Shirakabe Dozogai Street
400 meters of carp-filled canal, lined with picturesque, white-walled store houses.
Planning
Discover the Hida Region
Where Is Hida?
How It All Connects
In northern Gifu Prefecture, Hida offers a glimpse of Edo-period Japan and continuing traditions, from mountaineous villages with thatched rooves to carp-filled canals and unforgettable festivals.
Hida-Furukawa
A well-preserved carpentry town, only 15 minutes from Takayama.
Furukawa offers a calmer contrast to the well-known town of Takayama. Here, wander through a more peaceful traditional town of temples and white-walled storehouses. Alongside these spectacles is the Seto River canals. filled with over 1,000 eye-catching carp.
But Furukawa isn't always so calm... Visit in April during the Furukawa "Naked" Festival and see the streets come to life with festival floats and the beat of drums.
Destination Highlights
Hida-Takayama
Located in mountainous Gifu—famous for traditional architecture and seasonal parades.
Takayama blends traditional Japanese architecture and temples with scenic landscapes and local life, from bustling morning markets to multi-day seasonal festivals.
Take a peek into the unique thatched rooves of Shirakawa-go at the Hida Folk Village, or simply stroll along Higashiyama Walk and unwind with views of temples and the former castle site.
Destination Highlights
in partnership with
Shirakawa-go
Shirakawa Village is a must-visit spot hidden in the mountains.
Shirakawa-go is a UNESCO World Heritage site for good reason. In the mountains of Gifu, discover 300-year-old traditional gassho-zukuri thatched-roof houses—a sight to behold, no matter the season.
Particularly well-known for its stunning scenes during snowy winters, this village deserves a spot on your Japan itinerary.
Destination Highlights
in partnership with
Gero City
A central city, surrounded by mountains.
Somewhere between Nagoya and Hida-Takayama is Gero City, a mountaineous city blessed with an abundance of onsen hot springs and traditional ryokan inns.
Soak in the history of hot springs at the Onsen Museum, visit the hillside Onsenji Temple, or get a glimpse Shirakawa-go without leaving the city at the recreated Gassho-mura.
Destination Highlights
in partnership with
How to Enjoy the Hida Area
Japanese Carp In Hida Furukawa
The Japanese carp, known also as koi, is perhaps Japan’s most famous fish (if you don’t count sushi!). They can be found in many ponds and gardens throughout the country, and have also appeared in traditional Japanese art throughout the centuries. Since these fish are so important to ...
Hida Furukawa and Shirakawa-go: A Magical Winter Scene
Each of Japan’s four seasons offers unique scenery and experiences, and the Hida region in Gifu Prefecture is the perfect place to enjoy all four! Though beautiful in all seasons, this area boasts arguably the most famous spot in the country for winter scenery – Ogimachi Village in Sh...