f you wanted to get a taste of what feudal Japan might have looked like, the countryside of Takachiho in the Miyazaki prefecture comes pretty close. Largely untouched, the mountainous landscape is spectacularly scenic with small villages and terraced rice paddies scattered here and there. The rolling hills are covered with pine trees and the early morning mist creeps up between the valleys and catches on the mountainous peaks. As dawn begins to break, the sun rays peak through mountain silhouettes as sleepy villagers begin to wake.
I’d be lying if I didn’t say the place felt alive with shinto spirits.
In Takachiho, it’s really not hard to see what inspired the stories and supernatural spirits of Japanese folklore and mythology. While Shintoism seems far removed from most modern Japanese lifestyle, Takachiho is one of the few places where it is so openly and commonly practiced.
Here, we’ve come to marvel at one of the most renowned and uniquely beautiful spots in Kyushu. Descending into Takachiho Gorge, its ancient rock walls reach up to the heavens, showing off ribbed colonnade structures covered in sparkling moss. Stepping into a small rowing boat, we cross the barrier between reality and the spirit realm, enclosed by a canopy of green and orange coloured leaves. Ahead of us, the teal green water of the Gokase river snakes between the curves and bends of the gorge’s walls and flows underneath one of Japan’s top 100 waterfalls, the Manai falls.
As we drift down the waters of the Gokase river, we invite you on a mythical journey to discover the nostalgia of old Japan in Takachiho.
Takachiho Mythology
ne day, Amaterasu goddess of the sun, looked down upon the Earth from the heavens and wept at the chaos that consumed the land. To restore peace, she sent her grandson, Ninigi no Mokoto to govern the islands of Japan in her honour.
Into a mist covered Takachiho, Ninigi no Mikoto and a procession of deities descended from the heavens carrying three items: the jewel Yasakani no Magatama, the mirror Yata no Kagami and the sword kusanagi no Tsurugi. With him, Ninigi also brought rice and scattered it across the land.
Today, the Kushifuru Shrine near Takachiho Gorge is believed to be the spot where Ninigi and his procession of deities arrived in Japan. It is here on Earth that Ninigi established the Japanese Imperial Family and is the divine ancestor to Japan’s first emperor, Jimmu, Ninigi’s grandson. The three items Nigini brought to Earth with him also formed the Imperial Regalia of Japan.
In the 8th Century, two of Japan’s most ancient history books were published by the Emperor; the Kojiki and Nihonshoki. These books describe Japan’s creation as a continent, the foundation of Japan’s Imperial line and much more through a catalog of songs, myths, legends and oral traditions.
It is here in Takachiho’s misty valleys and mountainous peaks that many of the recorded legends play out across the landscape of Takachiho. Takachiho Gorge itself is also home to Japan’s creation myth where Izanagi and Izanami created the first Japanese island and brought the first source of spring water to the Earthly realm, in a natural well known as Ama Manai. This well is the source of the spring water that flows through the Manai Falls.
For most young Japanese people it seems as if the Shinto mythology that formed the core of their country’s spiritual origins has been lost to the fast paced and modern society we so commonly see today.
With such significant mythological ties, this is not the case in Takachiho. Compared to populated Japanese cities, life here seems to slow down and the native religion of Shintoism is alive, intimately interwoven and vibrantly celebrated among the community. It is both awe-inspiring and magical to behold and will illustrate a historical and spiritual side of Japan you may not be able to witness in most tourist frequented areas.
Locals praying at Takachiho Shrine
Izanagi and Izanami
Priest performing traditional ceremony at Takachiho Shrine
Things to Do At Takachiho Gorge
akachiho may be remote and rural but there’s a myriad of things to do and explore – with all places accesible by foot. What many might not realise is that a good majority of the most popular things to see and do in Takachiho are actually located within the Takachiho Gorge area. Below we share some of our favourite experiences at Takachiho Gorge:
Enjoy a Boat Ride Down Takachiho Gorge
hen it comes to enjoying the gorge you can do so in two ways; by foot or by boat. We couldn’t pass up the opportunity to explore the gorge by boat, but had been forewarned that the line for boats attracted a serious crowd with seriously longer wait times.
So, how do you avoid long wait times? You beat the queue and get there first by arriving at 7:30AM. Yes I know, sleep is a hard sacrifice while on holiday, but definitely a worthwhile one. Even though we were first in line, I can tell you that the line started forming only shortly after we arrived and the carpark was almost full when we parked just a bit earlier! It was clear that the late morning starts of the citizens of Tokyo do not apply in Takachiho! Get there early so that you don’t waste large chunks of the day waiting in line. If you’ve only got the day in Takachiho, this will give you time to explore more of the area.
Without an experienced row-boater between us, we jumped in our boat and clumsily fumbled with the oars. The rowing does take some time to get used to, but is a great experience.
As you row down the gorge, you can get up close and personal with the Manai falls – even rowing under it if you like – and also take a closer look at the colonnade structures of the gorge’s walls. It can be scary at times as a rookie rower – wall and boat collisions will and do happen, but the boats are sturdy enough that it makes it difficult to fall in. I don’t know what happens if you do fall in, or what, if anything, lurks beyond the depths of the Gosake river, but you are equipped with a life vest ensuring safety no matter what happens.
There is a time limit of 30minutes per boat ride – which actually goes pretty fast! You can also buy some food to feed the ducks, which we did! Rowing down the gorge and back, plus feeding the ducks, actually took us a little longer than 30 minutes, but the staff were really nice and didn’t charge us extra.
It costs 2000 yen to hire a boat and each boat can fit a maximum of 3 passengers. Boats cannot be pre-booked. Food for the ducks costs 200 yen. There are no facilities to hold your luggage, so leave it in your hotel, car or tour bus!
Takachiho boat ride rules.
Walk Along Takachiho Promenade
f roughing the waters of the gorge is too much for you, you can also enjoy the scenic beauty of the area from above by following the paved pathway that follows the edge of the gorge. The path offers stunning views all along, with some perfect postcard photo opportunities of the gorge and Manai falls.
Stroll the path for as long as you like, taking time to observe down into the gorge from the various bridges and viewpoints to get some really nice photos. It is along this walk that you’ll get the popular shots you see online of looking down into the gorge through a canopy of momiji leaves as well great viewpoints of Manai falls with boaters below. Continue walking and eventually you’ll arrive at Takachiho Shrine. The total length of the trail is about 1km (10mins).
Visiting in autumn we were expecting yellow and orange momiji leaves, but the leaves change colour here later than the rest of Japan – so keep that in mind if you’re hoping to catch autumn surroundings during your time at the gorge.
With that being said, summer’s green leaves are also delightful and the greenery enhances the gorge’s mystical atmosphere. In summer, the gorge is also illuminated in the evenings until 10PM.
