Top Gifu Prefecture Walking 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

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!

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.

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.

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.

Shirakawa-go, A world heritage site that you should see once when you visit this region. Then walking to enjoy nature-rich Shirakawa-go with local guide. culture / history. Of course you can change our start time. Guide will meet you at Shirakawago-bus terminal or Guide possible to pick up your hotel by walking and then walk to Takayama station and take a bus to Shirakawago. Not less than 2 person. Please let us inform when you need chinese or Italian or French guide. we are normally doing English our tour. If you wanted to private tour let us know. we can arrange other your private tour. (e.g. Kamikochi, Inside Takayama city, etc ..)

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

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

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.

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!

A tour that gives you an opportunity to walk through the area through conversations and contact with villagers, and to learn about the differences between modern and urban people. I will provide it. Why don't you go around Maze Satoyama with us in search of many discoveries? After completing the "Maze Satoyama Museum" experience, you can experience the optional "Masuda-style old private house over 200 years old" starting from March 16. This old house is a family residence. Guide from outside storehouse to main residence. The course is a sliding door with an unusual swallow's doorway, sliding doors with bird pictures, with flower picture and with scenery pictures in the guest room, a chain mail and armor of unknown age, a gorgeous Buddhist altar. You are also able to have Gohei Mochi and Matcha tea services in the living room.

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.

【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!

This tour is the best option for those who want the more genuine and luxurious sake experience. It is held at the peaceful country town: Hagiwara, which is near from Takayama and Gero Onsen. The tour guide explains about the way to make sake step by step inside the actual factory of sake brewing. After the sake brewing lecture, you will taste various kinds of sake to enjoy the difference of flavors, and know a lot of useful tips to drink and order sake. In addition, you can taste the super premium sake and small appetizers in the cozy Japanese room for authentic experience. Please do not miss this tour if you want to escape from tourist crowds to have a special memory during your trip.

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.

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.

On this tour, you can learn and enjoy the history, culture, and everything that around Nagara River in Gifu! 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!!

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!

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!