Just 90 Minutes from Osaka! Highlights from Beautiful Ako City

Take The “Your Name” Tour! Enjoy Yourself In Hida Furukawa, Gifu

This service includes sponsored advertisements.
article thumbnail image

Known as the model for the film “Your Name”, Hida Furukawa in Gifu is now busy with visitors. There are also many other charms we’d like you to experience here. Change into a kimono and let’s embark onto a pilgrimage into this olden town!

Latest update :

Stroll Through the Elegant Townscape

White Wall Storehouse District

the old town of Hida Furukawa

Let’s go on a stroll once you’ve changed into your kimono! Setogawa 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. Every corner of the town is provided with water from this river.

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

the old town of 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 old town of Hida Furukawa

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

the old town of Hida Furukawa

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.

Ajidokoro Furukawa: Another Spot From the Film!

the old town of Hida Furukawa

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 a photo spot.

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!

the old town of Hida Furukawa

Once you’ve become hungry, let’s have the Hida Beef Curry (1000 yen before tax), the Hida Beef Magnolia-Grilled Steak Set (2500 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: Pray for a Suitable Match!

the old town of Hida Furukawa

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.

the old town of Hida Furukawa

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

the old town of Hida Furukawa

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.

the old town of Hida Furukawa

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

the old town of Hida Furukawa
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.

the old town of Hida Furukawa

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

the old town of Hida Furukawa

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

Take the “Your Name.” Pilgrimage! Enjoy Yourself in Hida Furukawa, webpu

Aside from the spots that we have introduced, Furukawa Station and Furukawa Library, both sacred places of “Your Name.”, are located nearby town. 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.

Read Also:

Sukiya Suehiro No Ie – An Antique Guest House In Hida Furukawa

Hida-Furukawa Satoyama Office: Stay In A 150 Year Old Japanese Home

Written by

Originally from Chiayi, Taiwan, I majored in history in university. I'm a history geek and otaku living in an old downtown area of Tokyo. I have worked as a journalist for a Taiwanese business magazine, public relations manager for Mos Burger Taiwan, and as a marketer of American skin products in Taiwan. Currently working as a freelance of writer. Visiting castles in my free time. As a storyteller, I only write about things that I saw, heard, and researched myself. Every word of my articles reflects what I personally thought and felt. If you have some time, do read some of my stories.
The information presented in this article is based on the time it was written. Note that there may be changes in the merchandise, services, and prices that have occurred after this article was published. Please contact the facility or facilities in this article directly before visiting. Some of our articles contain affiliate links. We kindly ask our readers to exercise careful judgement when making a purchase or booking a service online.