Along the walk there are numerous points of interest such as Kihachi Rock – a 200 tonne rock said to be thrown by the god Kihachi as he challenged the irresponsible deity that ruled the village of Takachiho and Onokoro pond.
Take a Gander at Onokoro Pond
f I’m being fair, I can’t say that this pond is anything special to look at (sorry!) but it’s cultural significance is one that may tickle your fancy.
In the centre of this pond is a small island with a little shrine (known as onokorojima).
With Takachiho’s close association to Japan’s creation myths, it is said that this is the first Japanese island that the gods Izanagi and Izanami created. Because of its historical significance, each year during the spring festival of Takachiho shrine, a portable shrine circles around onokorojima three times – a ritual purification known as misogi.
Spring Festival celebrations in Onokoro Pond, Takachiho. Taken from Getty Images
Catch the Sunrise above a Sea of Clouds at Kunimigaoka
f you thought Takachiho wasn’t pretty enough, just wait until you visit Kunimigaoka (Country Gazing Hill) look out. Located a short drive up the mountain from Takachiho Gorge, this beautiful view overlooking the Takachiho countryside awaits. It’s stunning even during daytime, but the magic really comes alive at sunrise where a phenomenon known as ‘unkai ‘occurs between the months of September – late November.
Unkai translates into “Sea of clouds” and on days where there is a significant difference between the minimum and maximum temperatures, the beautiful Japanese fog and mist creates a sea of clouds that covers the entire valley. It literally looks like as if you are standing above the clouds. Definitely worth the early morning start.
Watch a Traditional Kagura Performance at Takachiho Shrine
agura is Japan’s earliest form of religious dance with deep ties to Shintoism. It is thought to have entertained the imperial courts and general public for over 1000 years.
Kagura reenacts the stories from classical Japanese mythology. Over time as the country lost touch with Shintoism the tradition wasn’t passed down through the generations, and today, it is really rare to see Kagura performed in urban areas. In fact, there are only 5 places in Japan that perform traditional Kagura regularly and Takachiho is one of them.
There are two ways you can engage in Kagura performances in Takachiho. The first is nightly Kagura Performances at Takachiho shrine – a shortened 4 act version of the 33 acts in Kagura.
The second is the all night Takachiho Yokagura Festival held on the 22nd and 23rd of November. For the entire night, the Takachiho community comes together to enjoy Kagura dancing, storytelling and local foods. At this festival, the full 33 acts of Kagura are reenacted across the entire night. Fascinated? Us too. Find out more about Kagura in Takachiho in our Blog Post: “See a Traditional Kagura Show in Takachiho”
What to Eat
hiho No Ie is a restaurant located at the heart of Takachiho Gorge that specialises in Nagashi Soumen or flowing noodles. How it works is somen noodles (thin white noodles, similar to soba) are dropped into a bamboo stalk cut in half to form a “chute” that is filled with flowing water. As the somen flows down the chute, you try to catch them with your chopsticks. These noodles are cold and like Soba, somen noodles are dipped in a dipping sauce before being eaten.
I don’t know about you, but there’s always one episode in an anime series where the school class goes on some summer holiday and one of the many activities they do is eat Nagashi Soumen – so i’ve always wanted to do it!
Despite being autumn, we could still enjoy the fun! It was especially cool to experience it for the first time in Takachiho, as it is thought the origins of the dish may lie here! Established in 1955, Chiho no Ie claims to be the birthplace of Nagashi soumen and still streams cool, fresh water from Tamadare Falls, as thought to be originally done.
We also ordered the hot beef soba noodles (absolutely delicious!) as well as the somen set meal with grilled fish. All very fresh, tasty and unique with foods I’d never had before.
Don’t worry! If you miss your noodles, you can collect them at the end.
Bamboo chute where the somen flows down.
Salted and grilled Amago (trout), Konyaku jelly, Rice Balls, tofu, salad, takana pickle.
Beef Soba
How to Get To Takachiho Gorge
From Kumamoto To Takachiho Bus Centre
From Kumamoto Airport, there are direct highway buses to the Takachiho Bus Centre operated by Kyushu Sanko Bus and Miyazaki Kotsu. Be mindful as there are only two buses scheduled per day. The whole trip will take around 2 hr 30 min and costs 2410 yen one way.
From Miyazaki To Takachiho Bus Centre
From Miyazaki Airport, you can take the JR Nichirin or Hyuga limited express train to Nobeoka Station and transfer to a number 71/72 Miyazaki Kanko bus to the Takachiho Bus Centre. The whole trip will take roughly 3 hr 30 min. The express train will take 80 minutes and costs 3000 yen while the bus trip will take 90 minutes and costs 1820 yen.
From Takachiho Bus Centre to Takachiho Gorge
It is possible to walk from Takachiho bus centre to Takachiho Gorge. The walk will take about 25 minutes in total. Taxi from Takachiho bus centre to the gorge will cost approximately 1200 yen and take 6 minutes.
There is a Takachiho Gorge Shuttle Bus service that operates during the busy season April – November only. This bus departs from Takachiho Bus Centre and will take you directly to the gorge for 100 yen. Please note that the schedule may change daily and it can be infrequent despite what the Takachiho Gorge shuttle bus timetable says. There are also public buses available from Takachiho Bus Centre to Takachiho Shrine, where it is a 10minute walk to Takachiho Gorge.
By car – Recommended
As you can tell, transportation in Takachiho is both infrequent and inconvenient due to its remote surroundings. Your best bet is to hire a rental car to get the most out of your trip. Not to mention the mountain drive is both scenic and beautiful especially during the autumn time! At Takachiho gorge, there are 3 carparks; Oshioi Parking for 500 yen, Araragi Parking for 300 yen and Ohashi Parking is free. See parking locations and more information.
The easiest way to rent a car is at the airport. If you are looking for a place, we hired our rental car through Nippon Rent-A-Car at Kumamoto Airport which was very easy and had great staff service.
n a crisp autumn morning, the surrounding peaks of a mountain plateau are painted in colours of orange, red and yellow. Cosmos flowers carpet the fields and golden pampas grass waves gently in the breeze. In the centre of the plateau, a cluster of fairytale thatched-roofed houses sits untouched and cutoff from the outside world, a feathery mist creeping up from their roofs.
You may be surprised to find out that these wooden farmhouses are not located in the Swiss Alps, but instead reside in the Japanese countryside of the Gifu Prefecture. For the Japanese, the idyllic village of Shirakawa-go captures life from a time gone by, preserving the traditional ways of Japanese mountain living dating back to the 1700s.
Showcasing such a rare and untouched glimpse into Japanese history, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Shirakawa-go attracts crowds of tourists from around the world. The main attraction, the Gassho-zukuri farmhouses, are a tribute to the impressive innovation of early Japanese civilisations. These farm houses shield exceptionally well against the harsh cold, do not easily rot and have enough strength to withstand the heavy snowfall of Japanese winters – all amazing architectural feats for the time.
