Top Gifu Prefecture Historical Tours

Over the course of two days of an easy walk (self-guided tour) along the Nakasendo road and one overnight stay at a Minshuku (family run lodging), immerse yourself in Japan's folkloric landscapes between the villages of Nakatsugawa and Tsumago. During Japan's feudal period (1603-1868), the Nakasendo road was one of the five routes that linked the economic hub, Tokyo, to the imperial capital, Kyoto. Unlike the Tokaido road, which was replaced by today's Shinkansen train, the Nakasendo was saved from rampant modernization and still upholds an old-fashioned charm. Created by general Tokugawa in order to assert his political domination, the route spans a distance of 534 kilometers and includes 69 rest stops. Its name literally means "mountain road" and is a means of communication in case of a large flood on the Tokaido: the coastal road. Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level

On this English guided tour you will get an up-close look at a Japanese traditional fishing method with more than 1300 years of tradition. ・Observe the traditional Japanese fishing method with a history of more than 1,300 years ・One of the few cormorant fishing in Japan that has been used by the Imperial Household Agency for over 120 years ・Watch how the master fishermen feed the cormorants and live with them like a family ・Enjoy the sounds of nature created by traditional fishing, selected as oneof 100 soundscapes of Japan ・Cormorant fishermen themselves teach you how to fish cormorants in English

This value-packed trip with a nationally-licensed and experienced multilingual tour guide is a fantastic and efficient way toexplore both of the ancient post towns! You can travel between Magome and Tsumago by infrequent direct bus. Nakasendo was one of the two highways during the Edo period connecting Tokyo with Kyoto, running through the Kiso Valley. Travelers at that time walked along the highway, stopping at "post towns" for rest. Some of those post towns have been well preserved and show tourists today exactly what Japan was like hundreds of years ago. Stunning forests, beautiful villages and traditions, we would love to recommend it to everyone interested in Japanese nature and history. Let us know what you would like to experience and we will customize a six-hour tour that's best for you! Note*1: Nationally and State Licensed Tour Guide-Interpreter certification is issued by the Japanese government requires a good knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history.

Nakasendo was formerly known as the Higashisendo and connects Kyoto and the eastern provinces including present day Tokyo. It was one of five highways created within a 7 year period from 1601 along with the Tokaido, Nikko, Oshu, and Koshu. This tour is a 5 hour mountain trail walk that traverses along a 9km trail that connects the two most beautiful post towns along the Nakasendo - Magome-Juku and Tsumago-Juku. Both towns still retain their medieval flare. Your guide will show you the commercial town in the Tono region that flourished when the highway was active. From cobbled roads going through Magome-Juku, the view of Mt. Ena, a quaint teahouse on a mountain pass, and beautiful mountain village scenery around Tsumago-Juku, there is no doubt that you will feel like you've been transported back to medieval Japan.

This is a flexible itinerary to meet your needs. It can be private or shared. All items are options.

【OUTLINE】 Gujo Hachiman in Gifu hosts Japan’s famous Bon Odori "Gujo Odori" one of the longest dance from July to September. This tour features a guided walk around town while enjoying the dance. Arriving at the Gujo Hachiman Museum, you will not only have the chance of witnessing the actual stage but alsoto experience traditional dance, visiting the tower where BGM is housed as well as the golden opportunity of exploring a specialized geta shop. This tour will be guided by a local guide. 【HIGHLIGHTS】 ・Guided walking tour to Gujo Odori, the longest bon-odori folk dance festival in Japan. ・Experience the rich history of Gujo dance, which has been passed down for 400 years. ・Listen and talk with local residents in Gujo. ・Visit the dance venue, the traditional house structures, and specialized geta shop, etc. ・Take in the scenery of the water town also known as the Venice of Japan and get your camera snapping away!

Located in Ena City, Gifu Prefecture, Sakaori Tanada Terraced Rice Fields is one of Japan's Top 100 Rice Terraces. This walking tour will introduce you the beautiful scenery of the Japan terraced rice fields, a truly incredible engineering feat from 400 years ago. Our local guide will guide you through the history and nature of the place, the rice cultivation techniques, as well as the water transport systems used in these terraces. After the walk, you will have the experience of making onigiri (rice balls) with local people, using the rice that is collected from the terraced rice field. ・Explore the countryside area of Ena city ・Visit one of Japan's 100 best terraced rice fields ・Discover the legend of the mysterious mountain Gongenyama ・Learn how to make onigiri (rice balls) ・Enjoy the hands-on experience with local people ・Please wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty. It is also helpful to have a change of clothes. ・The rice ball fillings will change depending on the season.

