The Nakatsugawa, Ena, and Tajimi areas offer tourist attractions such as Tsujido, Hakusanjin, and Higashiyama Onsen; sightseeing events such as horseback archery, the Toki Mino Ware Festival, and Noryo Kabuki; and local gourmet foods such as sweetfish sweets, Tajimi Arare, and Hakusekikan beer.
Nakatsugawa and Magome are post towns along the Nakasendo Highway and are located in Gifu Prefecture. The scenery of the old inn towns still remains, and visitors can feel the historical atmosphere of the area. Hiking while viewing the inn towns surrounded by nature is one of the best parts of a trip to Nakatsugawa and Magome.
Nakatsugawa, which flourished as the entrance to the Kiso Road, is located in the southeastern part of Gifu Prefecture near the border with Nagano Prefecture. The water quality of the river is very clean and the contrast with the surrounding mountains makes for beautiful scenery, especially during the season of fresh greenery and autumn leaves.
Sutechikyo Gorge, located about 90 minutes by bus from Nakatsugawa Station, is so beautiful that it has been selected as one of the 100 best forest bathing forests in Japan and one of the 50 best water sources in Gifu Prefecture. Even in summer, it is cool enough to play in the river and camp, so there are many ways to enjoy the area in addition to hiking.
It is also known for its beautiful autumn foliage, which attracts many tourists every year with its beautiful contrast of red-colored trees, clear streams, and valleys.
Then, about one hour from Nakatsugawa, you will reach Magome. This is the hometown of Shimazaki Toson, a great writer, and the setting of his novel "Before Dawn. The streets have been preserved as they were in those days, and a stroll while enjoying the atmosphere of those days is exceptional.
The stone-paved streets are reminiscent of the Edo period, and after passing through the scenery of the inn town, there is an observatory from which you can enjoy a panoramic view of the beautiful mountains.
In addition, there are many facilities related to Shimazaki Toson in Magomejuku. Visitors can learn about Toson's footsteps and literature at Eishoji Temple, Toson Memorial Museum, and Shimizuya Museum.
There are also many gourmet spots around Magomejuku. Among them, the chestnut rice cooked with rice, which is described in the novel "Before Dawn," is a must-try. In addition, there are many restaurants where you can taste Gohei-mochi, a local dish of the Chubu region. The rice cake is served with sweet and spicy soy sauce and sesame sauce, making it a perfect accompaniment to a stroll around the area.
For those who are physically fit, hiking from Magomejuku to Tsumagojuku is recommended, an 8-km course that offers beautiful views of Gifu's mountains, including waterfalls and mountain passes along the way.
Why not visit Magome and Nakatsugawa, where the streets are full of historical atmosphere and the area is surrounded by rich nature?
Kokeizan Eihoji Temple is a temple of the Nanzenji branch of Rinzai Zen Buddhism, located in Tajimi City, Gifu Prefecture. Its mountain name, Kokeizan, means “Tiger Gorge Mountain” and is said to have been inspired by the resemblance of the surrounding valley to the scenery of Mount Lu in China. The temple garden is designated as a Place of Scenic Beauty by the Japanese government. Traditionally ...»
Magome-juku is a historic post town that flourished as the 43rd station along the Nakasendo, one of the Five Routes of the Edo period (1603–1868). Traditional teahouses, souvenir shops, and general stores line the sloping cobblestone streets, evoking the atmosphere of the days when travelers journeyed on foot between Edo, present-day Tokyo, and Kyoto. Visitors can stroll along the stone-paved slo...»
Ryujin Falls is an impressive waterfall with a drop of approximately 8 meters, located in Yumori Gorge in Gifu Prefecture. Its exceptionally clear water is listed among the 50 Famous Waters of Gifu Prefecture and is said to change color as many as seven times a day, shifting between shades of cobalt blue and emerald blue. A legend tells of a white dragon that once lived at the waterfall, adding t...»
Tsukechi Gorge, located in Nakatsugawa City, Gifu Prefecture, is a beautiful gorge near the headwaters of the Tsukechi River, a tributary of the Kiso River. Thanks to its exceptionally clear water, the river is also known as the “Blue River.” Flowing from the southern foothills of Mount Ontake, the Tsukechi River features numerous waterfalls of various sizes, including Fudo Falls and Takadaru Fall...»
Iwamura Castle is renowned as one of Japan’s Three Great Mountain Castles, alongside Takatori Castle in Nara Prefecture and Bitchu Matsuyama Castle in Okayama Prefecture. Originally built in the early Kamakura period, the castle is particularly famous for its association with Otsuya no Kata, an aunt of the powerful warlord Oda Nobunaga, who ruled the castle during the late Sengoku period. Built a...»
