[Gifu Prefecture] Travel through the world of picture books: Discover the original Japanese landscapes of Shirakawa-go, Shinhotaka, and Hida Village

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[Gifu Prefecture] Travel through the world of picture books: Discover the original Japanese landscapes of Shirakawa-go, Shinhotaka, and Hida Village

Shirakawa-go, with its rows of triangular-roofed houses reminiscent of fairy tales, Shinhotaka, with its magnificent views of the Northern Alps, and Hida Village, where you can experience the life of old Japan. Why not embark on a heartwarming journey to the Hida region, where nature and tradition live on, and encounter nostalgia and emotion?

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Travelex Tours Co., Ltd.

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We offer a variety of travel services, mainly in the Kanto area, that allow you to enjoy the charms of each season, such as skiing, fireworks festivals, and experience plans. In the summer, tours of famous fireworks festivals around Japan and unique experience programs in Tokyo are popular. In the winter, we offer all-inclusive ski tours by bus from the Kanto region to popular ski resorts in Nagano and Niigata! If you're looking for a special trip to Japan, we'll suggest the perfect plan for you.

To the "fairy tale world" that I longed for as a child

Do you remember seeing a small house with a triangular roof in a picture book as a child? Do you remember feeling warm inside at the sight of the house, standing alone in the snow with warm smoke rising from the chimney? In the Hida region of Gifu Prefecture, scenery reminiscent of a "fairy tale house" is still carefully preserved today.

[Gifu Prefecture] Travel through the world of picture books: Discover the original Japanese landscapes of Shirakawa-go, Shinhotaka, and Hida Village

This time, we will introduce three places where time flows gently and nostalgically: Shirakawa-go, a World Heritage Site; Shinhotaka, with its spectacular views of the Northern Alps; and Hida-no-Sato, where you can experience traditional Japanese life.

Book your winter tour here

Shirakawa-go

Shirakawa-go is registered as a World Heritage Site as one of Japan's leading gassho-style villages. The thatched roofs are called "gassho-style" because they resemble hands clasped together, and the traditional architecture is full of ingenuity that can only be found in areas with heavy snowfall.

[Gifu Prefecture] Travel through the world of picture books: Discover the original Japanese landscapes of Shirakawa-go, Shinhotaka, and Hida Village

Shirakawa-go is famous for its snowy winter scenery, but there are also many charming ways to enjoy it in spring, summer, and autumn.

In spring , the cherry blossoms bloom in full bloom, creating a beautiful contrast with the Gassho-style village. When the rice fields are filled with water, the buildings and mountains are reflected on the water's surface, creating an upside-down gassho effect that is popular for photography. You can also enjoy wildflowers while taking a stroll.

The cool climate in the summer makes it a popular summer getaway. You can take a walk and cool off in the stream that runs through the village. From late June to early July, there are also spots where you can watch the fantastic dancing fireflies. We also recommend taking the Hakusan Shirakawa-go White Road to enjoy the surrounding waterfalls and observation decks.

In autumn , the leaves turn red and yellow, creating a spectacular view of the mountains and the Gassho-style houses. You can also enjoy local autumn festivals and harvesting experiences, providing a great opportunity to experience traditional rural life. Cultural experiences such as crafting and making gohei mochi are also popular.

Gifu local food

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Gifu local food "Gohei mochi"
Experience making Gifu's local dish

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Experience making Gifu's local dish "Gohei mochi"

In winter , the roof is covered in snow, making it look like something out of a storybook. At night, the building is lit up, creating a magical sight.

[Gifu Prefecture] Travel through the world of picture books: Discover the original Japanese landscapes of Shirakawa-go, Shinhotaka, and Hida Village

In this village where people actually live, you can see traditional gassho-style houses and even go inside the old houses. You can also enjoy local cuisine such as Hida beef and hoba miso. You can also stay in a gassho-style guesthouse, eat meals around the hearth, and experience traditional life. It will be a valuable experience for children too.

[Gifu Prefecture] Travel through the world of picture books: Discover the original Japanese landscapes of Shirakawa-go, Shinhotaka, and Hida Village

Book your winter tour here

Shinhotaka

Shinhotaka is located in the northern part of Gifu Prefecture and is a popular tourist destination where you can experience the magnificent nature of the Northern Alps up close. In particular, the Shinhotaka Ropeway operates the only two-story gondola in Japan, and takes you straight up to an observation deck at an altitude of 2,156 meters. From the summit, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the magnificent mountains, including Mount Yari and the Hotaka mountain range, and beautiful scenery in every season.

[Gifu Prefecture] Travel through the world of picture books: Discover the original Japanese landscapes of Shirakawa-go, Shinhotaka, and Hida Village

The area offers a different view each season: fresh greenery in spring, alpine flowers in summer, vibrant autumn leaves in fall, and snow-covered mountains in winter. Shinhotaka Onsen is also nearby, making it a popular hot spring resort perfect for soothing the fatigue of mountain climbing and sightseeing. The mountain views from the open-air baths are exceptional, allowing you to spend a luxurious time at one with nature.

[Gifu Prefecture] Travel through the world of picture books: Discover the original Japanese landscapes of Shirakawa-go, Shinhotaka, and Hida Village

The magnificent view of the Northern Alps from the Shinhotaka Ropeway is truly spectacular. At an observation deck over 2,000 meters above sea level, you can have an extraordinary experience as if you were standing above the clouds. Why not experience the magnificent nature of the Northern Alps for yourself? Please come to Shinhotaka and experience its beauty for yourself.

