Discover award-winning steaks, pristine Gassho-style villages, and unparalleled stargazing in the Japanese Alps.
Japan is all the passion flop now , with droves of tourer from all over the worldflocking to the island nation ’s shoresto bask in the Land of the Rising Sun . The recent surge in popularity is likely a result of pent - up demand , asJapan remained closedto autonomous strange visitors until October 2022 , long after most countries had full abandon such pandemic - fueled restrictions . In 2021,the World Economic Forum ’s Travel and Tourism Development Indexranked Japan as the macrocosm ’s No . 1 tourist terminus , placing the rural area at the top of its 117 - destination inclination for the first time — in a year when precisely zero tourist passed through its boundary line . It ’s no admiration , then , that everyone and their uncle is go under their sight onbuzzy Tokyo , food - centric Osaka , artsy Kyoto , and beachy Okinawa .
But if you ’re hoping to immerse yourself in Japanese culture without lose yourself in a dense sea of roaming tourer , Gifu andNagano , two of nine prefectures scattered throughout the mountainous cardinal region of Chūbu , are the idealistic landing place places . Home to picturesque metropolis like Nagano City , Takayama , Hida , and Shirakawa - gō , there ’s no shortage of opportunities for rubber-necking and see about the area ’s rich history . You ’ll feel like you ’ve been channelise back in prison term as you walk through villages line withperfectly preserved traditional Nipponese computer architecture , whimsical bridges span winding rivers , and softly glowing lamps that light up the streets each Nox .
Here ’s everything you need to know about planning your next stumble to Gifu and Nagano , Japan ’s moony year - one shot leak .
Photo courtesy of JNTO
How to get to and around Gifu and Nagano
From Tokyo , you ’ll require to take a Shinkansen ( slug train ) into central Japan ’s Chūbu realm . corrupt aJapan Rail Pass — a multiuse ticket that provides entree to train across the country for seven- , 14- , or 21 - 24-hour interval period — is unquestionably the easiest way to appease on track throughout your journeying . If you ’re planning on visit only a few prize goal , a single Shinkansen ticket is a chintzy , albeit more restrictive , option .
You ’ll be intimate you ’ve enter the mountainside once the panorama from the railroad train shifts from hustle city life to dateless Tree and fields . Since this area leans more rural and is less frequented by foreigners , it ’s a good idea to learn a few key words in Nipponese and keepa translating equipment or app on you .
Throughout the prefectures , taxis are a commodious way to locomote to and from nearby city and suburbs , while subway system are the rife musical mode of transport within the region ’s large metropolis . As a first - clip visitant who does n’t talk the language , I was anxious about navigate the subway system unaccompanied , but Apple Maps aid me every gradation of the way , from just which platform to utilise to what time each train would get .
Photo courtesy of JNTO
Explore the age-old homes of Shirakawa-gō
rationalise off for one C from the rest of Japan due to their mountainous terrain , the historical villages of Shirakawa - gō and neighboring Gokayama have been an officialUNESCO World Heritage Sitesince 1995 . While you could enjoy the country in any season , the winter contribute with it the annualWinter Light Up . learn the time - abide by houses twinkle and sparkle under snow is nothing short of a magical experience .
no matter of the time of year , lead off your day by heading up to the Ogimachi Castle Observation Deck . From your slur perch high above Shirakawa - gō , pay close attention to the steep , triangular roofs top the Gassho - style houses that spread out beneath you . The expectant thatched cap were built at a tart 60 - degree angle so that coke could well skid off their Earth’s surface and fend off build up up stress on the understructure below . You ’ll also notice that the house all look the same direction , allow wind instrument and sunlight to efficiently dry out their unique rooftop , which are meticulously rethatched every few decades by the Gokayama Forest Owners ' Cooperative .
Later , cross the Deai Bridge over the Shō River to search the traditional houses , nutrient vendors , and shops of Shirakawa - gō ’s Ogimachi Village up nigh . Must - stops include heritage siteWada House , souvenir and specialty shopsSato , Kodaijin , andKobikiya Kakinokiten , and restaurants likeIrori , Chubee , andShiraogi .
白川村通信
Book a stay in a traditional townhouse
After your account lesson , head to Takayama and control into the century - oldIori Takayamatownhouse . You ’ll find like you ’re step into another epoch as you peruse the manicured garden , relax on the handcraft Hida furniture , and coil up atop a tatami mat each Nox . Do n’t worry , though — New touch like a Nespresso machine and Bluetooth loudspeaker system keep you firmly frozen in 21st - century creature comforts .
Iori Takayama also works with local restaurants and little business around the city to provide in - house dining experience mitt - delivered to your Edgar Albert Guest room . And do n’t be shy about dietetic restrictions — the hospitality team is keen on meet specific requests and accommodations .
After dinner party , take an evening stroll around the carefully keep district to bask in the area ’s pristinely intact historic computer architecture . Finish the night with a soak in your very own open - air bath , a secluded and calm way to loosen all those travel knot .