A Taste of Autumn with a Soft Texture and Rich Chestnut Aroma Kurikiinton is a traditional Japanese confectionery that represents the flavors of autumn in the Mino region of Gifu Prefecture. Made primarily from chestnuts, this delicacy is prized for its naturally sweet flavor, delicate aroma, and soft, crumbly texture. It has been enjoyed for generations, particularly around Nakatsugawa City, and...»
Ena Gorge is a scenic gorge in Gifu Prefecture, stretching across Ena City and Nakatsugawa City. Formed when the Kiso River was dammed, the area is known for its striking rock formations, dramatic cliffs, and beautiful natural scenery. Visitors can explore the gorge aboard sightseeing boats and admire unusual rock formations, including Shishi-iwa (Lion Rock) and Shinanoji-iwa, from close range. T...»
Nakatsugawa-juku was the 45th post station along the historic Nakasendo, one of the major roads connecting Edo (present-day Tokyo) with Kyoto during Japan’s Edo period (1603–1868). Strategically located along this important route, it flourished as one of the leading commercial centers in the eastern Mino region. Today, its historic streets retain the atmosphere of the Edo period, offering visitor...»
Ena Gorge is a beautiful scenic area along both banks of the Kiso River, surrounded by lush natural landscapes and dramatic rock formations. Its unusual cliffs and strangely shaped rocks create a striking landscape that can be best appreciated from the water. The Ena Gorge Sightseeing Cruise offers visitors an opportunity to enjoy the gorge's impressive scenery from a comfortable sightseeing boat...»
Gohei mochi is a traditional regional dish enjoyed in the Tono and Hida areas of Gifu Prefecture. It is made by mashing firmly cooked rice, shaping it around a skewer, and lightly grilling it over indirect heat. The rice is then coated with a sweet-and-savory sauce and grilled until beautifully browned and fragrant. Although the ingredients and preparation are simple, gohei mochi has a distinctiv...»
Hebo cuisine is a traditional rural specialty from the Nakatsugawa, Ena, and Tono areas of Gifu Prefecture. It is prepared using the larvae and pupae of wild ground-nesting bees, which are traditionally collected from their nests in autumn. For those trying it for the first time, the idea of eating bee larvae may be a little surprising. However, once tasted, their subtle sweetness and distinctive...»
A Fuji-Shaped Confection for the Doll Festival In Nakatsugawa City, Ena City, and the surrounding Tono region of Gifu Prefecture, karasumi refers not to the processed roe of the mullet fish, as it does elsewhere in Japan, but to a traditional Japanese confection made from rice flour. This local sweet has long been associated with Hinamatsuri, the Japanese Doll Festival, celebrated on March 3 to ...»
Anshin Pork is a specialty pork produced entirely at Fujii Farm, a small pig farm located on Kirigoe Plateau in Shirakawa Town, Gifu Prefecture. The name “Anshin” means “peace of mind” or “reassurance,” reflecting the farm’s commitment to careful animal husbandry and food quality....»
Kanten, also known as agar, is a traditional Japanese ingredient made from seaweed. In Yamaoka Town, now part of Ena City in Gifu Prefecture, agar production has flourished for generations thanks to the area's distinctive inland climate. Winters bring dry air and significant temperature drops between day and night, creating ideal conditions for producing kanten....»
Nishigata Imo is a traditional variety of taro cultivated in Nakatsugawa City, Gifu Prefecture. Its history is closely tied to the customs of the former Kashimo Village, particularly the Nishigata area of the Ogo district. For generations, brides who married into local households took over the cultivation of their families’ taro, preserving the varieties and farming traditions that had been passed...»
Kikuimo, commonly known as Jerusalem artichoke, gets its Japanese name from the chrysanthemum-like pattern visible when its tuber is cut open. It is a perennial plant belonging to the sunflower genus of the daisy family, and its underground tubers are eaten as a vegetable. In Gifu Prefecture, kikuimo is cultivated mainly around Ena City and is typically harvested in November. It is particularly p...»
Mori no Mizukagami, meaning “Forest Water Mirror,” is a distinctive Japanese confection created by Dōdān Ikkyū in Gifu Prefecture. It combines gently sweetened, steamed kuri kinton (sweet chestnut paste) with a clear, translucent layer of kudzu mochi, creating an elegant dessert with a cool, refreshing appearance. Its name evokes the peaceful beauty of a forest: birds singing among the trees, cle...»
Tajimi arare are handmade Japanese rice crackers that have been enjoyed as a popular regional specialty in Tajimi, Gifu Prefecture. Known for their crisp texture and simple, savory flavor of tamari soy sauce, these bite-sized snacks are so moreish that it can be difficult to stop eating once you start....»
