both can only be caught in a limited area. Each of them has won Grand Prix at Seiryu-Meguri Kikiayu-kai (Ayu Tournament), which competes for the taste of Ayu from all over the country. It is the best Ayu in Japan
[Gujo Ayu] A general term for sweetfish caught in Nagaragawa River in Gujo. In addition to its neat appearance, it has a mellow scent. Gujo Ayu, which has swum from a very long distance. It is also characterized by its slender and powerful appearance.
[Wara Ayu] Wara Ayu caught in Waragawa River of Kisogawa River that flows through Wara-cho. Waragawa River has a gentle flow and good sunlight, so it has a high-water temperature and high-quality algae feeding on sweetfish and make them grow so well. Organs filled with these algae has sweetness together with bittersweetness which this exquisite flavor fascinates people.
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What is Yana fishery?
Yana fishery is a traditional fishing method by building a saw-shaped scaffold made of wood or bamboo in the river to form a group for spawning and catch Ayu that descend the river. It was originally introduced from China. Yana fishery is also practiced in various parts of Japan, but you can see Yana fishery for sightseeing only in Gujo. In order to protect the precious natural environment and Ayu living here, the fishing period is set for only three months from August to October every year and some restaurants only use materials from Yana field. We have protected the culture of Yana fishery with the support of the whole region.
The reason why Gujo Ayu has been praised by many people as a high-class Ayu for a long time is its mellow scent and its neat appearance. River flow of Yanaba in Gujo-shi is relatively faster. Algae which is food for Ayu, can grow easily in this new environment. Fresh algae feed Ayu making it tastier! Together with Gujo Ayu, Wara Ayu is also a highly evaluated fish. The rarity and unique bitterness fascinating all people can only be found in Kisogawa River in Wara-cho, which is close to water source in Gujo.
Yana fishery and Ayu cuisine are known as summer tradition in Gujo. But in fact, from late September to late October, Ochi Ayu going down the river for spawning, is the greasiest. Ochi Ayu’s eggs and milts and is excellent. Once you taste it, you will surely want to eat it again. It is Gujo’s nationwide famous food culture.
There are more than 200 Ayu descending the river at the same time. Since the time, when Ayu descends the river, is determined by the hours of sunshine and water temperature, the exact time of Ochi Ayu changes from year to year, many regular customers still come to visit during this time.
One of the great attractions of sightseeing Yana is that you can actually experience Yana fishery. Depending on different Yana field, you can see how Ayu is caught. You can also get off at the Yana field and catch Ayu by hand. Surface of Yana is close to the surface of a large river. It is more powerful than you can imagine. When there are many Ayu coming to you, all children and adults are very excited! Yana fishery is also popular as a summer leisure activity only in Gujo.
What is Tomoduri?
Ayu, which grows by eating moss attached to stones and rocks on the riverbed, has its own territory to secure good quality moss. Ayu drives away other Ayu which entered its territory. Tomoduri is a fishing method that utilizes this characteristic and is called Ayu-kake in Gujo. Let Ayu with a needle, called “Decoy Ayu”, swim at the territory of a wild Ayu, and that Ayu hit the body of decoy Ayu to get rid of it. Wild Ayu will be caught at that time.
This fishing method requires a technique to place decoy ayu at the right place. Selecting an active decoy Ayu is also an important point of Tomoduri.
From mid-June to October, many anglers come to visit Gujo for Gujo Ayu and Wara Ayu.
This fishing method requires a technique to place decoy ayu at the right place. Selecting an active decoy Ayu is also an important point of Tomoduri.
From mid-June to October, many anglers come to visit Gujo for Gujo Ayu and Wara Ayu.
Minami
Minami
Hachiman
Yamato
Shirotori
Wara