Hida Village

Hida-no-Sato is an open-air museum in Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture, where traditional gassho-style houses and old folk houses from the Hida region have been relocated and preserved, allowing visitors to experience and observe rural life of the past. There are about 30 historical buildings, including thatched-roof gassho-style houses, as well as old farming tools and daily necessities.

On the premises, traditional gassho-style houses, water mills, and old farming tools are on display, and there are also plenty of hands-on programs such as papermaking and straw crafts. It's a fun place for families with children to learn about life in old Japan. In winter, the old houses covered in snow are lit up, creating a fantastical landscape.

[Gifu Prefecture] Travel through the world of picture books: Discover the original Japanese landscapes of Shirakawa-go, Shinhotaka, and Hida Village

Hida-no-Sato is a spot where you can learn more about the history and culture of the Hida region, and is a recommended tourist destination for history buffs, nature lovers, and families. We look forward to your visit.

Hida Takayama

Hida Takayama is a castle town that has existed since the Edo period, and developed around the castle ruins. In the area of the city known as "Sanmachi," old merchant and townhouses line the streets, and buildings with traditional white walls and lattice windows remain. This area is popular with tourists as "Takayama's Old Townscape," and you can feel the atmosphere of the Edo period just by walking around.

[Gifu Prefecture] Travel through the world of picture books: Discover the original Japanese landscapes of Shirakawa-go, Shinhotaka, and Hida Village

There are also many morning markets, local craft shops, traditional Japanese sweet shops, breweries, and more, so you can enjoy history and culture while strolling around. The Takayama Festival, held every season, is known as one of Japan's three most beautiful festivals, and its gorgeous floats and traditional performing arts are also highlights.

[Gifu Prefecture] Travel through the world of picture books: Discover the original Japanese landscapes of Shirakawa-go, Shinhotaka, and Hida Village

Hida Takayama is not only a historic town, but also a gourmet treasure trove where you can enjoy Hida beef steak, Hoba miso, and delicious dishes made with fresh local ingredients. You can also enjoy eating as you stroll around, making your travel memories even more enriching. Please come and spend a wonderful time that will satisfy both your heart and your stomach.

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Recommended gourmet food in Hida Takayama

    Hida beef is a brand of Japanese beef that represents Gifu Prefecture, and is characterized by its tender and juicy meat. It can be enjoyed in a variety of styles, including steak, sukiyaki, yakiniku, and nigiri sushi.
[Gifu Prefecture] Travel through the world of picture books: Discover the original Japanese landscapes of Shirakawa-go, Shinhotaka, and Hida Village
    Hoobamiso is a local dish in which miso, wild vegetables, and mushrooms are placed on a magnolia leaf and grilled. Magnolia leaves have antibacterial properties, and their fragrant aroma is transferred to the miso, making it even more delicious and appetizing.
PHOTO BY Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries<br>
PHOTO BY Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
    Takayama Ramen Takayama ramen is also called "Chuka soba" and in Hida Takayama, "soba" refers to this ramen. It is a dish that has taken root in the local life, and there is a custom of eating Chinese noodles as New Year's Eve soba.
[Gifu Prefecture] Travel through the world of picture books: Discover the original Japanese landscapes of Shirakawa-go, Shinhotaka, and Hida Village
    Mitarashi dango (dumplings with sweet and spicy soy sauce) is a popular Japanese sweet that can often be seen in the old streets of Hida Takayama. Freshly baked, chewy dumplings are coated in a sweet and spicy soy sauce sauce.
[Gifu Prefecture] Travel through the world of picture books: Discover the original Japanese landscapes of Shirakawa-go, Shinhotaka, and Hida Village
    Pickled Steak is a local dish from the Hida region. Pickled vegetables such as Chinese cabbage and Nozawana are grilled on a hot plate together with eggs. Although simple, it has a fragrant and delicious pickled flavor that spreads throughout your mouth, making it the perfect side dish for rice or a snack with alcohol. It is a dish that makes use of preserved foods unique to cold regions.
PHOTO BY Wikipedia<br>
PHOTO BY Wikipedia

Book your winter tour here

Enjoy nature and delicious food in the Hida region

The Hida region is full of charm in every season, but the snowy scenery in winter is particularly special. The Gassho-style houses of Shirakawa-go are enveloped in pure white snow, and when lit up at night, a fantastical world unfolds. The spectacular view of the snowy mountains seen from Shinhotaka also fascinates visitors. Tasting local cuisine such as Hida beef and Hoba miso in the cold will warm both body and soul. Why not make some wonderful memories in Hida this winter while enjoying the beauty of nature and delicious food? We look forward to seeing you!

Travelex Tours Co., Ltd.

We offer a variety of travel services, mainly in the Kanto area, that allow you to enjoy the charms of each season, such as skiing, fireworks festivals, and experience plans. In the summer, tours of famous fireworks festivals around Japan and unique experience programs in Tokyo are popular. In the winter, we offer all-inclusive ski tours by bus from the Kanto region to popular ski resorts in Nagano and Niigata! If you're looking for a special trip to Japan, we'll suggest the perfect plan for you.

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