Experiences

Step into Mino City, the renowned birthplace of the prestigious Minowashi paper, and uncover its 1,300 years of illustrious history, cherished tradition, and art of boundless potential through a series of special Mino-exclusive activities, with a choice between making Minowashi paper the time-tested way or joining a Minowashi paper crafts workshop. With an accompanying guide, stroll through the historic merchant district that once thrived on the trade of Minowashi paper while dressed in a kimono of your choice, completing a look that harks back to the Edo Period. Admire the elaborate udatsu (pillars supporting firewalls) that are considered a rarity throughout Japan. Then, relish a sumptuous meal at a traditional Japanese restaurant. You also have the option of enjoying a tea ceremony in the peaceful and scenic compounds of a Japanese garden. 

Renew your mind, body, and soul as you soak in nature's goodness at a private sauna and engage your senses in a setting of profound beauty, where the life-sustaining crystal clear waters Enbara Clear Blue run free. Breathe deep, cast your worries aside and unwind as you take in the earthy fragrance of seasonal Japanese herbs, and the welcoming warmth emanating from the firewood while you enjoy your slow sauna session. Listen to the rustling of the wind in the trees, the rushing of the river waters, the harmonies of the wild birdsongs as you cool down in the constantly refreshing, mineral-rich Enbara River (14°C in summer, 8°C in winter). Savor delicious coffee brewed from subterranean spring water and a lunch made from local, seasonal ingredients. Rediscover yourself in nature's rhythms. 

Draw enlightening inspiration from the stories, the techniques, and the masters of Gifu‘s best-known and well-loved traditional crafts - the intricately elegant Gifu chochin (traditional Japanese lanterns), as you create a piece of your very own in the city of one of Japan's leading production areas of traditional lanterns. Uncover the rich legacy of lantern-making, which flourished due to the Nagara River and its efficient water transportation system, effectively moving materials of the highest quality for lantern-making, such as Minowashi paper made upstream. Learn from artisans who have been trained in techniques handed down through the ages as you add personal touches to your handiwork. While waiting for it to dry, explore the historical districts like Minatomachi, Zaikicho, and Kobikicho, old towns bearing the vestiges of a thriving merchant river port. Complete your journey with a visit to the "CASA Stella" store, showcasing the artistry and gentle light emanating from beautiful lantern installations, presenting an opportunity for mesmerizing photos.

Gain precious insight into the stories, the techniques, and the masters behind one of Gifu's best-known and well-loved traditional crafts - the beautifully delicate but enduring Gifu wagasa (traditional Japanese umbrellas), before creating your very own miniature piece in the city of Japan's largest manufacturer of traditional umbrellas. Explore the quaint surroundings of the former riverside port district of Kawara-machi District while learning of the origins of the Gifu wagasa, then visit the workshop of one of only two craftsmen in Japan specializing in umbrella frames, deepening your understanding of Japan's crafts and culture. Craft and complete your original mini Gifu wagasa, a wonderful reminder of your unforgettable time in Gifu, along the Nagara River. 
*Closed length (including handle): about 28cm, open diameter: about 35cm

Wade through the crystal clear waters, and feel the refreshing coolness of your astounding surroundings as you scale the 21-meters-tall Fudo Falls through sawanobori, a summer-exclusive activity recommended to those who love the grand outdoors, especially its stunning mountains. Literally translated as "stream climbing", sawanobori is a traditional Japanese way of mountain climbing, described as a cross between canyoning and hiking, originating from the traditional way travelers of the past would brave river flows upstream to return home if paths through the mountains were especially fraught with danger and difficulty. Walk in their footsteps, together with a guide, as you journey into the wilderness of the Japanese Alps, teeming with nature's riches from luxurious tree canopies, giant boulders shaped from lava flows centuries ago, and rushing, pristine emerald waters home to prized ayu (sweetfish). Look forward to a hearty lunch of freshly grilled, mouth-watering toasties oozing with cheese, some appetizers, fried wedges, homemade dessert and a drink - a fitting meal to dig into after a fulfilling and fun-filled time of exploration amidst the sublime wonders of nature. 