IORI Stay｜飛騨・高山の貸切宿
Find your Zen with a hands-on herbal spa experience
The Iori Stay experience is n’t stark without flexing your health muscles at itsPremium Medicinal Herb Sauna Experience . You will initiate by riding a lease e - bike into the Hida Forest to collect press cutting from the many aromatic kuromoji trees , pronounce to be imbued with medicative qualities . Then you ’ll return inside for the herbal Camellia sinensis ceremony . As you mill about in the common room , a guide will walk you through an assortment of locally farm herbs , detail their benefits while bestow specific survival of the fittest to your cup to create a tradition blend signify to address your specific wellness needs .
Next up is the sweat room for a little extra detox . The minor way is wake by a firewood kitchen range ; tossing piddle instill with those same medicinal herbs you scrounge originally onto the coals create a fragrant and super console mist . All in a arduous day ’s workplace .
Indulge in the best beef Japan has to offer
apology in overture to the vegetarian , but if you ’re in Gifu , you really should n’t leave without samplingthe region ’s world - famous beef .
A potpourri of Wagyu , Hida - gyu ( or Hida beef)comes from especially bred Japanese Black cattle that have pass a lower limit of 14 months living and rake in Gifu Prefecture . In club to qualify for the designation , each small-arm of essence must pass a strict examination evaluating marbling , coloring , texture , firmness , sheen , and smell . Hida - gyu is so celebrated , it ’s taken home multiple awards ( including the coveted Prime Minister ’s Award ) at the esteemed National Wagyu Competency Meeting ’s Wagyu Olympics . Needless to say , this is n’t your average ground chuck .
you’re able to get your carnivorous localisation atHida - gyu Grill Bakuroin Gifu City , a intimate enclave serving a long lean of Hida - gyu presentations , from multicourse melt - in - your - back talk chateaubriand dinner to homelike beef sweat and even a luscious housemade hamburger . The receptive kitchen concept is an added incentive , as you may see talented chef rack up up the meaty menu as you dine .
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Other standout Hida - gyu purveyors include Takayama ’s cunning family - ownedYamatakand the refinedKitchen Hida , Gifu City ’s modernistic - meet - traditionalSenryu , and Mizunami’sYakiniku Yoshita , a bona fide temple to yakiniku , or grilled meat .
Take in the stars from the top of a mountain
If you know in a major urban center , light pollution has made it so your chances of routinely seeing stars are slim to none . But Chūbu , with its mountainous terrain and rural environment , provides unobstructed views of the dazzling night sky .
In Nagano , Achi Village is a stargazer ’s paradise . The charming hamlet arrive in first inthe 2006 Star Watching web , a national observation event held by Japan ’s Ministry of the Environment . You ’ll want to channelise over toFujimidai Highland ’s Heavens Sonohara , a year - round ski run where you could climb the 4,600 - foot versant in about 15 minutes aboard a rope - string gondola . At the peak , you ’ll enjoy pitch - black condition pass way to one of the world ’s most incredible starscapes .
While you gaze , expert scout will point out constellations and excuse their ancestry tarradiddle . Each guest is allow with a smartphone and telephone set point of view so they can capture eminent - resolution photos and telecasting of the night sky . If craning your neck to look up is too strain , bring blankets so you could shore up up your telephone set , lie down , and marvel at the glistering sky in style .
Photo courtesy of Hido Takayama
Trot through scenic Karuizawa
Karuizawa is one of Nagano ’s most celebrated haunt towns , known for its fantabulous skiing over the winter and many outdoor activity during the warm month . It began its life as a holiday retreat in 1888 , design by a Scottish – Canadian developer who aimed to build a European - pep up vacation destination in the Nipponese mountains . The town put itself on the map by host event in both the Summer and Winter Olympics — horseman in 1964 and curling in 1998 — as well as draw in hordes of external visitant , many of them celebrity , looking to savor some refreshful lot tune on holiday . Even John Lennon and Yoko Ono were big fan , the latter likening Karuizawa to“the Hamptons except it ’s in the mountains . ”
See what all the fuss is about by team up withMakiba Karuizawafor a horseback riding escapade through the idyllic countryside just outside of Karuizawa proper . Depending on your experience , you’re able to choose from several different conduct courses that set aside you to walk , trot , or canter within an allotted time slot . Once you ’re all curb in , a guide will lead you out of the paddock and into the forest , where you could drive to your heart ’s substance amid hulk Japanese violent cedar tree diagram . First - timer are more than welcome , and the facility provide charge , gloves , helmet , and even jacket crown , so no additional gear is necessary .
Hunt for strawberries in Saku
While Japan is lie with around the worldly concern for its huge roll of one - of - a - sort nutrient ( we see you , sake - flavour Kit Kats ) , one item that often gets left off the inclination is the menial strawberry . But after one sharpness of the sweet , luscious Japanese - grown specialty , few other berries will ever compare . As one of the most pop fruit in Japan , strawberry are sure to show up at any market you pass , but the honest way to experience the almighty berry is by rolling up your sleeves and picking some of your own during peak farm season , which runs from January through March .
Located near Saku ’s Sakudaira Station , Inoue Torao Farmopens up its line of business and greenhouses to strawberry - chooser each year . The fruit is house according to quality , and if you spring for a premium pass , you ’ll get access to the cream of the crop , including a selection of rare tastebud - tingle white strawberries . The good part ? Eating as you pick is powerfully encouraged , making for a very sweet ending to your larger-than-life trip across Gifu and Nagano .
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ヘブンスそのはらsnow world
Photo courtesy of Hida Takayama
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