With a pristine backdrop that changes colour with the seasons, Shirakawa-go is stunning to photograph. While the area is most commonly known for its picturesque beauty in winter, if you happen to find yourself visiting in autumn, you won’t be disappointed. Not only is Autumn one of Japan’s most beautiful seasons, it’s also one of the best times to visit Shirakawa-go with comfortable temperatures for exploring the village and full accessibility to the entire site.
In this guide we share our favourite photo locations from our visit to Shirakawa-go during autumn. For more about Shirakawa-go’s history or things to do during your stay, check out our Day Guide to Shirakawago!
Below you can see the mist rising up from the Gassho-zukuri rooftops
Photo Locations
Photo locations marked in The Hidden Thimble’s pink markers. Click the icon in the top left corner to open up all locations.
Tenshukaku Observatory (天守閣展望台) - Ogimachi Castle
or the perfect postcard picture, Shirakawa-go’s most famous viewpoint is the Tenshukaku Observatory, which overlooks Ogimachi Village and the mountain plateau in its entirety. There’s plenty of room up here to set up a tripod and take some awesome photos.
Reaching this viewpoint is relatively easy, with two points of access. The first and most comfortable is via the Shirakawa-go shuttle bus.
In autumn, the observatory shuttle bus departs in front of the Wada House every 20 minutes between 9AM – 3:40PM and costs 200 yen one-way. If you have a car you can also drive, but please note that roads are closed in winter.
Alternatively, you can enjoy a 20 minute walk up to the observatory. Choosing this option was great because we also scored some unique photos along the way! Please note the promenade up to the observatory is closed in winter.
Blue Shuttle bus to the top of the observatory. You can see the observatory in the top right of the picture.
Gassho Zukuri Triplets (Shirakawa-go Three Houses)
nother iconic Shirakawa-go photo spot is the Shirakawa-go Three Houses. Located quite a bit further out from Shirakawa-go’s main street, Shirakawa Kaido, this area was very much free from tourists – in fact, unless you were looking, you wouldn’t even know it existed.
Not clearly marked on any of the tourist maps, this area of Shirakawa-go was really nice to explore. The houses here seemed more natural and ‘lived in’ than those on Shirakawa-go’s more touristy streets. We found there were some really nice photo opportunities here as well.
Gassho-zukuri Minkaen (Open Air Museum)
he Gassho-zukuri Minkaen or Open Air Museum is a must-see for keen photographers. Inside are some of the best preserved and oldest Gassho-zukuri farmhouses, which are set among manicured gardens and water features.
For those that don’t know, the Gassho-zukari Minkaen features 26 buildings comprising of houses, watermills, warehouses to store grain, shrines and the main hall of a temple. All buildings have been preserved in their original state, with 9 out of the 26 buildings listed as important cultural property for the Gifu Prefecture.
Inside the museum grounds, there is a handmade soba restaurant, a shop and rest areas. If you’re looking for the particular house featured in the pond below, it’s called the Matadate Shed and it’s featured as number 12 on this Gassho-zukuri Minkaen map.
Opening hours are from 9am – 4pm and the entry fee is 600 yen for adults and 300 yen for children.
n your way past the Wada House, take the route off the main road to find a small wooden boardwalk that crosses a lily pond. If you position your camera in the right angle, you can get a nice shot of the boardwalk, with three Gassho-zukuri houses aligned diagonally in the background.
Luckily, this area is slightly tricky to find so there aren’t too many crowds allowing you to get a clear shot walking across the boardwalk. If you are traveling to Shirakawa-go outside of autumn, this area may look very different. In summer, it is overgrown with greenery and no pond is visible and in winter it may be covered up with snow or ice.
Shabby Shack
n our way up to the Tenshukaku Observatory, we passed the most cutest Gassho-zukuri farmhouse. It was a little run down and smaller than the other houses in the area but had its own cute little charm.
I absolutely loved the pine trees in the background and the shade also provided great lighting for a photo. This little gem turned out to be one of my favourite Shirakawa-go photos.
The photo below shows the pathway up to the observatory (located on the left). At the base of this path is where you will find this house.
Autumn Framing
he stunning foliage of the autumn months provides such a lovely backdrop for photos at Shirakawa-go, but it also allows for creativity!
Using the autumn leaves and flowers to frame your photos can elevate your photography and make the end product look even more spectacular.
or a unique perspective, consider a photo from within a Gassho-zukuri farmhouse. If you’re not able to stay within a Gassho-zukuri farmhouse, the Wada House is open from 9AM – 5PM daily and inside you can see various artefacts and daily items used by the Wada family – one of the wealthiest families and village leaders of Ogimachi.
Entry is 300 yen for adults and 150 yen for children.
The shoji screens create soft and ambient lighting formations, while the open shutters frame the Shirakawa-go backdrop as if it were a series of panorama paintings hung up on a wall.
ne of the other popular photos in Shirakawa-go is the upside houses. In mid-may, the rice paddies are filled with water just before the rice is planted, creating an upside down mirrored reflection of the houses on the water’s surface.
As the rice crops have been harvested and dried out by autumn, the opportunity to capture this type of shot is far more difficult. You can still capture some of these type of photos in autumn, when the houses reflect off some of the ponds.
A short stay in Takayama unfortunately also means limited time to try ALL THE HIDA BEEF! If you’re also stretched for time in the oasis of tasty eats that is Takayama, you’re going to want to make sure you use that time wisely to truly experience only the best Hida beef in town.
Does tourist favourite Suzuya Restaurant make the cut? Find out below!
Setting And Atmosphere
oft ambient lighting.
A peaceful atmosphere.
A refined dining experience interwoven with culture and history.
If there is one thing Suzuya’s owner Teppei Shirakawa wants to promise his customers, it’s a dining experience with a unique atmosphere. For Teppei, this unique atmosphere is created from the perfect blend of Takayama folk dishes, crafted from traditional family recipes passed down through generations, an appreciation of traditional Takayama architecture and its history of wooden craftsmanship and a celebration of different cultures, seated together and experiencing the traditions of the place he and his family have called home throughout the generations; Takayama.
Like many restaurants in the area, Suzuya is located within a traditional private house in Hida Takayama’s old township district. With the area being well known for centuries as a hub for timber production and wooden craftsmanship, these traditional houses were largely wooden structures comprising of wooden beams and decorative features with a dark wooden stain.
An important resource for the Takayama region, wood provided better protection during the colder months when compared to clay materials typically used for housing in japan. Behind the traditional facade, customers can enjoy a glimpse of the past once they step inside and observe the living quarters locals and merchants once occupied during the Edo period.
