Experiences

Wade through the crystal clear waters of the Maze River, a treasured part of one of Japan's most beautiful villages, before scaling the 21-meters-tall Fudo-myo-no-taki Falls through sawanobori. Literally translated as "stream climbing", sawanobori is a traditional Japanese way of mountain climbing, described as a cross between canyoning and hiking. This outing well off the beaten path takes you 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 sawanobori. This course is best enjoyed in summer, and recommended to those who love the grand outdoors, especially its stunning mountains.

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. Canals girding, criss-crossing the town, its transparent channels through which bright, colored carp leisurely swim about, were built by the Endo Tsunetomo, the 6th Lord of Gujo Hachiman Castle in 1660 of the Kanbun Era, to safeguard the town from fires after it was ravaged to the ground in 1652. 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. 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), surrounded by spectacular gorges and vibrant, lush greenery as far as the eye can see in a landscape, 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 Gandate Park and then to Michi no Eki Hanamomo, where you can enjoy a tasty local meal 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. 

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 with great ease, traveling on foot and by car 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. 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. 

Nestled in the mountainous outskirts of Gero in Northern Gifu, lies one of Japan's most beautiful villages - the idyllic Maze (pronounced mah-zay) Village. Hop on an e-bike for a leisurely ride and take in its gorgeous sights of nature in abundance from stunning, soaring mountains, lush green forests, and the crystal clear waters of the Maze River, one of the top 100 waters of the Heisei Era. Stop for a break amidst the grand outdoors as you enjoy a delicious meal put together from the freshest of local ingredients, fruits of life lived in deep connection with the surrounding natural environment. The wondrous view of the satoyama landscape - areas where foothills and farmlands overlap, and the rustic charm of Maze await! Pickup and dropoff from JR Gero or Hagiwara Stations also included in this tour.

Uncover the multifaceted beauty of Gujo-Hachiman in this e-bike cycling tour that starts and ends at Gujo-Hachiman Station. Spend the morning surrounded by nature's wonders, before moving on to the satoyama (areas where foothills and farmlands overlap), catching a glimpse into the idyllic life of the locals spent in the Japanese countryside. Pass mountainstreams of pristine clarity, and in the noontime, the historical castle town of Gujo-Hachiman. There will be opportunities to enjoy times of serenity in the traditional Japanese garden of Jionzenji Temple, and teatime to look forward to! The course distance is about 30km.

Enter the sanctuary of the Hakusan Shinko (Hakusan Faith), originating from Mount Hakusan, one of Japan's Three Holy Mountains. Discover its history at the Hakusan Culture Museum, before moving on to the Nagataki Hakusan-jinja Shrine, the most important of all Hakusan shrines in Japan. A guide will show you the ins and outs of correct etiquette when visiting a shrine, and walk you through powerspots and local sites of Important Cultural Properties of Japan. You will also receive blessings from the chief Shinto priest during your visit. Goshuin (red seal) featured in a Taiga (historical) drama included.

Fish for Gifu's renowned ayu (sweetfish) using a method tried and tested by time! Presenting the tomozuri (live decoy fishing) style, which you will be introduced to through training videos in a lesson before putting it to practice while standing in the Nagara River with support from a professional guide. Then, dig in to the freshly caught sweetfish, salted and grilled. Enjoy its mouth-watering taste and compare it to that of the locally farmed ayu. Ayu rice will also be served. Discover the goodness of "Ayu of the Nagara River System," a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS).

Enter the sanctuary of the Hakusan Shinko (Hakusan Faith), and encounter the spiritual culture of Japan from ancient times as you make your pilgrimage in honorable shiroshozoku (white robes). Discover the rich history between faith and nature at the Hakusan Culture Museum, then move to the Nagataki Hakusan-jinja Shrine, where a guide will show you the ins and outs of correct etiquette when visiting a shrine and praying. Be astounded by an afternoon visit to the dynamic Amidaga Falls, one of Japan‘s top 100 waterfalls and a subject of a majestic ukiyo-e piece done by Katsushika Hokusai, a leading artist in Japan's Edo period. Next, draw close to the spiritual grounds of the Hakusan Faith at the Hakusan Chukyo-jinja Shrine, the main place of worship for Hakusan followers, before treading stone steps that will lead you to the Itoshiro Osugi - a great, sacred cedar tree of 1800 years said to mark the beginning of the trail made by Taicho Daishi, the founder of Mount Hakusan. Enjoy a refreshingly delightful lunch of delicious nagashi somen near Amidaga Falls.

All the world's a stage, and this one has a role with your name on it! Check out one of Gifu's treasured local specialties,  ji-kabuki, or country kabuki, distinct from other types of kabuki for its down-to-earth atmosphere and strong connection to the local community. Get up close and personal with the local kabuki troupe, take in the sights, sounds, and stories of the stage and even put on the kumadori make-up yourself as you prepare to act in your very own role in a kabuki play right here in the Kashimo Meiji-za theatre, a designated Important Tangible Folk Cultural Property of Gifu Prefecture established in 1894. Enjoy a specially prepared wariko bento (Japanese lunchbox) after your visit! Then, take a trip to Tsukiji Gorge, a valley tucked away in a fragrant canopy of Kiso cypress, and walk along the stunningly emerald waters of the Tsukechi River flowing from the snowmelt of venerable Mount Ontake. No time to waste - the stage and nature await!