A colorful town legacy
Follow our collection of short, bite-sized travel videos giving you a glimpse into what to expect on a visit to Hida City. Our reporter takes you on a journey to discover Hida's traditional culture, local charm and idyllic natural environments.
Scroll for more recommended videosOne of Hida Furukawa’s most unique attractions is the Seto Canal, which runs parallel to Shirakabe Dozogai Street. This gently flowing, man-made stream is home to roughly 1,000 colorful koi (carp) from April to November. At the end of November, Hida's residents transport the fish to a temporary home outside of Hida for the winter. The crystal waters and natural tones of the traditional buildings along the canal wonderfully contrast the koi’s vivid orange shades. The scenery is straight out of a fairytale. Relax on a bench beside the canal, and purchase some onsite fish food to feed the koi.
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Timeless elegance in Hida Furukawa
Experience traditional Japan in more ways than one with a kimono rental followed by a stroll through Hida Furukawa’s old-timey townscape. Ohbora Kimono Shop offers a range of colorful and beautifully-patterned kimono—ensuring that you can find an outfit that best matches your style. Afterwards, fashionably explore the town’s cultural sites, shops, and restaurants. Be sure to stop by the scenic Seto Canal with its vibrant koi fish and take photos you will cherish forever.
See more ➜Experience traditional Japan in more ways than one with a kimono rental followed by a stroll through Hida Furukawa’s old-timey townscape. Ohbora Kimono Shop offers a range of colorful and beautifully-patterned kimono—ensuring that you can find an outfit that best matches your style. Afterwards, fashionably explore the town’s cultural sites, shops, and restaurants. Be sure to stop by the scenic Seto Canal with its vibrant koi fish and take photos you will cherish forever.
Related article ➜Explore some of the places covered in this video
An enchanting event in Hida Furukawa
On the fourth Saturday of every September, Hida Furukawa celebrates the Fox Wedding Festival. This day-long event is inspired by the folktale, “The Fox’s Wedding,” and features fairytale-esque parades, live performances, and numerous vendors selling food, beverages, and fox souvenirs. There are even people who apply simple fox makeup for free! The quaint townscape provides the perfect setting for the story’s retelling and effectively transports you into the mystical world.
See more ➜On the fourth Saturday of every September, Hida Furukawa celebrates the Fox Wedding Festival. This day-long event is inspired by the folktale, “The Fox’s Wedding,” and features fairytale-esque parades, live performances, and numerous vendors selling food, beverages, and fox souvenirs. There are even people who apply simple fox makeup for free! The quaint townscape provides the perfect setting for the story’s retelling and effectively transports you into the mystical world.
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A peaceful stroll through an unforgettable setting
Explore a different side of Hida Furukawa once the sun goes down. At night, when most of the town’s shops are closed and residents are home for the evening, the already peaceful streets become even more tranquil. Streetlights and lanterns softly illuminate quaint architecture, and the calming silence wraps you in a comforting hug. The Seto Canal’s gentle burbling feels like a soothing lullaby, and the lantern’s rippling reflections on the canal create mesmerizing visuals.
Explore a different side of Hida Furukawa once the sun goes down. At night, when most of the town’s shops are closed and residents are home for the evening, the already peaceful streets become even more tranquil. Streetlights and lanterns softly illuminate quaint architecture, and the calming silence wraps you in a comforting hug. The Seto Canal’s gentle burbling feels like a soothing lullaby, and the lantern’s rippling reflections on the canal create mesmerizing visuals.
Explore some of the places covered in this video
Discover the history and culture of Hida Furukawa
Shirakabe Dozogai Street is a charming heritage site that exquisitely embodies the culture and history of the region. You can take a relaxing stroll around the area and find many traditional shops and facilities. In the video, Mishima Japanese Candleshop's seventh-generation owner, Mr Junji Mishima, and Ms Kokoro Miyoshi from the Meiji-era Watanabe Sake Brewery both express the charms of Hida City. Hear the voices of the locals and be dazzled by Hida City's beauty.
