Gifu Prefecture, landlocked and nestled between several other prefectures in western Honshu, is known for its dramatic scenery, history and earnest connection with artisanship. Hida Furukawa, in the Hida City area, resembles a hidden gem just waiting to be discovered.
Serene, brimming with culture and aesthetically beautiful, Hida Furukawa and its popular Shirakabe Dozogai Street, are integral to the prefecture's rich craftsmanship and centuries-old traditions. Step onto the town's tranquil streets and feel the history and soul of Gifu and Japan.
Hida has an abundance of temples such as the ornate, hugely impressive and hand-carved Honkoji Temple as well as the delightful Enkoji Temple located on the canal at Hida Furukawa. If you're in the mood to try some local sake then Watanabe Sake Brewery, which dates back to 1870, will warm your soul and ultimately please your palate. One of the biggest attractions in this particular area, however, is the legendary Mishima Japanese Candleshop which prides itself (it's now in its seventh generation) as one of Japan's very few artisanal candle shops in which they craft candles from natural plants. Hida Crafts Museum (Hida no Takumi Bunkakan) is a perfect place dedicated to local craftsmanship and the rich artisan culture embedded in the DNA of the area.
Hida Furukawa and Shirakabe Dozogai Street are the perfect locations in which to steep yourself in local, and often unexplored, Japan. A town overflowing with centuries of traditions, generations upon generations of shokunin (artisans), culture and uninhibited beauty. It's very much like stepping onto a movie set where the streets and local stories come alive with a beautiful and profound connection between the past and present.
Hida Furukawa's Shirakabe Dozogai Street is a charming and non-commercial heritage site which reflects, perfectly, the culture and history of the area. The Seto Canal runs through it an...
More about: Shirakabe Dozogai Street
As exciting as it is to take in the unique sights and sounds of Japan, no travel experience is complete without also experiencing local cuisine. Japan is famous for dishes like sushi and noodles, but these are standard culinary affairs, especially around popular travel destinations. Food is perha...
This little unassuming store along a Hida Furukawa backstreet is well worth seeking out on your Hida travels. If not to chance your luck by observing a live demonstration of Mishima-san making his Japanese candles (Wa-rousoku) inside the entrance, then just to meet and admire his incredible passi...