Experiences

Wander into the winter wonderland wilderness of Hida Takayama through this private trekking tour in snowshoes, with the great Hida Choshi Falls (named after its likeness, a choshi - sake bottle) in its semi-frozen state, as a journey highlight. Once you've arrived at this magnificent, frosty sight, savor the hand-dripped gourmet coffee and tasty baked goodies personally prepared for you by a professional barista. You will be accompanied by a main guide - an experienced nature guide and member of the Japan Mountain Guides Association with WAFA and LNT qualifications and a supporting guide who is also a barista as you safely journey through and learn all you can about the flora, fauna, and snow-covered landscapes of Nyukawa Town, Takayama City. Guides are fluent in English so you can freely chat and banter about along the way. Equipment rental is also available. Course difficulty can easily be adjusted to your preferences and experience, from first-timers to winter sports enthusiasts. Venture forth into Hida's snowy grand outdoors, soak up your natural surroundings and relax as you sip your hot coffee while beholding the gorgeous wintry sights laid bare before your very own eyes.

Immerse yourself in the grand outdoors of Hida Takayama through this gentle, leisurely summer hike through sparkling clear waters, flowing over a massive rock slab formed from volcanic activity thousands of years ago. Savor and learn all you can about nature's wonders from its terrain, flora, and fauna, stopping for a break to enjoy hand-dripped gourmet coffee and tasty baked goodies personally prepared for you by a professional barista. Look forward to a wholesome lunch of sandwiches and soup made from ingredients locally sourced. You will be accompanied by an experienced nature guide and member of the Japan Mountain Guides Association with WAFA and LNT qualifications as you journey through the Soredani mountain stream, tucked away in between Nyukawa Town and Kamitakara Town in Takayama City. Get OFF THE GRID, away from the hustle and bustle of city life and digital connection, as you relax and soak up your wonderful natural surroundings, from the peaceful rippling of the mountain stream, to the melodic harmonies of the wild birds as you sip your gourmet hand-dripped coffee personally made for you.

Take in the marvelous sights along the pristine Nagara River, one of Japan's three clearest rivers as you e-bike for about 70km from Gujo Hachiman to Gifu City, surrounded by abundant nature, history, and local culture. Stop by popular destinations like the Udatsu Wall Historical District of Mino City, Gifu’s Great Buddha, Kogane Shrine and the Seki Hamono Museum, where you get to not only observe a traditional sword smithing demonstration, but also hammer a katana the way it's been done for centuries at the workshop of renowned bladesmith Fujiwara Kanefusa, whose family has been crafting swords for the Tokugawa family from the Muromachi Period for generations. Truly an exclusive experience! This course is recommended for those staying overnight in Gujo City and are planning to travel southwards the day after. Luggage will be delivered separately to your destination, further adding to your convenience with light and easy travel.

Walk the Nakatsugawa-juku post town along the historical Nakasendo with a guide, and go back in time to the Edo period, when travelers, merchants, and pilgrims made the journey between Edo (current-day Tokyo) and Kyoto. Along this route, a beloved treat was created in the homes of the countryside - the humble "Kurikinton". Commercialized during the Meiji period, it grew in popularity and became the signature sweet of Nakatsugawa.

Stop by Ichikawa-seicha for a well-deserved break to enjoy some local refreshments like the delicious "Kurukinton" with a delightful range of Japanese tea. To conclude, our "Wagashi Navigator" Mr. Ichikawa will guide you through the local wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets) shops. Spend an unforgettable moment traversing time and taste, just like the travelers of old.