Nakasendo Trail winds through the picturesque Kiso Valley, connecting the beautifully preserved villages of Magome and Tsumago places that feel frozen in time.
Experience authentic traditional landscapes, immerse yourself in stunning nature, and enjoy a hike that's as rewarding for the body as it is for the soul.

・Hike along the scenic Nakasendo Trail, surrounded by Japan's rural beauty and history
・Explore the charming post towns of Magome and Tsumago, rich in old-world atmosphere
・Savor a traditional Japanese-style lunch featuring regional delicacies, and connect with locals preserving the spirit of old Japa

Explore Kiso Valley : Magome - Tsumago Mountain Trail Walk

Embark on a scenic cycling tour through the charming streets of Tajimi, where you'll experience the perfect blend of local culture and history！
Visit the renowned Suigetsugama Kiln, established by Arakawa Toyozo, a leading figure in the world of pottery. Witness the traditional process of pottery-making, including clay preparation, shaping, and firing, all done by hand. The tour also includes a stop at Eihōji Temple, a National Treasure with two treasured buildings, and THE GROUND MINO, where you can enjoy works by contemporary ceramic artists. For lunch, choose between Tajimi's specialty eel or a traditional Japanese meal served on Mino ware.

 Cycling Tour at Tajimi Journey Through the History of Mino Ware

Why choose us? We offer an exclusive "One Group Per Day" private activity, meaning the entire river experience belongs only to you! No crowds, no rush—just pure adventure with your favorite people.

Led by Shintaro, a professional guide with 12 years of experience and expert rescue certifications (SRT/WFA), you'll tackle thrilling rapids in a magnificent canyon with total peace of mind. To top it off, we provide high-quality GoPro video footage of your splashes and smiles, delivered to your phone on the same day for free!

Don't just go rafting; create a VIP memory in Japan's beautiful nature. Book your private escape now!

Private Rafting Adventure on the Kiso River

Explore Shirakawa-go: Flexible Private Guided Tours for an Unforgettable Experience

Discover the enchanting village of Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its traditional Gassho-zukuri farmhouses. 

Our private guided tours are designed to accommodate travelers arriving by bus from Takayama, Kanazawa, or Toyama, with start times carefully aligned to their schedules. 

Choose from three flexible durations—2 hours, 3 hours, or 4 hours—allowing you to customize your visit according to your interests and availability.

Whether you're drawn to Shirakawa-go for its architectural beauty, rich history, or tranquil mountain scenery, this private guided tour offers the perfect balance of structure and flexibility. Book now for an unforgettable journey into Japan's cultural heritage!

Gifu: Private Guided Tour of Shirakawa-go

This Japanese cooking class offers a glimpse into everyday life in the Hida mountains. Instead of a studio kitchen, you're welcomed into a local home to cook dishes that families here have prepared for generations. You'll work with region-specific ingredients like aburae (egoma) and premium Hida rice, learn recipes rarely taught outside the area, and share a meal at the host's own table. It's an intimate, culture-rich experience that captures the real flavor of Hida - warm, personal, and authentically local.

Traditional Japanese Home Cooking Class in Hida with Locals

Have a good trip along the Nakasendo Trail in the Edo period with such a popular licensed English guide.

Nakasendo Trail is a route that connects Edo and Kyoto, where Samurai used to walk along this trail. It retains the views of ancient times and lets you feel like you are going on a samurai journey, so hiking on the Nakasendo trail is very popular among overseas tourists!

On the way to the trail, there are lots of sites that make you refresh. For example, Magome Pass, waterfalls, and Ichikokutochi Tatebachaya for resting place, which changes their atmosphere depending on the seasons.

Full Day Private Tour Magome to Tsumago

Experience Japan's greatest battle at Sekigahara from the perspective of the samurai.

A local guide will lead you to key sites like Ishida Mitsunari's and Tokugawa Ieyasu's camps, explaining the strategies and stories of the warriors in an easy-to-understand way. Stand at reconstructed camps, memorials, and vantage points to feel the battle's intensity firsthand.

You'll also visit the modern, multilingual Gifu Sekigahara Battlefield Memorial Museum, designed to help international visitors grasp the full story. This isn't just sightseeing — it's a unique chance to truly feel history come alive.

Gifu: Sekigahara Samurai Battlefields & Museum Guided Tour

Discover the hidden nightlife of southern Gifu with a local guide who takes you to two carefully selected izakayas in cities such as Gifu, Ogaki, Tajimi, or Kakamigahara. Unlike typical tourist areas, these are real neighborhood spots where locals gather to eat, drink, and unwind. At each stop, enjoy ¥1,500 worth of food and drinks included (¥3,000 total), so you can relax without worrying about ordering or costs. Your guide will tailor the experience to your preferences, help with menu translation, and introduce local dishes and drinks. This is not a standard bar crawl, but a flexible and authentic night out in places you would not find on your own, just a short trip from Nagoya.

Nagoya: Choose Your City – Hidden Local Izakaya Tour in Gifu

Explore the Yōrō Site of Reversible Destiny, a unique open-air artwork that invites you to engage with art in a profound way. Created by renowned artists Arakawa Shūsaku and Madeline Gins, this immersive park challenges perceptions with its undulating hills, tilted structures, and disorienting pathways. As you walk through this vibrant, interactive environment, each step becomes a reflection on space, movement, and existence itself. With guided insights into the philosophy behind this experimental site, you'll leave with a deeper understanding of how art and life intertwine.

