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Rental Boats on Lake Sagami Ugly Ducklings and Ugly Whale on Lake Sagami

When the Sagami River was dammed in 1947 to create Lake Sagami, the hereditary smelt fishers, some who used trained cormorants, were deprived of their living. In return, those families were given rights to license rental boats in the new lake. No private boats are allowed in Lake Sagami as a result. Today, fishermen rent the boats to hunt for prize black bass, originally imported from the U.S., along with large Prussian carp (funa) and dwindling stocks of fresh-water smelt (wakasagi). Young men rent the boats to squire lady friends around the lake. Families with young children probably select the "ugly duckling" paddle-boats, or opt for a ride in the huge motorized "whale." (Why is it that every resort lake in Japan has to bow to the urge to get these unredeemably kitsch things?) Rental fees for the row boats are standard (right, it's a cartel), with all-day rates of ¥3,000 yen for one person, ¥4,500 for two people, and ¥6,000 for three people. Yes, it seems excessive to me, too; it's actually more expensive per hour than it costs to rent a small car—but then, most cars don't float. Cheaper hourly rates can be had at some of the rentals (Akiyamagawa) for shorter excursions, so it pays to call and check in advance. Some of the rental agencies in the Fujino area include: Shibata (located at the east end of town, just beside the bridge Katsuse-bashi, they have a Japanese ryokan as well as fishing boats). Telephone (Japanese only): 0426-87-2318. Tenguiwa Ryokan and Fishing Boats: (located at the southern end of the bridge Hizure Ôhashi). Telephone (Japanese only): 0426-87-2006). Camp Akiyamagawa (see their separate page). Izumi Fishing Boats (J), located in Obuchi along Highway 20, near Fujino station. Telephone (Japanese only): 0426-87-3014. For information about other boat locations, call the Fujino Town Offices at 0426-87-2111. Ask for the Machi-zukuri-ka. Mr. Yamaguchi Takashi speaks English. To return to your previous location, use your browser's "BACK" button, or click your heels together three times while saying, "there's no place like home" . . .

Green Gables: A Contemplative Companion to Fujino Township
by Norman Havens nhavens@gol.com

URL: http://www2.gol.com/users/nhavens/htmlfile/boats-e.html