A Day in Hida Furukawa, the Setting for “Your Name”

Hida Furukawa: A Charming Town near Takayama in Gifu

The locations that appeared in the 2016 animated film “Your Name.” have become sacred places for lovers of the film. Hida Furukawa in Gifu is one of them.

In this article, we’ll introduce a stroll through the town of Hida Furukawa while introducing spots from the film. With streets that still retain its atmosphere from the olden times, it is here where you can take your time enjoying that very atmosphere.

Dye and Textiles Obora: Change into a Kimono

Upon arriving in the Japanese ambience of Hida Furukawa, we first recommend a kimono rental shop. Please try imagining it – walking in a townscape with Japanese-style buildings in traditional Japanese clothing; the Japanese on Japanese look is quite the combination!

You can take photos that’ll look great on social media and you’ll also be able to feel even more extraordinary.

Dye & Textiles Obora is Hida Furukawa’s only kimono rental shop. The wooden building is connected to the proprietress’ residence and she will also help dress you with her expert skills.

She dresses her customers in kimonos that are fitted to their own body shapes and will beautifully complete the look in a way that fits the individual.

You can also experience making the same handmade braided cords that the heroine Mitsuha made in the film inside the shop. Though it may require an additional fee, wouldn’t it be nice to try including this experience in your trip?

White Wall Storehouse District

Let’s go on a stroll once you’ve changed into your kimono!

Setogawa River and the White Wall Storehouse District is a sightseeing spot that you can’t miss in Hida Furukawa. Setogawa is an artificial waterway that was made in the Edo period (1603-1868). Every corner of the town is provided with water from this river.

As a result, waterwheels can be seen besides houses throughout Hida Furukawa.

In the White Wall Storehouse District are white storehouses, willow trees, and stone bridges that connect the riverbanks. These aspects accentuate the romantic atmosphere of this area.

The river, seen to be clearer than a water channel, previously had severe pollution.

However, due to an increase in awareness regarding environmental protection among the residents of the town, the town studied methods on maintaining clean water. Now, the water quality has transformed to be so clean that koi fish can be bred in the waters.

Furukawa Festival’s Okoshi-Daiko Drum

Next to the White Wall Storehouse District is where the Okoshi-Daiko (Rousing Drum) that is used in the Furukawa Festival, annually held on April 19th and 20th, is exhibited.

The Furukawa Festival, called one of Japan’s Top Three Semi-Naked Festivals, is where large Japanese taiko drums are played by sarashi-cloth wearing men as its sound resonates throughout the town.

For those who can’t participate in the Furukawa Festival, please step up onto this platform and try hitting the drum yourself. Your wish may come true if you hit the drum while yelling out your wish.

Lunch at Ajidokoro Furukawa: Another Spot From the Film!

The shop located to the right after leaving the Okoshi-Daiko area is the model for where the male protagonist of “Your Name.” ate gohei-mochi (skewered rice cake with sesame, miso, or soy sauce).

The resting area under the eaves of Ajidokoro Furukawa is very photogenic.

It would be a great idea to try taking a photo in the same pose he did in the film – try holding your gohei-mochi in one hand!

Once you’ve become hungry, let’s have the Hida Beef Curry (1,000 yen before tax), the Hida Beef Magnolia-Grilled Steak Set (2,500 yen before tax), or the Hida Furukawa Ramen (600 yen before tax).

This is a wonderful restaurant where you can fully enjoy delicious Hida beef.

The Three Temple Pilgrimage

The Three Temple Visit, a matchmaking event with over 300 years of history in Hida Furukawa, is annually held on the night of January 15th.

Young women wear kimonos to visit three temples – Enkoji Temple, Shinshuji Temple, and Honkoji Temple – and pray for a suitable match.

The sight of the snow candles being lit during the Three Temple Visit is a feature of Furukawa’s winter.

Of course, it’s also fine to visit these temples outside of January 15th. Visit these three temples, toss a coin in as an offering, and pray for love!

Rest at a Café or Find Local Sake Souvenirs

On this retro-like street are several wooden buildings that have been renovated into cafés and restaurants. After visiting the three temples, it would be great to enter your favorite café to rest.

There are delicious local sakes made in every region throughout Japan. Hida Furukawa also has a specialty Japanese sake unique to this area.

The Kuchikamizake (Mouth-Chewed Sake) that appears in the film is modeled after a sake that is sold here.

Gather Information at the Tourist Information Center

When you want to learn about detailed information or events, we recommend the tourist information center. Local volunteer staff are stationed at the information center while introduction pamphlets are available in every language.

You can also take a photo with a doll of Hida Cow, the mascot character of Hida, here.

What’s more, a world map is posted on the wall of the information center along with the question, “Where did you come from?” Let’s put a mark on the location of your hometown!

A Town That Will Satisfy Both Japanese Culture and Anime Lovers

Aside from the spots that we have introduced, Furukawa Station and Furukawa Library, both featured in “Your Name.”, are also located nearby.

Although it is a short distance from town, there are also many other places that lovers of the film won’t be able to resist like Keta Wakamiya Shrine, the home of the film’s heroine, and more.

However, we recommend a stroll through a town full of ambience if you want to fully enjoy Hida Furukawa. Why not visit the shrine in the morning and then enjoy a walk and pilgrimage through town in a kimono?

* This article was translated and revised from an article originally in Chinese.