Imagine the mighty roaring of a river wide, blue and crystal clear, in the depths of a mountain valley, coursing along boulder banks with traditional houses full of character, sprawling green trees of various hues, running still under a hefty stone bridge. That is the heartbeat of the Yoshida River, the lifeblood of Gujo Hachiman, the Town of Water, with canals girding and criss-crossing the region from the 17th century of the Edo Period. In summer from mid-July to early September, this sleepy, secluded town bursts into effervescent life as more than 300,000 people converge to join Japan's longest-running dance, the Gujo Odori (Dance)! Stroll down alleyways filled with traditional architecture from centuries gone by, and dive into daily life in an abundance of water along with exclusive local activities through this 5-hour guided walking tour showcasing all things Gujo. From the scenic Igawa Lane with its vivid, well-loved and well-fed carp, to a spectacle of energetic, lively Gujo Odori moves, to the grand Yoshida River that children leap into for respite from summer's sweltering heat. Enjoy opportunities to make food replicas and savor a special lunch with ingredients locally sourced. Feel vitality unending for yourself, bubbling just beneath the surface here in Gifu’s “Town of Water”.

Cycle deep into the heart of nature, to witness the thunderous majesty of the Hida-Osaka Falls (the area with the most waterfalls in Japan) in Osaka-cho of Gero City, surrounded by spectacular gorges and vibrant, lush greenery as far as the eye can see, and beauty sculpted from the elements and the eruption of Mount Ontake more than 54,000 years ago. This exhilarating bike-riding adventure takes you through to the grand Gandate Park and then to Michi no Eki Hanamomo, where you can enjoy tasty local snacks of "midarashi dango" and "gohei-mochi" made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. This e-bike tour with an English-speaking guide is accessible even for beginners. Ride away into an adventure of a lifetime in dynamic magnificence. 

Take the road less traveled - dotted with fresh, gushing springs and paved in epic history blending seamlessly into the present here in Ogaki. Stroll around this city of deep, understated beauty, which flourished as both a post town and a castle town on the Tokaido Highway during the Edo period, and you‘ll be quick to find vestiges of a bygone era sketched into its visage - from the boats ambling down in its river canals, to the sturdy remains of an old lighthouse and port, and the large storehouses that house elaborate festival floats. One can also easily find numerous, famous sites of natural spring water around the area, living up to its name, the “City of Water” from days of old. Delight in the fresh verdure of the cherry trees lining the banks of the Suimon River, the sight of the iconic red Sumiyoshi Bridge, the soughing of the lone weeping willow gently swaying in the wind as ducks and black carp swim idly by while you follow the footsteps of unparalleled haiku poet, Matsuo Basho at the final stop of his major journey on foot, and a setting from his masterpiece - Oku no Hosomichi, (often translated as The Narrow Road to the Deep North).

Try your hand at traditional crafts like mizu-manju (sweet water mochi) making and masu (wooden box) making, with steps inspired by techniques used in tasks like water transportation and sake brewing from the past, cultivated by the region’s abundance in water. Experience it all for yourself here, where folk tales are born of, that speak of the intimate connection between the lives of the local people and the sustenance afforded by water. Let your worries drift away as you soak in the goodness of life here at the Water Capital, rivers undulating like poetry in motion.

Embark on a special journey along the Nakasendo Trail (also known as the Samurai Trail for its regular use by Shogun rulers traveling with samurai guards) tailor-made just for you. From giant working waterwheels, to traditional wooden townscapes of post towns dotted with radiant seasonal flowers, to cobbled stone pavements surrounded by massive centuries-old cedar trees, step back in time on a path filled with history, culture, and nature, as a knowledgeable accompanying guide takes you far beyond the pages of a travelogue. The high degree of flexibility available on this tour means that you are free to adjust the length of the schedule within a range of 5.5 hours to 8.5 hours to your liking. You also get to decide to challenge yourself with steep slopes and long distances by travelling on foot, or breeze through them in comfort by car. Whether you prefer to take time to slowly soak in the Edo atmosphere, or cut through different areas at a quicker pace - the choice is yours. You can even customize the direction of the course to fit the rest of your Japan travel plans. Walk the Samurai Trail, your way. 

Relive the day on which Japan's history was forever changed by its largest, most tumultuous and most decisive battle, fought on the grounds of Sekigahara (also one of the world's three major ancient battlefields) in the year 1600. See with your own eyes and tour the very areas ventured by Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder and first shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate, and his opponent, Ishida Mitsunari, as you discover the historical setting of the battle with weaponry and armory. Explore the Memorial Museum, featuring revolutionary technology in showcasing the details of main happenings and people of the battle, as well as exhibits both original and models that you can touch and interact with. Equip yourself with Sengoku armor and weapons, before making your way around the remains of Ishida's base camp and taking commemorative photos. Choose between a lunch of delicious Udon with tempura (in either Eastern or Western-styled broth) plus complimentary souvenir, and Sukiyaki made from famous Omi beef. Turn back time and imagine yourself fighting to the very finish, joining in actions of bravery or perhaps, treachery, in the greatest samurai battle of all - the Battle of Sekigahara.