The décor of this restaurant can be best described as ‘simple elegance’. The dining experience is relaxed and calming, with ambient soft lighting shining through Japanese shoji screens throughout the restaurant. The shoji screens also help to create a feeling of privacy, quietness and intimacy as they provide a subtle division between guests. The warmth of the atmosphere is exemplified by the wooden setting and furniture which also showcases the exceptional local craftsmanship and fine timber produce Takayama has to offer.
Divided into multiple areas, diners can enjoy seating at tables or traditional tatami dining. There are also private rooms for larger groups or celebrations.
The dining experience at Suzuya is slow-paced, calm and tourist-friendly when compared to the busy hustle and bustle of the homely Hidatakayama Kyoya, which we had visited the night before.
Private Tatami Dining Room
At Suzuya, Hida beef is grilled on a traditional charcoal grill known as a Shichirin Hida Konro, which is made out of porous clay called Keisodo that conducts heat evenly. The outside of these charcoal grills are decorated with washi paper showcasing a traditional Japanese art aesthetic.
Food
uzuya is all about showcasing Takayama’s excellent seasonal produce and serving all dishes in the traditional folk style. During our time dining here, we tried two of Suzuya’s most popular Hida Beef dishes; the Amiyaki Teishoku and the Houba Miso Beef Steak.
With Hida Beef being Takayama’s pride and joy, it only made sense to order the Amiyaki Teishoku. This dish features high grade slices of Hida Beef with local veggies and a dipping sauce. Keeping the meat unmarinated, customers can enjoy the pure flavours and textures of Hida Beef, lightly grilled on top of a charcoal grill known as a Shichirin Hida Konro. Grilling your Hida beef on a Shichirin Hida Konro is part of the experience as only a special type of charcoal known as ‘Binchotan’ is used. This traditional charcoal does not contain chemicals and produces much less smoke unlike modern charcoal. Using Binchotan ensures that the taste of the Hida Beef is not ruined during the grilling process.
To ensure the quality of every dish, Teppei hand selects the beef that features in it, ensuring only the leaner and tender cuts of meat are served at Suzuya. In this dish, it appears that two different grades of Hida Beef were used, one higher than the other. The higher graded beef only consisted of 3 of the 7 slices of meat we received and were truly a melt in mouth experience. The others were unfortunately more chewy and tough.
One of Takayama’s other well known speciality dishes is Houba Miso. Originally a humble farmer’s dish eaten where the sweet miso was eaten with rice, this dish is now more popularly cooked with Hida Beef, onions and shiitake mushrooms. Grilled on top of a houba (Japanese Magnolia Leaf), the dish will have you salivating with its mouthwatering smell. The Houba Miso served at Suzuya is based on a traditional recipe, passed down by the owner’s great grandfather. While also delicious, we do unfortunately have to remain fair and admit that the Houba Miso at Hidatakayama Kyoya was one of our most unforgettable food memories in Takayama.
Both the Amiyaki Teishoku and the Houba Miso at Suzuya are served as set meals with rice and soup. In comparison to the set meals for these dishes at Hidatakayama Kyoya, it would have also been nice to have a side dish of traditional mountain veggies included. Considering both meals were the same price, we feel like Hidatakyama Kyoya provided just a little more value.
For the vegetarians out there, Suzuya does a great job of offering vegetarian options for non meat eaters.
Amiyaki Teishoku ¥3850
Houba Miso Beef Steak ¥1980
Service
he best part of our experience at Suzuya was the service. We visited around 6:30pm, which was just early enough to be able to dine in without needing a reservation. As the restaurant filled with more people over the course of our dinner, the experience still felt relaxing.
From the moment you walk through the doors, the hospitality and friendliness of the staff is phenomenal. The wait staff take time to explain the dishes to customers and answer any of their questions.
We were also surprised at the fact so many could speak basic English. The owner is also incredibly friendly and makes a habit of coming out and chatting to each table with genuine interest and joy – you can tell that meeting his customers and learning about where they come from is the most favourite part of his job. Overall, there was a lot of laughter shared in this restaurant and it really was a lovely experience.
Grilled Fish side dish
Value for Money
would say the value for money at Suzuya Restaurant is average. Hida Beef in general is expensive, but the same dishes at Hidatakayama Kyoya provided much better value for the same price. In saying this, if we were to also compare the customer service experience of both restaurants, Suzuya’s was outstanding.
All in all, your perception of value for money comes down to what you care more about; good value food or good value service. For me, food is the winner and I would have loved to see a few extra goodies – particularly a side dish of seasonal mountain veggies added to the set meals – in order to feel like I got the most value out of the dish.
city nestled between vast mountain ranges and steeped in well-preserved antiquity, Takayama is a charming town for those seeking to experience a traditional getaway.
With its pretty riverside setting and architecture dating back to the Edo and Meiji eras, many have compared Takayama to the likes of Kyoto – a city renowned for its cultural and historical significance. Kyoto represents life in the old capital, preserving the refined styles and traditions of well-known Japanese practices such as kaiseki meals, geisha customs, and ancient Imperial Court life. As opposed to its famous tourist-heavy moniker, Takayama offers a low-key, rustic experience of old Japan developed from its feudal history and its important agricultural roots.
What whispers of the past does Takayama hold to inspire our sense of exploration?
Thanks to its isolated geographical location from other major cities and their influences, Takayama will amaze you with its bountiful nature spots, mouth-watering gourmet food, and homegrown sense of cultural identity cultivated for over 300 years.
What to do
akayama has an abundance of museums and local attractions just waiting to be discovered on foot.
Whether you are stopping by on a day trip or staying overnight, here are some highlights of our personal favourites:
Old Township (Furui-machi-nami)
n absolute must-see in Takayama, the Old Township is a preserved cluster of period establishments dating back between the 17th and the 19th century.
It is centered around the Sanmachi-Suji district area, a collection of three main streets (Ichi-no-machi, Ni-no-machi, and San-no-machi) that are linked by the flowing rivers that run through the town.
As you listen to the soft running of the water, you’ll discover alleys of latticed bay
windows and traditional wooden storefronts adding to the timeless feeling that still lingers in the area. Strolling through each street you can find plenty of eateries, shopping, sake breweries, museums, and plenty of examples of old merchants’ houses, traditional inns, and private houses.
Accessing the district will also allow you to walk on the iconic red bridge over Miyagama River, making it truly feel like you have crossed over into another time and space.
Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine
here are many shrines in Takayama but one of the oldest is the Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine and dedicated to the deity Hachiman.
Hachiman has a strong spiritual relationship with Shintoism and Buddhism and is believed to be the divine protector of Japan, its people, and the Imperial Family.
During ancient times, many samurai also worshiped him and peasants worshiped Hachiman as the god of agriculture.
If you happen to visit during Autumn you can also see the annual Chrysanthemum Festival (Bunkyo Kiku Matsuri) where displays of blooming Chrysanthemum flowers and flowering bonsai are on display. Chrysanthemums represent longevity, rejuvenation, and the Imperial Family in Japan.
