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
If you’re staying in the Hida area for a couple of days, a hike up to the top of Mount Anbou is well recommended. Suitable for hikers of all levels, the summit can be reached in about 1–1.5 hours and is a fairly leisurely climb, with plenty of nature to admire along the way. The trailhead is a...
Hida has no shortage of natural beauty and traditional charm. In Hida Furukawa, quaint alleyways act as gateways to the past where you feel a sense of nostalgia for a time you never lived. Beyond the townscape, the area’s forests and mountains create a refreshing natural getaway. Picturesqu...