In 1600, the battle of Sekigahara, known to all Japanese, occurred in Sekigahara-Cho, Gifu Prefecture today. This battle marks the end of the Sengoku era, and the winner, Ieyasu Tokugawa, will unify the whole country, creating a peaceful era without war. Therefore, it was a very important battle, called "World Battle". This plan traces the battlefield around Sekigahara. First, at the Sekigahara History and Museum, you can learn about the history of the battle through exhibits and commentary. Then rent an armor and go to the place where General Mitsunari Ishida and General Ieyasu Tokugawa have set up! Also, visit the post town where the cityscape after the battle of Sekigahara remains.

Uncover the secret treasures hidden in the history of Nakasendo Road in this exciting cycling escapade. During this tour, you will experience various activities rooted in Japanese tradition at historic, Japanese temples around Ochiai-juku. This tour is a must-go for those who love want to learn about Japanese culture while going on a fun, outdoor adventure! ・Explore the historical post towns Magome-juku and Ochiai-juku while learning about Nakasendo Road's rich local history.and enjoying the beauty of your surroundings ・You will be able to bask in Mother Nature's serene tranquility while taking part in cultural activities at local temples in Magome-juku. ・Because you will mainly be going downhill on a mountain bike, even beginner cyclers can have a lot of fun in this tour! ・Take insta-worthy pictures at key spots that aren't easily accessible. Spots include the beautiful stone pavement of Ochiai Juku and a place that offers a stunning, panoramic view of the Kiso River.

Explore the beautiful mountain settlement of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama via chartered vehicle exclusively for you and your travelmates. Our English-speaking driver will take you first to the World Heritage Site of fairy-tale village. Shirakawa-go and Gokayama is a remote settlement designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the mountains of Gifu Prefecture. As the region receives considerable snowfall in the winter, the farmhouses are well-known for their distinctive architecture featuring steep roofs to easily shed snow. Learn more about this unique village on a full-day chartered vehicle tour with English-speaking driver. On this day trip departing from Takayama, leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind to wander around a unique village, stroll through historic streets, take in stunning mountain landscapes, and enjoy a lunch made of authentic local ingredients. Your driver will customize your four-hour tour according to your interests and requests!

Explore the beautiful mountain settlement of Shirakawa-go via chartered vehicle exclusively for you and your travelmates. Our English-speaking driver will take you first to the World Heritage Site of fairy-tale village Shirakawa-go. Shirakawa-go is a remote settlement designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the mountains of Gifu Prefecture. As the region receives considerable snowfall in the winter, the farmhouses are well-known for their distinctive architecture featuring steep roofs to easily shed snow. Learn more about this unique village on a full-day chartered vehicle tour with English-speaking driver. On this day trip departing from Takayama, leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind to wander around a unique village, stroll through historic streets, take in stunning mountain landscapes, and enjoy a lunch made of authentic local ingredients. Your driver will customize your four-hour tour according to your interests and requests!

Explore the beautiful mountain settlement of Shirakawa-go via chartered vehicle exclusively for you and your travelmates. Our English-speaking driver will take you first to the World Heritage Site of fairy-tale village Shirakawa-go. Shirakawa-go is a remote settlement designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the mountains of Gifu Prefecture. As the region receives considerable snowfall in the winter, the farmhouses are well-known for their distinctive architecture featuring steep roofs to easily shed snow. Learn more about this unique village on a full-day chartered vehicle tour with English-speaking driver. On this day trip departing from Takayama, leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind to wander around a unique village, stroll through historic streets, take in stunning mountain landscapes, and enjoy a lunch made of authentic local ingredients. Your driver will customize your four-hour tour according to your interests and requests!

This value-packed trip with a nationally/state licensed and experienced multilingual tour guide is a fantastic and efficient way to explore Takayama! Takayama features an atmospheric townscape, with Meiji-era inns and hillside shrines in a riverside setting. In addition, many museums, galleries and temples make their home in the city's 17th century layout. Be sure to come see the Takayama Festival, held once in spring and once in autumn, but be prepared for the crowds as the festivals attract hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Let us know what you would like to experience and we will customize a four-hour tour that's best for you! Note*1: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary. Note*2: Nationally and State Licensed Tour Guide-Interpreter certification is issued by the Japanese government requires a good knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history.

