The Top Spring Spots in the Hida Region

Want to visit Japan and avoid the crowds? Mid-May to Jun is the tourism off-season, the weather is warmer but not too hot as daylight hours begin to stretch out making it perfect for gondola rides to the heights of the Japanese Alps, taking hikes in the woods, enjoying light spelunking, or riding a bike on scenic mountain paths. Below we've laid out the top spots in northern Gifu (aka Hida) for you to check out.

Plum Blossoms ~ The Stars of Spring at Bairin Park in Gifu City

Plum blossoms, which start to bloom in early January, are a great prelude to spring and bring a splash of color and a wonderful aroma to parks, gardens, and temples around Japan. One of the best places to see them in central Japan is Bairin Park, a short walk from downtown Gifu City in Gifu Prefecture.

Rural Nagano: Sightseeing in Tatsuno

Tatsuno is a small town bisected by the waters of the Tenryu River in the Ina Valley and bordered by the Kiso Mountains. It is a small town of 19,000 people in the Ina Valley, Nagano Prefecture, and one of the most famous places for Firefly Festivals in summer.

Nagano's Samurai Town of Matsushiro

Matsushiro was a small town in Nagano, until 1966 when it was incorporated into Nagano City, and renamed Matsushiro Machi. Its fame derives from being part of the Sanada Clan's domain for ten generations.

Hiking in Nagoya City: Higashiyama Park

Nagoya has a lot of options for shoppers and people interested in history. Are you looking for some new fashion? Go to Nagoya Station or one of the many department stores in Sakae. Do you want to adventure into the past? Head to Nagoya Castle or take a stroll around Arimatsu. But what if you want to stretch your legs and get some exercise? Make your way over to Higashiyama Park.

Five Luxury Camping Sites in Central Japan

Join us as we introduce you to the joy of Glamping in Central Japan, where the prep is taken out of the equation so you can rest, relax, and reinvigorate yourself in style.

The Ancient Art of Cormorant Fishing in Gifu City

The ancient art of cormorant fishing has been practiced along the pristine Nagara River in Gifu City for more than 1,300 years. Known as ukai in Japanese, this traditional fishing method uses trained cormorant birds to catch sweet river fish, called ayu.

9 late-blooming cherry blossom spots in Central Japan

Centrip Japan has selected 9 hot spots where the sakura will bloom at the end of April to early May, such as Takayama, Kurobe, and Kanazawa Castle. Enjoy Sakura in a more relaxing way!