- 14 Mar 2002
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The designer best known for creating the Nanatsuboshi (Seven Stars) luxury sleeper train has completed another high-end tourism project, this time centred on Gifu's traditional ukai (鵜飼) cormorant fishing. Eiji Mitooka, who helped shape one of Japan's most celebrated rail experiences, turned his attention from JR Kyushu to a new riverboat service operated by Gifu City. The vessel, named Uichi, was conceived as the flagship of sightseeing tours on the Nagara River. Each charter costs ¥400,000 per trip and comes with a dedicated concierge to handle passengers' requests throughout the journey.
City officials hope the boat will appeal particularly to affluent overseas visitors. It was built at a local shipyard for around ¥40 million. The engine-powered vessel measures 16 metres in length, 3.2 metres in width and 4 metres in height. Much of its structure is made from Japanese umbrella pine sourced within Gifu Prefecture.
City officials hope the boat will appeal particularly to affluent overseas visitors. It was built at a local shipyard for around ¥40 million. The engine-powered vessel measures 16 metres in length, 3.2 metres in width and 4 metres in height. Much of its structure is made from Japanese umbrella pine sourced within Gifu Prefecture.