Sights

Sogi-sui (Sogi spring)
Sogi-sui, also known as Hakuun-sui, is a famous spring renowned for it's delicious and pure water. In fact, out of Japan's top one hundred springs (known as the Meisui 100) this one was the first to be chosen. Many years ago some poets from the Tanaka style of poetry lived near this source. Their names were Renka Soshigi and Iio Sohgi. Eventually, the spring became known as the Sogi spring (Sogi-sui).

Gujo Hachiman Castle

Gujo Hachiman Castle This castle was used as the residence of the local lord. In the 8th Showa era, the castle tower (known as the Tenshu-Kaku) was rebuilt with 5 stories. This beautiful castle has been designated as an important cultural and historical asset for Gifu Prefecture.

Igawa-Komichi

Igawa-Komichi This heritage road is a beautiful walk located near the old town hall. . A small road follows a quaint water way filled with Carp fish. Infact, it has received awards from the government because of it's unique beauty.

Events

Gujo-odori (traditional summer dance)

Gujo-odori (traditional summer dance) The Gujo Odori, a highlight of the summer, is a 400 year old traditional dance that has been designated as a national cultural asset. During the Urabone week, from August 13th to 16th, a daily combined total of about 100 000 people dance until 5am.

Gujo Spring Festival

Gujo Spring Festival The Spring Festival tells us "spring has finally arrived".During the festival we can enjoy a traditional sacred dance known as the Kagura. The Kagura takes place at the Kishi-turugi shrine, Hiyoshi shrine and Hachiman shrine.

Gujo Honzome Kanzarashi (dyed cloth bleaching in the river)
This event starts in winter time in the Yoshida river and carries through to spring. Large rectangles of cloth with colorful dyed shapes of carp are floated in the river. The designer of these shapes is Mr. Shokichi Watanabe who is also recognized as an important part of Japanese culture.

Local Specialties
Dyed cloth
Gujo Ayu
Gujo pongee

Sights

Field Museum of Kokin(classical Japanese literature)

Field Museum of Kokin(classical Japanese literature) This museum is constructed in such a way as to experience the beauties of nature. The museum contains much of the history of the To family (a local powerful family that once lived in Shinowake castle) and a memorial garden. It also contains a literature section with Tanka style poetry. A style that was also used by the To family. Next to the museum is a beautifully designed French restaurant called Momo-Chidori. The restaurant is a perfect way to end a day at the museum.

Kokin Road Station and Relaxation Plaza
This area is perfect for a rest during your travels. There is an ashiyu, which is a small hot water pool designed for soaking your feet. There is also an art gallery, communication center, bread bakery, yoghurt and ice cream shops and restaurants. The facilities promotes the hiring and advancement of young people and women.

Yamato Hot Springs

Yamato Hot Springs The hot springs are housed in a new and beautiful building that focuses not only on the hot pools, but also has health and beauty facilities. So, please relax and enjoy.

Events

Takigi-noh

Takigi-noh 　At the Myoken Shrine, near the museum, there is a Takigi-noh (a stage play with drama and music) which takes place every August 7th.

Nagara River Festival of Wishes
Nagara River Festival of Wishes On August 14th there is a large summer fireworks festival over the Nagara River. Each sponsor of the fireworks then makes a wish as the night sky is decorated with fire.

▼For more information about this event or others please call the Yamato Promotion Office
tel. 0575-88-2211

Sights

Amida Falls

Amida Falls At these falls we can walk right up to the point where the falls crash into the basin. Its as if the mist welcomes us to this beautiful spot.

The Great Cedar of Itoshiro

The Great Cedar of Itoshiro 　This cedar is 1800 years old and is designated as a natural monument. It is located at the entrance of the religiously important Hukusan Mt.trail.

Hakusan Cultural Museum
The museum introduces the local culture with four main themes: "White World", "Mountain World", "Connection of Mountain and the Town" and "Appreciation and Reverence to Hakusan".

Events

Shirotori Odori (dance)

Shirotori Odori (dance) The dance takes place at approximately the same time as the Gujo Odori,the end of July to the end of August. The dance is rich with culture and nostalgia, but it has more lively rhythms than the Gujo Odori, making it more popular with the younger people.

Muika Festival

Muika Festival On January 6th, at the Hakusan Nagataki Shrine, a great prayer festival is held for happiness and a bountiful harvest. During the festival the participants vigorously jump up and down, trying to grab the flowers hanging from the ceiling. The more flowers you grab, the better harvest and happiness you will have. And then an ancient dance called the "En-en" is performed. Again, this dance is culturally important and is designated as prefectural cultural asset.

Local Specialties
Pickled Japanese apricots with beefsteak plants
Baked Gujo rice cakes
Sweet corn

 

▼For more information about this event and others please call the Tourism Association of Shirotori.
tel. 0575-82-5900

Takasu is a tranquil town circled by mountains. A long time ago this town was closed to the rest of Japan during the winter due to the incredible amount of snowfall. Now, Takasu is a flourishing tourist town with a strong agricultural economy.

