Gifu
For the month of November we are focusing on Gifu, breaking down the top sights: Takayama, Okuhida Hot Spring Villages, Shirakawa-go and the Nakasendo Highway.
Takayama
A popular destination in Gifu is the charming township of Takayama, one of Gifu’s primary gateways. Takayama is often regarded as one of the most traditional cities in all of Japan, with most of the region’s traditional architecture and activities still used by locals, even today. To property explore Takayama’s winding streets, beautiful natural wonders and sample some of it’s delicious cuisine, most visitors will stay 2 to 3 nights. In the heart of Takayama you’ll find the Takayama Historic District, or Old Quarter, which once served as a bustling merchant town in times past. This area is referred to as "Sanmachi-dori," and it is distinguishable by the distinctive, old architecture and shops that remain active to this day. These streets, brimming with shops and stalls of all kinds, are the heart of Takayama and you’ll want to spend a few hours wandering through the stunning laneways and passages. Among these stores are old-fashioned Japanese sweet shops, stores selling traditional crafts, and shops selling local specialties such as mitarashi dango rice ball snacks and skewered Hida beef (which is a regional favorite). We recommended (especially during the winter) tasting some sake at one of the many breweries in town. A 15 minute train ride away lies Hida-Furukawa, known as “Little Kyoto” the town is home to over 1,000 colorful carp fish that live within the Seto River’s winding canals that run throughout the city.
Okuhida Hot Spring Villages
Located 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 that are located right beside a running river. And while some baths are closed in the winter, the region is known for hosting spectacular winter events in each hot spring village featuring Kamakura snow hut festivals, folk performances, and ice illuminations that turn this natural wonder into a winter wonderland.
Shirakawa-go
About a 50 minute drive from Takayama you will find one of Gifu prefectures most famous destinations – the stunning village township of Shirakawa-go. This UNESCO Heritage listed site is known for its gassho-zukuri style houses, with roofs that are designed to resemble hands that are clasped in prayer. Visitors can wander among the rice paddies and beautiful residences, many of which are still occupied by local residents today. And if you’re visiting during Japan’s popular Ski-season, you’ll want to visit to catch a glimpse of the village blanketed in picturesque snow. Throughout the village you’ll be able to learn more about how locals have used sustainable farming techniques and local materials & crafts to survive in this once difficult to reach area of Japan. For example, the oldest and largest remaining gassho-zukuri house in the village, the Wada Residence, is still used as a private residence, but part of it is also open to the public for viewing, and is just one of the village residences you can explore during a visit.
Nakasendo Highway
The Nakasendo Highways is the longest of Japan’s five major historical highways and today portions of the road’s cobblestone pathways remain – perfect for cyclists and hikers to explore. Because of the roads length, a series of post towns were created that dotted the distance of the highway and served as official inn towns where travelers would stay the night during their journey. There were a total of 69 post towns along the Nakasendo, and because the highway crossed southern Gifu east to west, 17 were in Gifu and can still be visited to this day. Visiting these post towns will make visitors feel as though they've been transported back in time to ancient Japan as many of the towns still contain the atmosphere of the Edo period. Walking down a cobblestone path through tightly knit wooden structures lining either side of you is an experience truly unique to the Nakasendo.