Top Gifu Prefecture How to Get Around

Get access to stunning landscapes off-limits to vehicles—and observe daily life in the Japanese countryside—during this scenic bicycle tour through the farming village of Hida. Tours are timed to begin in the morning, when rural Japan shakes off its slumber and springs to life. You’ll get to see traditional wooden houses, sprawling rice paddies, and rolling mountains, covering more sights in less time on your own set of wheels.

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

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 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.

Kiso Valley, best known for the Magome and Tsumago traditional villages, is another beautiful spot in the Japanese Alps. With one of the most famous hiking paths in all Japan, we set foot there on our quest for traditional Japan. Magome and Tsumago are two beautifully preserved traditional villages. This value-packed Nakasendo trail day hike between Magome and Tsumago with a nationally-licensed and experienced multilingual tour guide is a fantastic and efficient way to explore both of the ancient post towns! It is about 8 kilometres (5 miles) long and has only gentle elevation changes which takes around 2 hours to easy walk at a leisurely pace. 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.

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.

The town of Tarui is home to Tarui-juku, an old post town on the Nakasendo Road. Being surrounded by nature, you can enjoy cycling while enjoying historic townscape such as Nangu Taisha Shrine. You will cycle along the riverbed of the Aikawa River, going through the countryside, and explore Nangu Taisha Shrine, filled with spiritual energy. You can also learn about Chikkatan art from Mr. Kurita, a craftsman who made bamboo charcoal into the original art, and the regional-brand product of Tarui Town. An English-speaking guide accompanies you throughout the plan. ・Cycling through Tarui-juku, a post town on the Nakasendo Road, you can see the famous spring recited in many Japanese poems ・Enjoy cycling in the countryside where the good old Japanese landscape remains ・Learn about the bamboo charcoal art from Mr. Kurita, the only craftsman in Gifu of Chikkatan, a brand product of Tarui Town ・Visit and explore Nangu Taisha Shrine, a spiritual site, that may bring you a monetary fortune

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!!

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.

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!!

Welcome to Takayama, a mountainous city in Gifu. In this plan, we introduce the highlights of Takayama which you must see. First stop is the morning market, full of vegetables, fruits, and fish. Enjoy talking to the locals with support from your guide. Next is the village with a private house stored, a national heritage, Shirakawa-go. The main spot is where old wooden architecture are lined up. An exciting walk through the row of sake breweries and craft shops. Finally, traditional pottery and wooden furniture stores. It has a contemporary design while preserving traditional techniques. Find your favorite item! If you want to see the best spots and be efficient, this plan is for you.

Calling all onsen lovers! First timers too! An onsen tour surrounded by nature, relax your mind and body. Take a bus to the mountain ranges of Okuhida in Takayama City, Gifu prefecture. One of the most prominent onsen areas in Japan, there are many public open-air baths that can be visited easily. Catch a bus that runs every hour to visit three onsens, Hirayu, Tochio and Shinhotaka in one day! Each have very different water quality and scenery. Compare all three! You'll feel like an onsen guru! If it's your first visit to an onsen your guide will explain to you the bathing steps. The two storey ropeway is also a highlight! Enjoy the magnificent view from the clouds, an altitude of 2000m!

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!

The Anime "Hyoka" is a mystery anime that began with the catchphrase "I'm curious! ". You will tour Takayama, Gifu, where this anime was set. Even today, many visitors from Japan and abroad continuously travel to this pilgrimage site. You will start at Miyagawa Morning Market, a spot from the opening scene, where you can eat various delicious food! The school and the shopping district are the ones that you saw in the anime series! At the cafe, you can order from the same menu as the main characters. There is even a notebook prepared for fans in which you can write your thoughts. You can also visit the library and shrine that appeared in the anime♪ The world of ""Hyoka"" is waiting for you!