Japan
Let the spirit of adventure guide you as you uncover the hidden gems and unforgettable experiences that make Gifu Prefecture a destination like no other. Uncover awe-inspiring locations and exciting attractions across Gifu Prefecture, chosen by our community and tailored to you.
[PRIVATE TOUR] If you're seeking an authentic connection with a local family, this is for you! We are a warm, fun-loving family of four, deeply rooted in Takayama. Here, you won’t just learn to cook Japanese food—you’ll experience how locals live and savor life together. Our 200-year-old wooden townhouse stands on Old Town’s main street, yet stepping inside feels like entering a quiet world where time slows down. Its small quirks remind us of its beauty and history. We’ll welcome you with Japanese tea and snacks before guiding you in preparing a traditional meal in our kitchen. As we cook side by side, we’ll share stories of life in Takayama and living in harmony with nature and the seasons. Hisa and Bob pour their hearts into every class. This is more than a cooking lesson—it’s a moment of connection, culture, and feeling at home far from home. Feel free to write us your request on food or any restrictions, we are happy to accommodate as much as possible!
Experience the untouched beauty of mountain streams on this immersive river trekking tour in Takayama. Guided by certified experts from the Japan Mountain Guides Association, you’ll explore landscapes created by the eruption of the volcano while learning about the deep mountain culture that forms the roots of life in Takayama. One highlight of the tour is enjoying hand-dripped coffee, brewed using fresh spring water collected during the trek by a professional barista—an authentic taste of nature’s gifts. A locally sourced lunch of fresh sandwiches and soup is also included. Centered around the theme of “water,” this tour is ideal for adventure seekers, nature lovers, and culturally curious travelers who want to reconnect with the land and its traditions.
Go beyond a simple knife-sharpening or engraving workshop. Create your own full-size Damascus Japanese kitchen knife through polishing, hand-drawn blade design, etching, sharpening, and test cutting with guidance from a master craftsman with over 50 years of experience. Your handwritten name, message, symbol, or small artwork becomes part of the finished blade through the etching process. Your design is revealed together with the beautiful Damascus pattern. In Seki, one of Japan’s most historic Sword Town —you will complete your own Damascus kitchen knife, enjoy a local Japanese lunch, and discover the culture behind Japanese blades. Choose from Santoku, Gyuto, Nakiri, or Bunka, depending on availability. Each guest is guided step by step at their own pace, making the experience suitable even for beginners. At the end, test the sharpness of your finished knife on fresh vegetables and take home both your Damascus knife and a deeper appreciation of Seki’s blade-making tradition.
This facility is visitors can have an authentic samurai/ninja experience in the conveniently located historical city of Takayama in Gifu Prefecture. The store displays historical helmets, swords, and tea utensils that are important for learning about old Japan. Why don't you don a ninja costume, experience authentic ninja training, and learn about the natural history of Japan and the role of the ninja? Ninja Cafe Takayama is a facility that both adults and children can enjoy. Please visit us when you come to Nagoya, Gifu or Takayama.
This value-packed trip with a government-licensed and experienced multilingual tour guide is a fantastic and efficient way toexplore both of the ancient post towns! You can travel between Magome and Tsumago by infrequent direct bus. Nakasendo was one of the two highways during the Edo period connecting Tokyo with Kyoto, running through the Kiso Valley. Travelers at that time walked along the highway, stopping at "post towns" for rest. Some of those post towns have been well preserved and show tourists today exactly what Japan was like hundreds of years ago. Stunning forests, beautiful villages and traditions, we would love to recommend it to everyone interested in Japanese nature and history. This private tour is a walking day tour. A private vehicle is not included. Public transportation or local taxis may be used. Exact transportation costs can be discussed with the guide after a reservation is finalized. Please have Japanese Yen on hand for your transportation costs.
Hida-Osaka is situated 40 minutes south from Takayama, and 40 minutes north from Gero either by train or bus or car. It's the best choice for those who are looking for the off-the-beaten path in Japan. The frozen waterfall gets as big as 15 meters (50 feet) high and 5 meters (16 feet) wide. It starts forming in early November and will drop and disappear by the end of April. The local guide who knows the area better than anyone will take you to the waterfall in all its beauty. The trail is about total 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) and takes about 4. 5 hours round trip. It’s a complete snow trail which requires snowshoes and spikes. The trail starts at an altitude of 1,800 meters (5,900 feet). There, the air gets as cold as -20 ℃ (46 ℉), and the snow piles up as high as 2 meters (6.6 feet). Physical toughness and the ability to walk and stay outside in these conditions is necessary for this tour. During the tour, the guide will prepare a hot outdoor lunch.
This full-day tour explores Hida Takayama's Edo-period heritage with an English-speaking local guide, available by public transport or private vehicle. Begin in Sanmachi Suji, a preserved historic district of sake breweries, craft shops, and lattice-door houses. Continue to Takayama Jinya, the only surviving Edo Shogunate deputy's office in Japan, with its courtrooms and rice storehouses, then browse the riverside Miyagawa Morning Market for local snacks like Hida beef skewers and souvenirs. The tour concludes at Hida no Sato Folk Village Museum, an open-air museum of over 30 thatched-roof houses set against the Japanese Alps. All four stops sit within central Takayama, so the public-transport and private-vehicle versions cover the same sights—the private vehicle offers a more relaxed pace and shorter transfers, available as a paid upgrade. Local specialties like Hida beef can be enjoyed along the way at your own expense, and the itinerary can be adjusted within the allotted time.
While many Machiya buildings have lost their original appearance, our house still shows how life was in those days. Machiya architecture follows a certain format, and how each house pursued beauty within that format is quite different. Our townhouse was formerly run as an obstetrics and gynecology clinic. The combination of the main house and the clinic is very unique, and the strange harmony of the two is very beautiful. You will get to know the Machiya architecture and enjoy Japanese tea with seasonal fruits and sweets.
Dive into the heart of Takayama’s culinary scene with our 1-Day Foodie Tour, meticulously crafted for gourmands and culture enthusiasts alike. This tour is designed to offer you an authentic taste of Takayama, combining the city’s rich history with its delectable cuisine. Led by an experienced local guide, this journey will take you through the charming streets of the old town, where you’ll sample a variety of local specialties and learn about the traditions behind each dish. Nestled in the scenic mountains of central Japan, Takayama is renowned for its well-preserved Edo-period streets and exquisite local cuisine, including specialties like Hida Beef, Takayama Ramen, and Gohei Mochi. From the bustling morning markets to the quaint food stalls in the old town, this tour promises an unforgettable gastronomic adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or a curious traveler, our Takayama Foodie Tour offers a unique way to experience the flavors and culture of this historic town.
Walking tour with expert guide and multifacedet artist: I am the only foreigner expert guide living in Japan for almost 20 years, and living in Takayama for almost 10 years. I speak Italian, English and Japanese. More than 20 years in customer service and hospitality. Where and what: Takayama's downtown Sanmachi Suji, the old town of Takayama, with the traditional houses since Edo period and much more... I will present to you the best of this city within 30 minutes, from different aspects: Geography Economy Art & Culture History Local crafts, focal foods For the guide and the dear guests: All the expences such as drinks, food, tickets etc., must be covered by the dear guest, tour guide included. All expences other than the tour reservation fee, are considered as extras and are not included in this service. Help the guide improve, tips are welcome!
Gifu Prefecture is a vibrant region, rich with diverse cities each offering a unique blend of culture, history, and adventure. From bustling metropolises to charming towns, every city in Gifu Prefecture has its own story to tell and a distinct character to explore.Check out these popular cities throughout Gifu Prefecture.