Takayama Yatai Kaikan (Takayama Festival Float Exhibition Hall)
uring the city’s famous Takayama Festival, giant intricately decorated floats called “yatai” are paraded through the city and the Takayama Yatai Kaikan is where you can view and learn more about these stunning works of art.
The yatai used during the Takayama festival are a type called “dashi” which have a strong tie to the folk belief of spirits living within the plants, rocks, and nature of the mountains. These yatai floats were built for these spirits as they were thought to be holy, descended from the heavens. Thus, these yatai are made to resemble
mountains to worship these divine beings. The yatai displayed at Takayama Yatai Kaikan are hundreds of years old and the floats used for the autumn Takayama Festival are rotated three times a year.
When purchasing an admission ticket, you can also receive an audio guide in English to further explain the cultural and historical value these amazing floats have. Being situated within the grounds of the Hachiman Shrine, you may also see a Miko-san (Japanese shrine maiden) stationed at the reception desks and gift store areas.
Sakurayama Nikkokan
ith your pass into the Takayama Yatai Kaikan you will also be granted free entry into the Sakurayama Nikkokan next door.
The Sakurayama Nikkokan features a dazzling, highly detailed recreation of the Toshogu Shrine in Nikko built at 1/10th of the scale, as well as other models of famous religious buildings throughout Japan. All the intricate detailing in the ornaments, carving, and paintings have been replicated precariously by famed
carpenters from the Taisho Era and took 15 years to complete.
Though it may seem a bit strange to see a famous cultural site from Nikko being displayed in a totally different prefecture, the craftsmanship of these models and the yatai next door showcases the impressive handiwork of Takayama’s famous artisans. Also to note, the woodwork and the techniques in weaving and dyeing that go into constructing the yatai is so exquisite that it is often compared to the Yomeimon Gate of Nikko’s Toshogu Shrine – one of the most beautiful gates in Japan.
Nikko Toshogu Shrine’s Yomeimon Gate
Hida Folk Village
he Hida Folk Village is an open-air museum built along a picturesque hillside featuring thatched wooden houses, shrines, and other historical representations of what Hida Province looked like in the past.
The thatched-roofed houses called “gassho-zukuri farmhouses” date back during the Edo era (1603 – 1867) and have been kept in their original conditions. They were moved to the Hida Folk Village from Shirakawago, an area famous for their gassho-zukuri farmhouses and have received World Heritage status.
You can see many folk artifacts on display showcasing life in the past mountain farming village and demonstrations of local crafts like Hida lacquer, weaving, and dyeing. You can also participate in traditional craft-making such as sashiko quilting and straw craft at the cultural centres.
For those who are unable to visit the World Heritage Site Shirakawago, the Hida Folk Village is a good alternative to still experience the golden days of Edo period farm life.
akayama’s morning market is made up of two local markets; one in front of the Takayama Jinya Shrine and the other along the Miyagawa River. It is said to be one of the biggest morning markets in Japan and a great place for locals and tourists to interact. Shops sell everything from fresh vegetables, dried fruit, spices, Japanese sweets, crafts, and local souvenirs.
The Takayama Jinya Shrine market has a particularly interesting background. Started more than 300 years ago it began with silk farmers selling mulberry tree leaves. To this day, farmers are the only ones permitted to open stalls here. The markets are opened daily and it is best to visit around 6AM to soak up the energetic atmosphere of the stalls being set up for the day.
or all lovers of Japanese pop culture, the pop art aesthetics that became mainstream during the Showa period (1926 – 1989) are memorialized through some of the period’s most iconic symbols such as comic book characters like Astro Boy, early idols and propaganda memorabilia.
The Takayama Showa-kan Museum leaves visitors with the perfect impression of what makes this retro style so unique; the fusion of Japanese aesthetics with
American influences.
From the vintage candy and toy store at the front to the perfect recreation of the 1950’s retro streets at the back, the Takayama Showa-kan Museum allows you to enjoy the nostalgia of postwar Japan as you explore through their highly decorated rooms.
The rooms depict different settings inspired by the year 1955 including the street front alley, movie theatre, barbershop, video game corner, general store, and more!
f you are lucky enough to witness the Takayama Festival, you may have seen puppet performances on top of the giant yatai floats parading through the streets.
These puppets are called karakuri puppets – mechanised moving marionettes with gears, levers, and strings – that emerged during the Sengoku Period after the introduction of European clock-making to Japan.
These puppets are used in puppetry performances doing tricks or retelling folk stories as a form of entertainment, especially during the height of its popularity during the Edo Era. The concealment of any gears and mechanics as well as the
puppeteer hidden behind stage platforms gives the impression that these puppets are moving by themselves.
Luckily, you don’t have to wait for the next Takayama Festival to see these puppets in action as the Karakuri Museum holds performances every 30 minutes. Seeing them perform and understanding their craftsmanship is impressive considering this is a time before the modern inventions of robots and AI.
The museum also showcases an impressive collection of over 200 lion dance masks called “shishimai” from all over Japan.
rom restaurant establishments with long culinary histories to humble street food fanfare, Takayama’s local food scene gives you the best of what the mountain region has to offer.
eing located in the mountains producing clean spring water and high altitudes of fertile soil, Takayama is home to some of the freshest fruit and vegetables including mountain vegetables called “sansai,” root vegetables, peaches, apples, and melons.
Tomatoes and spinach are also the most popular vegetables grown in this region. The tomatoes are said to be incredibly sweet and the local spinach has no bitter taste.
popular dish in Takayama is Wasakana or river fish marinated in sweet soy sauce or salted and grilled.
You can eat it as a side dish with rice or a topping in your noodle soup and these river fish are usually of two kinds of river trout, Ayu and Iwana.
Pickled Vegetables
eing plentiful with vegetables, Takayama has many varieties of pickled vegetables.
The local specialty is pickled red turnips called “Aka kabu zuke” and
are crunchy in texture with a slightly sour-salty taste. This iconic purplish-red turnip is mainly grown in the Takayama area and is called “Hida beni kabu.”
he people of Takayama did not only use the plants found in the mountain forests for solely woodwork but also infused this with their local cuisine as well.
The Japanese magnolia tree grows abundantly in the mountainous areas of the Gifu prefecture and is not widely found throughout Japan. Collected in the autumn it has a delicate fragrance and is used in cooking as a layer for flavour when grilling meat or wrapped around mochi and sushi.
Hida Beef on top of a Houba Leaf
Local Sake
akayama’s location in the Japan Alps makes it ideal for sake production and at its peak as a castle town, there were more than 60 sake breweries in Takayama.
The rice produced in Takayama is called “Hida-Homare” rice and is said to have the
five taste elements of sweetness, spiciness, sourness, astringency, and bitterness.
