Hida Furukawa (Hida City, Gifu Prefecture)

Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)

Hida Furukawa (Hida Furukawa-cho, Hida City, Gifu Prefecture) is a townscape that strongly retains the atmosphere of a small castle town and merchant town in the Hida region, with its charming white-walled storehouses, lattice-doored houses, and rows of willow trees along an old irrigation canal (Seto River). The town's atmosphere, which has continued since the Edo period, and its artisan culture (woodworking, lacquerware, sake brewing, etc.) are alive and well, and it is often used as a filming location for movies and TV dramas. In the spring, the town displays Hina dolls, and the Spring Festival (Furukawa Festival) held around April is known for its lanterns and food stalls, allowing visitors to enjoy different aspects of the town with each season.

Highlights

• Old townscape along the Seto RiverThe combination of white-walled storehouses, lattice windows, rows of willow trees, and irrigation channels filled with carp makes for a photogenic landscape. The light in the early morning and evening is particularly beautiful.
• Furukawa Festival (Food Stalls and Lantern Procession): A festival where traditional floats parade through the streets. The evening lantern procession is fantastic (the dates and contents change every year, so please check in advance).
• Hina Doll Display (Spring): Hina dolls are displayed in townhouses and shops, and you can enjoy the exhibits at various locations while strolling around.
• Furukawa Festival Float Hall and Museum: A facility where you can experience festival floats and history, learn about the festival atmosphere and craft techniques.
• Brewery tour and tasting: There are many local sake breweries (including small ones) scattered around the area, where you can taste local Hida sake (please check opening hours).
• Local cuisine and food tours: You can enjoy Hida beef dishes, Hoba miso, local sweets and snacks. There are many small restaurants, so it is recommended to go early.

Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)

• Railway:The nearest station is Hida-Furukawa Station on the JR Takayama Line, which is about a 10-15 minute walk from the town center.
  The most common route from Nagoya is to take the JR Limited Express "Hida" (Wide View Hida). The travel time from Nagoya to Hida-Furukawa varies depending on the train, but it is generally around 2 to 2.5 hours (depending on the service). From Takayama, it takes about 10 to 20 minutes by train.
• Expressway bus/local bus:Times vary depending on the season and route. You can also use connecting buses to Takayama, Matsumoto, and Shirakawa-go. Please check the timetable in advance.
• car:Accessible via the Chuo Expressway and Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway. Approximately 2.5 to 3 hours from Nagoya (varies depending on traffic congestion and route). Parking spaces within the town can be limited at times, so be sure to check the location of the official parking lot and how busy it is.
• plane:The nearest major airports are Chubu Centrair International Airport and Toyama Airport, from which you can take trains or express buses via Nagoya and Toyama.

*There are times when there are fewer trains and buses running. Please be sure to check the latest timetables and connections before departing.

Estimated stay (estimated time required)

• Short walk: 1-2 hours (to visit the main spots around the Seto River)
• Thorough sightseeing: Half a day to a full day (including a tour of the festival hall, sake brewery, meals, and souvenir shops)
• Sightseeing in the surrounding area: 1 night or more (when combining with Takayama, Shirakawa-go, Okuhida Onsen-go, etc.)

Nearby spots

• Takayama (old townscape, morning market): Approximately 20 minutes by car or train. Takayama's original tourist base.
• Shirakawa-go (Shirakawa Village, World Heritage Site): Approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes by car (depending on the route). The Gassho-style village is a must-see.
• Okuhida Hot Springs (Shinhotaka, Hirayu, etc.): Approximately 40 minutes to 1 hour by car. Ideal for a relaxing stay at a hot spring inn.
• Hida Folk Village (Hida Village): An open-air museum near Takayama where you can see old Gassho-style houses.

Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)

• congestion:Tourists flock to the area during festivals, weekends, and long holidays. Early mornings are the best time to take photos and stroll around. Parking lots and restaurants tend to be crowded, so make sure you make reservations in advance and allow plenty of time.
• Public transportation:There are times when there are fewer trains on certain routes, so be sure to check the time of your return journey (last train or bus) in advance and allow yourself plenty of time.
• Winter Transportation:There may be a lot of snow, and roads may be frozen or closed. Please be sure to bring chains or studless tires and check the traffic information.
• Local Manners:The town is a mixture of residential areas and tourist destinations. Please avoid lingering in alleys or in front of houses for long periods of time, shouting, leaving trash behind, and taking photos without permission. Drone use is generally prohibited or requires local permission.
• Business Information:Smaller stores may be closed or have shorter business hours, so be careful, especially on weekdays and during the winter.
• Cash and equipment:Small stores may not accept credit cards. Although there are ATMs and convenience stores, they may not be available after the evening, so it's a good idea to have cash on hand.

Other: Checking the latest event and transportation information at tourist information centers and official websites will help make your stay smooth. Please respect the beautiful townscape and enjoy sightseeing in comfort.