Sights

Skiing and Snowboarding
There are several mountains to choose from, each one well stocked with deep snow and state of the art equipment. Thanks to the easy access provided by the Tokai-Hokuriku highway, these mountains have become a popular winter destination for skiers and snowboarders alike.

Fauntain Park

Fauntain Park In the Hirugano Heights lies Fauntain Park. The beautiful forests and highlands are a source of pride to Takasu. A particular point of interest is the division created by Mt. Dainichi. A stream on this mountain splits into two streams. One runs to the Japan Sea via the Sho River and the other stream finds the Nagara River and the Pacific Ocean.

Marshlands

Marshlands Takasu has rich marshlands stocked with more than a hundred type of plants, some of which have continued for the last 10 000 years. Of particular beauty is the blooming of the Mizu flower. In fact,these marshlands mark the southern most location for the blossoming of these beautiful flowers.

Yunohira Hot Springs

Yunohira Hot Springs Takasu contains a variety of beautiful onsens, giving a beautiful view of the changing seasons. The Yunohira Springs are popular with skiers, climbers and tourists.These open air baths, called Roten Buro, are rich in hydrogen sodium carbonate. The result is soothing medicinal comfort for neuralgia and muscular pain.

Local Specialties

Takasu is known for its three "white industries". Snow is first big industry.The second is white radishes grown in Ueno and Akeno heights. The highlands create perfect conditions for delicious radishes making them popular in both the Tokai and Kansai areas. The third white industry is fresh, delicious milk. And, of course, the ice cream and cheese is delicious too. Although it is not considered one of the three white industries, Takasu's tofu is delicious. It is made with Gifu soybeans and the pure water of the Nagara River.A perfect dish for today's healthy consumer. All products are available at souvenir shops or roadside service areas along the Tokai-Hokuriku highway.

▼For more information about this event and others please call the Tourism Association of Takasu.
tel. 0575-72-5000

The Nagara River forms the spine of Minami. An especially beautiful part of the river is in the Natural Prefectural Park. In the summer time, the river is well stocked with fisherman and in the fall, the famous Ayu fish is harvested. Nearby, in the forests of Kayugawa, you can enjoy walking amidst hundred year old Japanese cedars.

Sights

The home town of Enku

The home town of Enku It has been estimated that Enku, the famous priest and woodcarver, was born at the southern side of Mt. Fukube. As a boy, he began his training at the sacred mountains of Ibuki and Hakusan. Later, in a desire to help people, he entered the Buddhist priesthood. Eventually, he was stationed at the Kayukawa Shrine in Minami. But, after receiving this position he visited shrines all over Japan and continued his wood carvings for his entire life.

Minami Onsen

If you take the Nagara River railway to the Kodakara-Onsen stop and walk just three steps, you will have made it to the Nihon Mannaka Onsen (Central Japan hotsprings). Here you can enjoy bathing in the open air baths surrounded by Japanese cypress trees, or enjoy the iron pot baths or saunas.

Kama (iron pot) Waterfall

Kama (iron pot) Waterfall This waterfall is call Kama because it is shaped like an iron pot.

Yatogafuchi

The next river beside Kama Falls has an unusually deep bend in it. This deep bend is called Yatogafuchi and it is part of a local legend. It is where Fujiwara Takamitsu, on orders from the emperor, was sent to destroy the monster who was killing the locals. It is said that the arrow he used to slay the monster was eventully stored in this deep bend of the river.

Sacred Cedar National Monument

Sacred Cedar National Monument This cedar tree is estimated to be over 1000 years old. It is 42 meters tall and 9.5 meters in circumference. It even has its own legend as to how a local hero, called Shunoh, planted the first branch.

Fukube Village

Fukube Village It is in these facilities that we can experience natural living.There are nine comfortable cottages equipped with kitchen and bathroom facilities. There are lots of activities to keep you occupied. Perhaps you would enjoy a game of golf, or would like to go fishing, or would just like to walk through the flower garden.

Events

Forest Festival

Forest Festival In May, there is a nature seminar. Groups of nature lovers spend time observing wild birds, trees, insects and flowers.

Local Specialties
Enku Sake
Enku Miso
paste
Minami Tea
Minami Konnyaku

▼For more information about this event and others please call the Minami Regional Promotion office
tel: 0575-79-3111

An interesting statistic about Wara Town is, according to the Ministry of Welfare, that average male life span is 80.6 years old, the longest in Japan. Also, Wara River has an interesting animal that looks like a large salamander and is known as the living.

 

Sights

Nenko Shrine

After the monster was killed by Fujiwara Takamitsu (see the Minami Town, 'Yatogafuchi' section for a brief description of the legend) it is said that the monster's skull was stored at this shrine.

Wara Riverside Campgrounds

If you are looking for a tranquil get-a-way in a camp setting, then maybe you should explore the Wara campgrounds. You can enjoy fishing or cooling off in the river on a hot day. It is comfortable and well equipped.

 Roadside Station and Sports Park

In these facilities you will find a collection of sports facilities, such as a multipurpose plaza, a kids play space, tennis court, along with the roadside amenities.

▼For more information about this event and others please call the Tourism Association of Wara.
tel.0575-77-2211