Today, only 7 sake breweries still remain in the old town district and are hundreds of years old.
However, the most famous event and one of the country’s most beloved festivals is the Takayama Festival.
Takayama Festival
he Takayama Festival is held twice a year to celebrate spring and autumn and is ranked as one of Japan’s three most beautiful festivals making it on UNESCO’s Intangible Heritage List.
During each festival, the giant yatai floats are pulled through the streets and you can see Karakuri puppet doll performances and a Mikoshi Procession. It is said the
mikoshi shrine carriage contains the celebrated shrine’s deity and only leaves the shrine for the festival. There is also an evening festival for night festivities.
Seeing the festival floats during the lavish parade is a truly spectacular sight and each yatai float displays the wealth and skills of the area it comes from in the Takayama area.
Spring Takayama Festival
he spring festival is held in the southern part of Takyama’s Old Township on April 14 – 15.
It is sometimes called Sanno Festival as it is celebrated around the
Hie Shrine also known as “Sanno-sama.” The shrine is dedicated to family safety.
The spring festival is to pray for a good harvest and the coming of spring.
he autumn festival is celebrated at the northern end of Takayama’s Old Township on October 9-10 and is also known by another name, Hachiman Festival, as it is celebrated around Hachiman Shrine.
The shrine’s god, Hachiman, is the divinity of archery and war but is also worshiped
for good agriculture and fishing.
The autumn festival is celebrated as an extravagant way to show thanks for the year’s harvest.
or an affordable and comfortable stay in Takayama, we recommend K’s House Takayama.
It is a hostel-style accommodation with simple furnishings in the rooms and amenities such as laundry service, shared kitchenette, and bike rental available.
What surprised us was the very comfy furnishings in the common room areas styled
in a traditional Japanese aesthetic that you can enjoy during your stay.
It’s a great place to stay whether you are the kind of traveller who wants the freedom to do things at your own pace, or get friendly with the locals and chat with the friendly hotel staff and other fellow travellers.
Take the JR Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo to Toyama and then at Toyama Station take the JR Hida limited express train to Takayama.
The journey from Tokyo to Toyama by bullet train will take 4-5 hours and costs ¥15,500 one way. From Toyama to Takayama it will take a further 1 hour and 40 minutes and costs ¥3,420.
By Bullet Train from Tokyo via Nagoya
Take the JR Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Nagoya Station and transfer to the JR Hida limited express train to Takayama.
The bullet train ride takes 1 hour and 40 minutes and costs ¥11,090 and the limited express train will take 2 and a half hours and costs ¥6,140.
By Highway Bus from Tokyo
From Shinjuku’s largest bus terminal called “Busta Shinjuku” take the highway bus operated by Keio and Nohi Bus directly to Hida-Takayama.
If you take a plane, you have the option of two airports:
Via Toyama airport
You will need to start at Toyama Airport and take a Toyama Airport limousine bus to Toyama Eki Mae. From Toyama Eki Mae bus stop, walk to Toyama Station and take the JR Hida limited express train to Takayama.
The whole bus and train journey will take roughly 2 hours and 40 minutes and costs roughly ¥4,000.
Via Matsumoto airport
You will need to start at Matsumoto Airport and take the Matsumoto Airport limousine bus to Matsumoto Bus Terminal.
From Matsumoto Bus Terminal bus stop you will need to take an express highway bus to Takayama Nohi Bus Center run by ALPICO GROUP. You can book online the express bus from Matsumoto to Takayama in English, too.
By car
You can easily drive from Tokyo to Takayama which will take 4.5 – 5 hours or you can hire a car at Toyama Airport like we did and it will only take 1 hour and 40 minutes. We rented our car via Nippon Rental.
Known for its local cuisine, a trip to Takayama just wouldn’t be complete without sampling much of the delicious food that is on offer!
Rich in traditional restaurants, copious street food vendors and uniquely local cuisine that spans centuries of historical development, food is central to Takayama and a point of pride for its locals.
Read on for the best local foods Takayama has to offer:
#1 Hida Beef
When it comes to Wagyu (Japanese Beef), the first thing that pops into your mind is the notoriously famous Kobe Beef. But what if I told you there was another, juicier kind of beef to rival Kobe’s undisputed reputation?
Hida Beef is the Gifu Prefecture’s answer to deliciously juicy, mouth watering beef. But you might be wondering, how does Hida and it’s internationally famous cousin, Kobe beef, differ?
Hida beef originates from the mountainous north of the Gifu Prefecture in central Japan. To give Hida beef its signature taste, black haired Japanese cattle are fattened by an accredited producer for at least 14 months. To be called “Hida Beef” the beef must receive a quality grade of 3, 4 or 5 from the Japan Meat Grading Association. This, combined with the clean spring water from the central Japanese alps contributes to the quality of Hida Beef.
As a result, Hida beef has a larger amount of shimofuri (fat marbling) than Kobe beef, making it juicer and more tender, providing a true melt-in-mouth delight for your taste buds. In contrast, Kobe beef aims for a balance between akami (red leaner meat) and Shimofuri (fat marbling).
There are many ways to enjoy hida beef in Takayama but the two most popular are Yakiniku (Japanese BBQ) and as Hida Beef Nigiri.
Where to Eat Yakiniku Hida Beef: Suzuya
Located in a traditional house in Takayama old town, Suzuya Restaurant has been making Takayama local cuisine since 1961. Staff are really friendly and can speak English which is a bonus.
We ordered the Amiyaki Teisyoku, which was a set meal of high grade hida beef that came with rice and soup. The beef is cooked in front of you on your own personal charcoal BBQ.
Amiyaki Teisyoku: ¥3850
Where to Eat Hida Beef Nigiri: Sakaguchiya
With an impressive history, Sakaguchiya Restaurant was originally an inn that first opened its doors in 1907. Renowned in the area, many high prfile guests stayed there including the brothers of Emperor Heisei. In the mid Showa period, the inn opened a small sweets shop at the front of the building which was very popular among travelers in the Takayama area. It wasn’t until 1983, that the owners reinvented the inn as a restaurant and opened Sakaguchiya, selling local cuisine using local ingredients.
Pioneering the idea for the Hida Beef Nigiri, Sakauchiya serves their nigiri on a giant senbei (rice cracker) making it the ideal street food as you journey through Takayama old town. You can order your Hida Beef Nigiri cooked as you like (rare, medium rare or well done) and then eat the rice cracker after! A convenient and a zero waste solution.
Depending on how much you want to spend, you can also order different hida beef grades:
We tried both the Hida Gyu and the Premium hida beef sushi and we say go for the premium, where you’ll really get a sense of how tender and delicious hida beef can be. Don’t bother with the Hida Gyu.