This value-packed trip with a nationally/state licensed and experienced multilingual tour guide is a fantastic and efficient way to explore Takayama! Takayama features an atmospheric townscape, with Meiji-era inns and hillside shrines in a riverside setting. In addition, many museums, galleries and temples make their home in the city's 17th century layout. Be sure to come see the Takayama Festival, held once in spring and once in autumn, but be prepared for the crowds as the festivals attract hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Let us know what you would like to experience and we will customize a six-hour tour that's best for you! Note*1: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary. Note*2: Nationally and State Licensed Tour Guide-Interpreter certification is issued by the Japanese government requires a good knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history.

Experience the highlights of Takayama on our private, award-winning, one day tour. Our professional guide will take you on a memorable tour of Takayama's unforgettable sights. We have been awarded the renowned tripadvisor certificate of excellence in Takayama. Your personal guide will take you to the highlights of Takayama and customize the tour to your desire. Professional guides will tailor the tour to your needs and ensure you are satisfied. Collection and drop off at your hotel.

Our exceptional tour service will transport you in style and comfort from Takayama to Kanazawa. Take in the beautiful UNESCO village of Shirakawago on your way and at your leisure. Our professional English speaking driver guide will take you through the fairytale village on your way to Kanazawa.

Pickup at your hotel by your private certified Takayama guide. Enjoy your day with an itinerary that you can discuss and customize from the moment you meet your guide, with their advice on local festivals and weather. Get the most of your time in Takayama and get the experience you want with your personal local guide.

It is a deeply localized walking tour held at Hagiwara town. Compared to Gero Hot Spring area, Hagiwara is smaller and non-crowded but has some historical spots to visit. Enjoy this activity to get to know more about Gero! Starting at JR Hida-Hagiwara station, you will visit a local shrine, sake brewery, sweet shop and some other great spots. Through the 3 hours gentle walking, you will be like a local person who knows the country town so much.

This tour is held at the tranquil town named Hagiwara, close to Gero Onsen. Through the 1.5-hour tour, you will get to know more about Japanese sake (Nihonshu). The enthusiastic brewer will show you how to make it step by step. Finally, you will enjoy tasting their special sake!

On this tour, you can learn and enjoy the history, culture, and everything that around Nagara River in Gofu! The town was grown with many traditional activites such as Minowashi paper craft, manufacturing skills, and fishing culture. Especially, the method of fishing in the river "Ukai" has been a traditional performing art of Japan since 1300 years, and it tells you how to fish by cormonants. You will also visit a museum where you can learn about such cormorants. Also, you can not miss the old samurai battle at Gifu Castle and the superb view of the Nagara River area overlooking Mount Kinka! If you have a chance to visit Gifu city, this is the one you should try!!

1 hour by bus from Takayama City, there is a village called "Shirakawa-go", which has such a traditional Japanese atmosphere. Shirakawa-go, which was registered as a World Cultural Heritage in 1995 and nominated 3 Michelin stars, is now a very popular area for tourists. On this tour, the otomo guide will introduce the highlights of each spot that usually tourists will miss! If you have a chance to visit Shirakawa-go, you will be able to overlook the entire village and the mansion boasting the best history in the village ♪ If you want to enjoy 100% of the charm of Shirakawa-go, this is the plan you would recommend!!

An hour away by train from Nagoya is a city called Yorocho famous for its beautiful waterfall and tasty spring water. You can hike to Yoro Falls and experience some unique Japanese culture. You will forget to breathe, once you reach the majestic Yoro Falls. The high-quality spring water is chosen as one of the 100 Best Spring Waters in Japan; there is even a legend that the water can rejuvenate. You should not miss out on the 100-year historic soda pop made using this spring water, and Nagashi somen (noodles flowing in running water). Experience unique modern art, and visit a shop with more than 120 gourd art items. A perfect plan for getting refreshed in the forest along beautiful streams!

If you’re interested in learning how sake is made, this is the tour for you. A guide meets you at the station and take you to the brewery, so you won’t have to worry about getting lost. Visit the historic Tenryo Sake Brewery, which is one of the oldest sake breweries in Hida region. A sake brewer shows you the step-by-step process of making sake. A highlight is being able to taste different sakes, and conveniently, tastings are included.

This private and customizable tour for Takayama is perfect for guests who would like to have their own itinerary planned based on their interests and preferences, allowing guests to experience the city at their own pace.