- Experience a 1.5-hour or 2.5-hour guided tour tailored to your schedule
- Engage with a unique artistic environment that combines playfulness and philosophy
- Learn about the intentions of the artists with an expert guide
- Convenient transport included for the longer tour from Ōgaki Station

Gifu: Yoro Unforgettable Walkable Artwork

Discover the intriguing legacy of Seki, a city renowned for its exceptional sword-making craft that has evolved over centuries. This immersive tour delves into the history of Japanese swords, exploring the traditional forging techniques that have shaped both samurai swords and contemporary cutting tools. Participants will gain insight into the artistry behind Seki blades, from their historical significance to their modern adaptations in kitchen knives and other tools. Conclude the tour by browsing a diverse selection of locally crafted items, with expert guidance available for those looking to find the perfect blade for their needs.

- Explore the rich history of Japanese sword-making in Seki
- Learn about traditional forging techniques and their modern applications
- View and compare a variety of Seki-made blades and tools
- Receive expert advice on selecting the right knife or tool for your needs

Seki: Samurai Sword Legacy and Japanese Blade Craft

Discover the charm of Magome-juku, a preserved post town on the Nakasendo route, where history and culture intertwine. This walking tour allows you to step back in time and explore the picturesque, stone-paved paths that once served Edo-period travelers. Learn about the significance of Magome as a support town for weary travelers, from its historic buildings to its strategic location amidst the mountains. Your expert guide will share captivating stories about the challenges faced on the Nakasendo, the authority of the Tokugawa shogunate, and the vital role of post towns in Japan's travel network.

- Walk along the original Nakasendo highway and explore Magome's historic streets.
- Gain insights into Edo-period travel and the significance of post towns.
- Enjoy time to taste local food recommendations from your guide.
- Experience a scenic viewpoint offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

Magome: Historic Nakasendo Post Town Walking Tour

Explore the rich history of Japan on this 2-hour guided tour in Ōgaki, visiting the iconic Ōgaki Castle and the Ōgaki City Local History Museum. Discover the samurai spirit and the pivotal events that shaped the city, from the legendary Battle of Sekigahara to the cultural blossoming of the Edo period. The tour offers insightful narratives about the castle's strategic significance and the flourishing life under the Toda clan's rule, featuring artifacts that reveal the duality of war and peace in the region.

- Immerse yourself in the history of Ōgaki, a vital cultural hub
- Visit the important Ōgaki Castle and learn about its role in Japanese history
- Gain insights at the Ōgaki City Local History Museum showcasing local artifacts
- Convenient pick-up available from Ōgaki Station for easy access

Gifu: Samurai Legends at Ōgaki Castle and History Museum

Discover the spiritual heart of Japan at Tanikumi-san Kegon-ji Temple, a revered site in Ibigawa, Gifu Prefecture. This 1.5-hour guided tour immerses you in the rich traditions of Kannon worship and pilgrimage that have flourished for over a millennium. As you explore the temple grounds, learn about the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage, meet pilgrims, and witness the vibrant culture surrounding this sacred space. The tour offers insights into the lives touched by Kannon's compassion, along with the harmonious beauty of the seasonal landscapes that frame the temple. A visit to Kegon-ji promises a profound connection to Japan's spiritual and cultural heritage. 

- 1.5-hour guided tour of Kegon-ji Temple, a spiritual landmark
- Explore the traditions of Kannon worship and the Saigoku Pilgrimage
- Experience the cultural atmosphere with local shops and seasonal beauty
- Gain insights into the temple's history and the lives it touches

Gifu: Pilgrimage Journey to Tanikumi Kegon-ji Temple

Explore the rich heritage of Mino ware on this immersive walking tour in Tajimi, Japan. Begin at Gallery Voice, a cultural hub showcasing contemporary ceramic art while learning about the evolution of Mino ware from its medieval roots to modern interpretations. Then, stroll down Oribe Street, visiting local pottery shops where you can feel the textures and weight of the ceramics firsthand, bridging the gap between art and functionality. Engage with artisans' insights as you select unique pieces that reflect both tradition and contemporary sensibilities. This tour offers a deep dive into a living craft, revealing the artistry that shapes daily life in Tajimi.

- Discover the history and evolution of Mino ware ceramics
- Visit Gallery Voice for contemporary ceramic exhibitions
- Explore Oribe Street and engage with local pottery shops
- Touch and appreciate the craftsmanship of functional art pieces

Gifu: Mino Ware Journey Along Tajimi's Oribe Street

Iwamura, a former castle town in Gifu Prefecture, offers a unique walking tour that delves into the intellectual heritage of Japan, particularly through the lens of Confucian scholar Sato Issai. This tour takes you through Iwamura's historically rich townscape, showcasing its traditional architecture and the influence of Issai's teachings on everyday life. Discover the carefully planned streets, merchant houses, and the significance of the namako walls that evoke nostalgia. Engaging with the town's plaques displaying Issai's sayings, you'll find that his philosophy is interwoven with the local landscape, making Iwamura an essential visit for those interested in Japan's cultural roots.

- Explore the historical townscape of Iwamura, a former castle town
- Learn about Sato Issai and his lasting impact on Japanese thought
- Walk through beautifully preserved streets lined with traditional architecture
- Experience a blend of history and philosophy in a unique cultural setting

Things to do in Gifu Prefecture