Experiences

This charming walking course lets you stroll through a post town on the Nakasendo Highway as if you were a traveler from the Edo period, enjoying history, nature, and cuisine all at once. Your journey begins at the station, and the return trip by taxi ensures peace of mind. Using the 1756 travel guide Kisoji Anken Ezu as a reference, this cultural experience follows the Nakasendo route as modern day travelers retrace the footsteps of those who journeyed here centuries ago. It is the perfect activity for international visitors seeking an authentic historical journey.

Blend the art of relaxation, tradition and cuisine the way it's done in Gero City, home to Gero Onsen - one of the three best hot springs in Japan! Begin with elegant hospitality through a beginner-friendly tea ceremony, a classic practice of Japanese culture at an authentic tea room in the illustrious ryokan Suimeikan, followed by a stroll around the hot springs town, giving you firsthand insight into the the local history, customs, legends, and more. Experience for yourself the many reasons for Gero's glorious fame. Also, see if you can spot a statue of comic actor Charlie Chaplin who visited in 1932!

From the foot of the mountains lies a treasure trove of nature's riches and the wisdom of satoyama living. Discover these gems as you enjoy the plentiful seasonal vegetables, wild plants, medicinal herbs and more here in the Japanese countryside through the wonders of food in fun-filled gatherings. Learn about the deep knowledge of nature, food, and life lovingly handed down throughout generations and discover the best ways to use harvested local vegetables, wild greens, medicinal herbs, and more. Then, put your newly gained knowledge to the test by taking part in hands-on activities like cooking, fermenting, pickling, and drying with the Gujo countryside as your idyllic setting. Dig deep into the essentials of Japanese food culture and regional cuisine through the close connections to food preparation techniques featured in this course. Come along and escape the mundanity of daily routine.

Unearth and savor the treasures to be found hidden just beneath your feet, right here in the midst of nature's abundance.

Dive into the flavorful, aromatic, and delicious world of authentic Japanese sake handmade in ways tested and honored by time here at the world-class, top-ranked sake brewery Watanabe Shuzoten, also the sake brewery with the most smiles in Japan, and also a nationally designated Important Tangible Cultural Property. Experience all there is to this "living brewery" in Hida Furukawa, where yeast thrive in a natural environment enclosed by storehouses with porous mortar white walls that "breathe", where tradition, technique, and sensitivity are skillfully blended with overflowing joy, preserved for generations by the head of the Watanabe family who works and lives with the brewery staff under one roof.

Enjoy the liquid ambrosia brewed here as it simply is - absolutely delightful.

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 a historical 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!

Breath in deep. Relax. Take in the sights, scents, sounds of your natural environment covered in lush greenery, filled with the fresh, earthy aroma of a forest cherished throughout the ages. Focus on the here and now, as you immerse yourself in this shinrinyoku (forest bathing) course that reconnects you to the roots of restoration in the quiet and stillness of your surroundings. Shinrinyoku specialists will aid you in gently awakening your senses through activities of mindfulness, allowing you to commune deeply with nature, resetting your mind and body, making space for holistic healing. Knowledgeable local guides will take you off the beaten track to a nearby shrine and a legendary lake as they give you insights into the significant bond between the local Japanese people and the environment. Welcome profound revival.

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. 

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.