Shirakabe Dozogai Street is a charming heritage site that exquisitely embodies the culture and history of the region. You can take a relaxing stroll around the area and find many traditional shops and facilities. In the video, Mishima Japanese Candleshop's seventh-generation owner, Mr Junji Mishima, and Ms Kokoro Miyoshi from the Meiji-era Watanabe Sake Brewery both express the charms of Hida City. Hear the voices of the locals and be dazzled by Hida City's beauty.
Explore some of the places covered in this video
Hida's exhilarating activities
From climbing up a mountain to see panoramic views of Hida City to riding your way across the city to see a different side of Hida City ー Hida is full of fun and exciting activities. If you are up for an exhilarating adventure and see Hida City from a different perspective, be sure to check them out!
From climbing up a mountain to see panoramic views of Hida City to riding your way across the city to see a different side of Hida City ー Hida is full of fun and exciting activities. If you are up for an exhilarating adventure and see Hida City from a different perspective, be sure to check them out!
Explore some of the places covered in this video
Easy and wallet-friendly way
Did you know that you can travel to Hida using the JR PASS? JR PASS is an easy and affordable way to travel and Hida is included as one of the destinations! You can visit Hida after a trip in Japan's Kansai region or travel directly from the Kanto area, like Tokyo. Once you get to Hida, you can explore by bus, rental bicyles, walking or even hire a rickshaw ー many different ways depending on your purpose and destination!
See more ➜Did you know that you can travel to Hida using the JR PASS? JR PASS is an easy and affordable way to travel and Hida is included as one of the destinations! You can visit Hida after a trip in Japan's Kansai region or travel directly from the Kanto area, like Tokyo. Once you get to Hida, you can explore by bus, rental bicyles, walking or even hire a rickshaw ー many different ways depending on your purpose and destination!
Related article ➜Explore some of the places covered in this video
Enjoy a night out in Hida Furukawa
If you are in Hida Takayama for a few days and have already explored and enjoyed yourself to the fullest and want something different to do, then make sure you check out the Izakaya tour to Hida Furukawa! The tour includes return bus tickets, a souvenir and a ¥3,000 voucher to use at your choice of Izakaya in Hida Furukawa. The bus ride is just under 30 mins and you will soon be in this beautiful, peaceful, and charming town. Enjoy exploring then go and enjoy your meal at an izakaya of your choice!
If you are in Hida Takayama for a few days and have already explored and enjoyed yourself to the fullest and want something different to do, then make sure you check out the Izakaya tour to Hida Furukawa! The tour includes return bus tickets, a souvenir and a ¥3,000 voucher to use at your choice of Izakaya in Hida Furukawa. The bus ride is just under 30 mins and you will soon be in this beautiful, peaceful, and charming town. Enjoy exploring then go and enjoy your meal at an izakaya of your choice!
Explore some of the places covered in this video
Street foods of Hida like no other
Walking around Hida comes with many benefits. One is that you can find many delightful delicacies in every corner. From savory to sweet, you name it, they have them all! Using Hida's specialities such as Hida beef, egoma or wild sesame, they have street foods like no other. If you are a foodie, make sure you create a check list of what to have in Hida as there is so much deliciousness to choose from!
See more ➜Walking around Hida comes with many benefits. One is that you can find many delightful delicacies in every corner. From savory to sweet, you name it, they have them all! Using Hida's specialities such as Hida beef, egoma or wild sesame, they have street foods like no other. If you are a foodie, make sure you create a check list of what to have in Hida as there is so much deliciousness to choose from!
Related article ➜Explore some of the places covered in this video
Shirakawa-go, Takayama & Hida
A journey to Hida opens up a world of possibilities with a visit to Japan's heartland in Gifu prefecture, with a wealth of relaitvely hidden travel gems waiting to be discovered