#2 Houba Miso
A regional dish of the Gifu Prefecture, Houba miso involves cooking sweet miso with onions and other veggies such as shiitake mushrooms, on a houba (Japanese magnolia leaf) and cooked over a charcoal fire.
With its origins as a humble dish eaten by farmers during winter, houba miso was traditionally eaten as an accompaniment with rice due to the lack of food available during the colder months.
In more modern times, houba miso is most famously cooked and served with Hida Beef and is a definite must-try dish in Takayama – it is absolutely divine!
Where to Eat Houba Miso: Hidatakayama Kyoya
While we also tried Houba Miso at Suzuya Restaurant, the one at Hidatakayama Kyoya was a clear winner! Their houba miso was absolutely delicious and the perfect balance between sweet and salty. A definite must-try!
The restaurant is located in a restored Japanese country house that features traditional mid-19th century architecture, including exposed ceiling beams, tatami flooring and wooden lattice partitions. For more, read our full Hidatakayama Kyoya review.
Houba Miso Set Meal: ¥2000
#3 Handmade Soba Noodles
While soba is a Japanese noodle dish available all around Japan, what makes the soba at Takayama unique is that the area boasts the perfect climate conditions for producing top quality soba noodles.
With Takayama’s location being among the Japanese central alps, the cold temperatures and fresh spring waters from the surrounding mountains, makes it the perfect climate for producing it’s highly acclaimed soba noodles.
When ordering soba noodles from Takayama, we recommend you go for the dishes that also highlight the area’s local food, such as wild mountain veggies, hida beef or amago (mountain trout, local to the Gifu Prefecture).
Sansai Zaru Soba: ¥1350
Where to Eat Handmade Soba Noodles: Sumikyu
This restaurant caught our eye because of its status as a Michelin 2019 recommended restaurant in Takayama. Sumikyu have been hand making their soba for 4 generations! Soba noodles are prepared fresh daily and the restaurant closes as soon as the day’s soba is sold out! So get in quick. Between us, we tried both hot and cold soba.
The Sansai Zaru Soba, is a Michelin recommended dish at Sumikyu and was definitely a beautiful dish to behold.
Served cold, the soba noodles are presented on a large magnolia leaf and topped with a variety of traditional mountain vegetables local to Takayama and the Gifu Prefecture: fern, a variety of mushrooms & fungi, bamboo, greens, radish puree and a raw quail egg. To eat, mix together and then dip into the accompanying dashi sauce.
The Amago Soba, was also a delicious standout and featured a whole amago fish which was very sweet, wild mountain mushrooms and soba noodles in a hot and flavourful broth. Delish!
Amago Soba: ¥1450
#4 Mitarashi Dango & Gohei Mochi
Popular all over Japan, Mitarashi Dango is a sweet street food made by skewering round mochi on a stick and coating it in a sweet sesame sauce. Takayama however, serves its mitarashi dango differently.
In Takayama, Mitarashi dango is a savoury snack. Instead, the mochi is glazed with a savoury soy sauce and grilled over a hot fire. It is thought that this savoury version of dango is one of the very first preserved foods eaten in Japan, dating as far back as the Heinan period (10th century).
The second snack food, Gohei Mochi, is a very old and traditional Japanese snack, local to the Gifu prefecture. It is high calorie and rich, consisting of a pounded lump of white rice, skewered on a stick, dipped in a sweet walnut miso paste and grilled over an open fire. In Japan’s more historical times, Miso provided local farmers and people with a great source of warmth, comfort and important nutrients during Takayama’s long winters.
Where to Eat Gohei Mochi & Mitarashi Dango: Akebonya
Located in takayama old town, Akebonya sells both mitarashi dango and gohei mochi – we got one of each. If you have a chance, it’s a good idea to try mitarashi dango and gohei mochi
from a few different places as each shop has a rceipe for the sauce. The great thing about Akebonya is that they sell the sauce separately which you can also buy!
#5 Takayama Ramen
As you may have expected by now, even the ramen at Takayama is different!
Known by the locals as Chuka Soba for its thin and curly noodles similar to those used in Chinese cuisine, Takayama Ramen also differs in taste from traditional Japanese ramen as its soup base is made from bonito flakes and soy sauce. The dish is typically topped off with pork fillet, sprouts and fermented bamboo shoots. While there are plenty of places to eat Takayama ramen in Takayama, it’s important to know that each restaurant’s ramen tastes a little different, with owners adding their own spin to broths.
For the taste of tradition, try Nakatsubo. As the city’s oldest ramen shop, Nakatsubo is known for selling Takayama’s best Takayama Ramen. It’s both traditional and simple.
Other notable mentions include Mametengu Honten which is a family business that has been running for just over 70 years!
#6 Hida Gyuu Ootama Yaki
While on most Takayama food guides, you’ll find “hida gyuuman” listed we invite you to also try this fusion-esque alternative!
As one of the more unique street food’s in the area, the best way to describe hida gyuu ootama yaki is that it’s like a giant takoyaki with a mammoth filling. Inside, you’ll find hida beef, small prawns, a quail egg, sprouts and green onion.
Where to Hida Gyuu Ootama Yaki: 雑貨屋 木の実 (Zakka-ya Konomi)
We believe (but please correct us if we are wrong) that this is the only place that sells hida gyuu ootama yaki. It is by no means a ‘traditional’ food, but rather utilities Takayama’s local foods (such as hida beef) to create a unique and modern street food.
This is the shop’s original recipe so if you see it, be sure to try it!
hile the Gifu Prefecture is home to well known cities such as Shirakawago and Takayama, another lesser known but arguably as beautiful city is Nakatsugawa; home to the scenic natural beauty of waterfalls, gorges, colourful momiji, historic culture, striking traditional villages, hiking trails (including the famous Nakasendo trail) and copious camping grounds.
Tucked away inside Nakatsugawa city is Yumori Park, known as an outdoor lover’s paradise. A peaceful getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city life, visiting Yumori Park in autumn is strikingly beautiful. The surrounding natural landscape is a sea of changing leaves, a mix of dark green pine trees with orange and gold ginko trees interwoven with the bright red gradients of the Japanese Momiji.
Visiting in autumn tourists and locals alike can experience the Yumori Momiji Festival, which brings together in celebration local crafts, food, produce, music and more.
Home to the legend of the white dragon and 5 impressive waterfalls, let’s explore all there is to know about Yumori Park.
What To See
Ryujin no Taki Waterfall
hile Yumori Nature Park boasts 5 waterfalls within it’s parklands, the Ryujin no Taki Waterfall is by far the most famous and the highlight of the park.
One of 50 famous waterfalls in the Gifu prefecture, the Ryujin no Taki Waterfall is known for its clear blue water that changes colours as the sunlight shifts throughout the day. It’s quite normal to see the waters change from crystal clear aqua, to turquoise to a deep emerald blue.