A Beautiful Destination for Autumn Colors Sogi Park is a scenic park in Toki City, Gifu Prefecture, renowned for its beautiful autumn foliage. It has been selected as one of the 33 Best Autumn Foliage Spots in Hida and Mino and attracts many visitors each year during the fall season....»
Iwamura Town Main Street is the historic central street of Iwamura, Ena City, Gifu Prefecture. In 1998, the area was designated an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, recognizing its valuable historic streetscape. The town developed south of the Iwamura River from the Azuchi-Momoyama period through the Edo period. During the Sengoku period, it became a battlegroun...»
Ceramics Park MINO is a multifunctional complex in Tajimi City, Gifu Prefecture, dedicated to ceramics and serving as a center for industrial development, cultural promotion, and community revitalization. The complex was designed by the internationally renowned architect Arata Isozaki. Located in the hilly eastern part of Tajimi City, the facility has been carefully integrated into the natural la...»
Fujimidai Highlands is a mountainous plateau at an elevation of 1,739 meters, straddling Nakatsugawa City in Gifu Prefecture and Achi Village in Shimoina District, Nagano Prefecture. Located at the southern end of the Central Alps, it forms part of Hōsan Prefectural Natural Park. The highlands are renowned for their breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of the Northern Alps, Mount Ontake, the S...»
The Tajimi Mino Ceramic Art Museum is a museum dedicated to ceramics in Tajimi City, Gifu Prefecture. Opened in 1996, it introduces the history, culture, and techniques of Mino ware, one of Japan's most renowned ceramic traditions. The museum's collection includes approximately 10,000 Mino ware pieces, allowing visitors to explore works ranging from the Jomon period to the present day. Pottery exp...»
The Mizunami Fossil Museum is a museum located in Mizunami City, Gifu Prefecture. It opened in 1974 and features an extensive collection of fossils, with a particular focus on fossils from the Cretaceous Period of the Mesozoic Era. The museum houses approximately 10,000 fossil specimens on display, including fossils of dinosaurs, fish, and plants. It also conducts research and educational activiti...»
The Mizunami City Ceramic Museum is located in Mizunami City, Gifu Prefecture, and offers a wealth of information about Mino ware, one of Japan's traditional ceramic styles. It opened in April 1980 as the Tono Seibu Historical and Folklore Museum and Mizunami Ceramic Museum, established by the Tono Seibu Regional Administrative Union. In 2007, the facility was transferred to Mizunami City and rena...»
Nakatsugawa Fureai Farm is a tourist farm located in Nakatsugawa City, Gifu Prefecture. Situated on a highland in the eastern part of the city at elevations of 650 to 900 meters, the farm covers an area of approximately 45 hectares. It is home to a variety of farm animals, including sheep, ponies, Kiso horses, goats, and rabbits. Visitors can get close to these animals and enjoy direct interaction...»
Stone Museum Hakusekikan is a museum located in Hirukawa, Nakatsugawa City, Gifu Prefecture, formerly part of Ena District's Hirukawa Village. It is operated by Stone Park Co., Ltd. The museum displays a wide variety of minerals and gemstones, including remarkable specimens such as stones exposed to the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and a rock from the summit of Mount Everest. The for...»
Mount Ena is a 2,191-meter-high mountain straddling Achi Village in Nagano Prefecture and Nakatsugawa City in Gifu Prefecture. It lies at the southernmost end of the Kiso Mountains, also known as the Central Alps. The mountain has been selected as one of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains and the New 100 Famous Flower Mountains. It is also part of the Hozan Prefectural Natural Park designated by Gifu Pr...»
Gifu World Rose Garden is a prefectural urban park located in Kani City, Gifu Prefecture. It was formerly known as Hanahaku Memorial Park, or Flower Festa Memorial Park, before its name was changed to Gifu World Rose Garden on October 9, 2021. The garden is home to approximately 20,000 rose plants representing around 6,000 varieties, making it one of the world's leading rose gardens. Plans for t...»
Gukei-ji Temple is a temple of the Myōshin-ji school of Rinzai Zen Buddhism, located in Mitake Town, Kani District, Gifu Prefecture. Its mountain name is Daichizan, and it is best known for its beautiful dry landscape garden, called the Garyū Sekitei. This carefully arranged stone garden is said to have served as a model for the famous rock garden at Ryōan-ji Temple in Kyoto....»
Roadside Station Shizumo is located in Yamaguchi, Nakatsugawa City, Gifu Prefecture. Its charming architecture evokes the atmosphere of a traditional post town along the historic Nakasendo route. Situated at the gateway to the Kiso region, it is an inviting place to discover the area's rich natural scenery, history, and local cuisine....»