Japan’s Timeless Trails: Visit Gifu

Upon arrival at Chubu Centrair International Airport, take a train to Gifu City and check in at 18Rou (Zyuuhachiro) Ryokan. The day is free for exploration, with recommended visits to Kawahara-machi, known for its Edo-period architecture, and Gifu Castle, offering panoramic views from Mt. Kinka. If visiting in summer, enjoy Ukai, a traditional cormorant fishing performance on the Nagara River, followed by a Japanese-style dinner on a shared boat, providing a unique cultural experience. (D)

• Hotel Description

Your private guided tour starts with a visit to Seki City, renowned for its sword-making tradition, where you'll participate in a Japanese sword forging experience with a master at Sanshu. Next, enjoy a farm-to-table lunch at Warabee Land in Mino City, followed by a washi-making experience with a local craftsman. In the afternoon, you'll head to Ena City, where the day's tour concludes with check-in at Ryokan Ichikawa Hotel, leaving you free to relax for the evening. (B,L)

• Hotel Description

Today, you'll enjoy a private half-day guided trek along the historic Nakasendo Trail, starting with a visit to the Hiroshige Museum of Art to try traditional Ukiyo-e print-making. Afterwards, you'll take a train to Ochiai-juku Honjin, a former post town, before going on a two-and-a-half-hour trek through scenic mountain paths, forests, and preserved post towns. Lunch will be at Soba-dokoro Magomeya, where you'll enjoy soba noodles, followed by free time to explore Magome-juku, an Edo-period town with wooden buildings, shops, and beautiful countryside views. (B,L)

• Hotel Description

After breakfast, you'll travel to Tsumago-juku, a well-preserved Edo-era post town in Nagano, where you'll have free time to explore its historical streets and local shops. In the afternoon, a private car will take you to Gero City, renowned for its hot springs, where you'll check in at Suimeikan Hotel, a traditional ryokan with excellent onsen facilities. In the evening, you'll visit a local sake brewery for a tasting experience, learning about the brewing process and sampling a selection of locally produced sake. (B)

• Hotel Description

In the morning, you'll take the Limited Express train to Hida Furukawa, a charming town known for its traditional streets and canals filled with carp. A private guide will lead you through a Herb Tea Experience with local expert Hida Morino Megumi, where you'll learn about the region's medicinal herbs. After a locally sourced lunch at Busuitei OHAKO, you'll travel to Takayama. There, you'll visit the well-preserved Takayama Jinya government building and explore the historic Sanmachi-dori district. The tour concludes in the late afternoon, followed by check-in at Honjin Hiranoya Kachoan Hotel, with the evening free for exploration or relaxation. (B,L)

• Hotel Description

Today, you'll take an express bus to Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its Gassho-style farmhouses with steep thatched roofs. Upon arrival, visit the Shirakawa-go Observation Deck for panoramic views of the village, then explore Shirakawa Village, where you can visit museums, traditional houses, and local shops selling regional handicrafts. In the afternoon, you'll return to Takayama, with the rest of the day free to relax or explore at your own pace. (B)

• Hotel Description

On your final day, you will take the express train and local train (3 hours) from Takayama to Chubu Centrair International Airport. Please ensure you arrive at the airport with ample time for check-in and security procedures. (B)