Gifu: Japan’s Nature Capital
Gifu earns its nickname as the “Nature Capital” of Japan. The area has no shortage of outdoor activities, some of which overlap with its world-renowned cuisine and heritage sites. As Gifu is a year-round destination, there are always opportunities to spend time outside. Adventures for every level of nature enthusiast abound; below we highlight a few of our favorites available in this mystical prefecture.
Soak at the Okuhida Hot Spring Villages
Located approximately 60 minutes by road from Takayama - deep in the Northern Japan Alps - are the Okuhida Hot Spring Villages that boast the most open-air hot spring baths of any one area in all of Japan. There are five hot spring villages in total: Hirayu, Fukuji, Shinhirayu, Tochio, and Shinhotaka. Among them, Shinhotaka Hot Spring is particularly popular because of its outdoor hot spring baths located right beside a running river.
Canyoning at Hida-Osaka falls
When Mt Ontake erupted 54 thousand years ago, lava flowed down into the Nigorugo and Hyoedani creeks creating over 200 uniquely shaped falls and creeks in Hida-Osaka. A few standout ones includes Ryumonntaki, a unique 3-dimensional intersection of a lava bridge and a stream, Shokedaki Falls, a basin with a dry waterfall and Ogidaki, a fall without an outlet.
One unique way to experience these creeks is through Hida-Osaka Shower Climbing. This canyoning-like adventure allows you to swim in rivers, dive into waterfall basins, and slide down natural water slides.
Walk the Nakasendo Highway
Walk (or cycle) the Ancient Nakasendo like the travelers of ancient Japan. The Nakasendo Highway is the longest of Japan’s five major historical highways, measuring around 331 miles. Today portions of the road’s cobblestone pathways remain – perfect for cyclists and hikers to explore. Journey down this ancient highway past numerous post towns that preserve the flavors of the Edo-period of Japan (1603-1868). Traveling from post town to post town, you will pass through forests and valleys, by waterfalls and historical sites, and alongside terraced rice paddies and other picturesque scenery.
Climb Mt Norikura
High up on the southern edge of the Japanese Alps, enjoy the breathtaking views of the valleys and waterways that make the Gifu Prefecture Japan’s most breathtaking natural wonder. At 3,026 meters above sea leve, Mt Norikura is home to the highest road in Japan, the Norikura Skyline. At the mountains foot lies the mystical forests of Goshikigahara. This oasis of calm is unspoiled by human activity, providing explorers with an abundance of wildlife, flowing mountain streams and waterfalls to enjoy. Time spent in this area offers hikes that traverse waterfalls, mossy rocks and primeval forests.