Carving it’s way through a mountain gorge, the pristine waters cascade rhythmically down the mountain. The waterfall itself can be viewed from numerous viewpoints along a wooden walkway that guides you through the pristine natural landscape of the gorge. Make sure you bring your camera – there are stunning photo opportunities along the way.
The place is just as beautiful as the photos online, and while the waterfall can be a little tricky to find at first, the most obvious walkway entrance can be found just beyond Yumori Shrine.
Not only are the falls beautiful, they are also home to local folklore. The waterfall itself is named after Ryujn, the god of the dragons and ruler of the seas.
Typically residing in a palace at the bottom of the ocean, Ryujin is known to control the tides with magical jewels and can take human form to visit the surface. According to the legends of the area, Ryujin appeared before local villagers at the Ryujin no Taki waterfall before rising up to the heavens. As Ryujin rose up to the heavens, he collided with the nearby mountains which caused him to lose many of his scales. As Ryujin’s scales fell from the heavens, they collided with the mountains and became the waterfall.
The clear – blue, mountain water of Ryujin no Taki Falls
Yumori Shrine
s you make your way along and up the path from the Ryujin falls, you’ll reach Yumori Shrine, built for worship of the dragon god, Ryujin. A cosy wooden shrine that overlooks the Ryujin falls, worshippers are invited to offer ema – wooden tablets – to pray for success or have their wishes granted.
The shrine was built for a very specific reason. As the legend goes, the nearby village was prone to flooding as the Kawaue river would frequently overflow its banks.
One of the times this occurred, the villagers found a rock inscribed with writing among the rice paddies.
Seeing the rock, the leader of the village believed it was the Dragon God and ordered for it to be enshrined at the waterfall as soon as possible. After a burglar took the rock from the mountains and threw it into the waterfall, the great white dragon appeared and rose to the heavens, causing a great storm that left the village in ruins. In order to pacify the dragon, the villagers built Yumori shrine to worship it.
Spot the Local Wildlife & Enjoy the Scenic Flora.
onsidered an outdoor lovers paradise, what most surprised us about Yumori Park and the Gifu prefecture in general, was the sheer amount of local wildlife.
In the Gifu Prefecture, you can try your luck at catching a glimpse of Japanese monkeys, serrows, rabbits and martens among the picturesque autumn flora.
Known for its rich natural environments, Gifu is often referred to as the prefecture of ‘Hizan Nosui’ as it is gifted with the Hida mountains and pure spring waters from the Southern Alps. Because of the prefecture’s diverse landscapes and climate, it is home to a variety of native animals and plants.
During our time at Yumori Park we were able to spot a Japanese Serrow leisurely bathing in the cool mountain water. So Cute!
A Japanese Serrow came out to say hello!
Scenic autumn foliage.
Momiji Bridge
urrounded by over 15,000 beautiful momiji trees, the quaint red arches of Yumori Park’s momiji bridge make for a picturesque photo opportunity in the heart of autumn.
Crossing the bridge, you can enjoy the autumn surroundings and relax among the soothing sounds of the clear blue natural spring water running underneath.
Things To Do
Go Fishing For Trout
From April to early November, the Yumori International Fishing area located within Yumori Park, allows tourists to wade ankle deep in the pristine mountain streams and try their hand at trout fishing!
Originating from the Central and Southern Alps, these waters are abundant with rainbow trout, eels and sometimes, you may even be able to catch ‘amago’ – a type of Japanese trout with red spots.
Yumori Park offers a wide range of fishing options, with the most unique experience being mountain stream fishing – that is, fishing among the flowing waters of the Kawaue River. For those that prefer not to get wet, there are numerous fishing ponds, where rods can be rented and fish can be caught all the while keeping you nice and dry. Fish can either be caught by hand or you can hire a fishing rod.
For those hiring a cabin in the Yumori Campgrounds, you are allowed to fish in the river waters near your campground, which are not accessible to the general public.
Fish can be grilled on nearby public BBQs or enjoy local trout dishes served at restaurants nearby. Some even allow you to grill the fish you have just caught.
he beauty of Yumori Park is especially prominent during autumn, where the changing leaves are on full display all around the park.
Every year during this time the Yumori Momiji Matsuri is held, where locals and tourists alike can sample fresh Nakatsugawa produce, local delicacies, crafty workshops, live music and more!
Autumn Craft Workshops
Yumori Momiji Festival offers a variety of workshops where you can make cute autumn themed crafts. At Viento Cafe in particular, for 500 yen you can make autumn crafts using wooden materials, forest decorations as well as Japanese ‘sampuru’ (fake food) of Japanese sweets in autumn themed imagery.
Collect all three stamps found in various locations around Yumori Park to win a prize/souvenir. Held from 10am to 4pm during the Yumori Momiji Matsuri.
Local schools decorated the park with artwork for the Momji Festival.
Things To eat
Gohei Mochi:
he Gifu region is probably one of the best places to try authentic Gohei Mochi. What is Gohei Mochi? Gohei Mochi is a very old and traditional Japanese snack, local to the Gifu prefecture. It was high calorie and rich, consisting of a pounded lump of white rice, skewered on a stick, dipped in a sweet walnut miso paste and grilled over an open fire.
While the exact history of the first Gohei Mochi is a little hazy, Gohei mochi is thought to have first appeared during the mid-Edo era.
As the gifu region and surrounding areas are mountainous, gohei mochi’s sweet sauce consists of ingredients found in the mountains, such as walnuts. Sometimes, hornet larvae was used to achieve a richer taste and add extra nutrients – BUT you don’t have to worry about your gohei mochi featuring that these days. Other ingredients like sugar, which are tougher to find in the mountainous regions of Gifu, were thought to have been accessible due to the important and famous Nakasendo trade route that passed through the Gifu Prefecture and connected Tokyo to Edo.
fter an afternoon of catching trout in Yumori Park’s International Fishing Area, you can enjoy your freshly caught fish for dinner!
Many local restaurants in the park offer fascilities where you can grill and enjoy your freshly caught fish with other local Japanese dishes.
If it’s just the trout you want to enjoy, you can grill your fish on one of the many BBQs by the river.
While we didn’t get the opportunity to enjoy fishing, one of the food stalls we passed was selling freshly grilled Yumori trout. Although only seasoned with salt, this was one of the most tastiest fish we ate during our trip!
How to Get to Yumori Park
By Car
As always, the easiest and most efficient way to get to Yumori Park is by car. Just a half hour drive from Nakatsugawa, the drive is both easy and scenic.
By Train
Getting to Yumori Park from Nakatsugawa Station is relatively simple. Catch the Chuo Train Line to Sakashita Station.
By Local Bus
From Sakashita Station, catch the Yumori Line bus and hop off at Yumorikoenguchi. It’s only a short 10 minute walk to the park entrance.
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