飛騨高山旅ガイド

Situated at the gateway to Southern Takayama, Ichinomiya is a tranquil mountain community surrounded by unspoilt nature and timeless satoyama scenery. It is the perfect complement to a day spent exploring central Takayama, offering the chance to slow down and reconnect with nature just beyond the city.

There is more to Ichinomiya than beautiful views. Wander through landscapes that transform with the seasons, seek out scenes found only in this corner of Hida, and discover traditions passed down through generations. These are authentic local experiences that can only be fully appreciated by being there—breathing in the fresh mountain air and experiencing the land firsthand.

From the soft colours of spring and lush greenery of summer to autumn’s vibrant foliage and the stillness of a snow-covered winter, every season reveals a different side of Ichinomiya.

Hida Ichinomiya Minashi Shrine has been revered for centuries as the ichinomiya—the highest-ranking Shinto shrine—of the former Hida Province. Even today, it remains a cherished spiritual sanctuary and a source of comfort for people throughout the Hida region.

The shrine itself is only part of its story. Its grounds also provide the setting for festivals and performing arts that have been carefully passed down through generations.

In spring, the Hida Ikibina Festival celebrates the arrival of a new season with an elegant procession of “living dolls” dressed in exquisite traditional attire. During the shrine’s annual festival, sacred performances are offered to the deities, including Tokegaku processional music and dance, the Jindai Odori—designated an Intangible Cultural Property of Gifu Prefecture—and dynamic lion dances.

Preserved by generations of local residents, these traditions offer a vivid connection to Ichinomiya’s history and cultural identity.

Mount Kurai, the sacred mountain associated with the shrine, rises nearby and forms part of the watershed separating the Miyagawa and Hida rivers. This close relationship between nature, spiritual belief and everyday life is central to understanding the enduring significance of Minashi Shrine.

【Visitor Information】

Hida Ichinomiya Minashi Shrine

Address: 5323 Ichinomiya-machi, Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture

Phone: 0577-53-2001

Parking: Available

Access: Approximately 20 minutes by car from Takayama Station

Official website:
https://minashijinjya.or.jp/

Rising 1,529 metres above sea level, Mount Kurai stands on the watershed separating the Miyagawa and Hida rivers. Revered as a sacred mountain since ancient times, it is one of the defining natural landmarks of Ichinomiya in Southern Takayama.

The trail leads through a richly wooded landscape scattered with mysterious megaliths. Among the most sacred is Ama-no-Iwato, regarded as the inner sanctuary of Hida Ichinomiya Minashi Shrine. Other remarkable formations, including Kagami-iwa, or Mirror Rock, and Saidan-ishi, or Altar Stone, appear along the route, drawing hikers ever deeper into the legends surrounding the mountain.

Near the summit, a spectacular panorama rewards those who make the climb. The Northern Japan Alps and Mount Ontake stretch across the horizon, and on exceptionally clear days, the view can reach as far as the Tateyama mountain range. When the distant peaks are crowned with snow, the scenery is breathtaking enough to stop you in your tracks.

From late May to mid-June, delicate pink-and-white sarasa-dodan bell-shaped flowers bloom around the summit clearing. Changing plants and colours throughout the year bring a new sense of discovery to every season.

Go beyond the historic streets of Hida Takayama and step into a landscape where magnificent views, pristine nature and ancient beliefs come together on Mount Kurai.

【Visitor Information】

Mount Kurai Hiking Trail

Trailhead address: Mont Deus Hida Kuraiyama Roadside Station and Snow Park
7846-1 Ichinomiya-machi, Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture

Phone: 0578-89-2761

Access: Approximately 40 minutes by car from Takayama Station

Only a 20-minute drive from central Takayama, Mondeus Park in Ichinomiya offers an effortless escape into Hida’s winter wonderland.

As the closest ski resort to central Hida Takayama, it is easy to incorporate into a winter sightseeing itinerary. With a wide range of rental equipment available, visitors can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, sledging and carefree fun in the snow.

The highlight is the sweeping panorama from the top of the slopes. The Northern Japan Alps, Mount Norikura and Mount Ontake rise majestically across the horizon. When conditions align, you may even witness a sea of clouds below or glittering diamond dust suspended in the crisp winter air. For the clearest mountain views, visit on a bright day with excellent visibility.

Even beginners can ski down from the top once they are comfortable stopping and turning. Those who simply wish to admire the scenery can purchase a return lift ticket and enjoy the panoramic views without skiing.

Inside the centre house, families will find a complimentary children’s play area and comfortable spaces to rest while watching the activity on the slopes from the warmth indoors.

After exploring Takayama’s historic streets, step into a field of brilliant white. Mondeus Park offers a memorable winter experience that is easy to add to any Hida Takayama itinerary.

【Visitor Information】

Mondeus Park Ski Resort
Formerly Mondeus Hida Kuraiyama Snow Park

Address: 7846-1 Ichinomiya-machi, Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture

Operating season: Please check the official website for current dates and conditions.

Phone: 0577-53-2421

Parking: Free every day, with space for 1,700 vehicles

Access: Approximately 20 minutes by car from Takayama Station

Official website:
https://montdeus.jp/

Known as both the “Town of Apples” and a rural paradise of peach orchards, Kuguno lies in the heart of Southern Takayama. Its fertile landscape, dramatic shifts between day and night temperatures, pure mountain water and abundant sunshine create ideal conditions for growing apples, peaches and a colourful variety of fruit and vegetables.

Part of Kuguno’s charm lies in watching its scenery transform with the seasons. In spring, delicate peach and apple blossoms spread across the countryside, bathing the orchards and farmland in soft shades of pink and white.

From early to mid-August, the Arcopia Sunflower Garden bursts into bloom. Around 200,000 sunflowers fill a one-hectare hillside, turning the summer landscape a brilliant shade of gold.

Then, from summer into autumn, the long-awaited fruit season begins. Orchards and farm shops dot the area, offering an abundance of freshly harvested produce. From around September to November, visitors can enjoy apple picking and taste crisp, juicy fruit straight from the tree—one of the simple pleasures that makes travelling through a fruit-growing region so memorable.

Admire the blossoms, harvest fruit with your own hands and savour each season at its peak.

In Kuguno, every visit reveals a different landscape—and every season offers another reason to return.

Ride through the forest to a tranquil lake hidden among the trees.

One of the most memorable outdoor experiences in Kuguno, Southern Takayama, is an E-bike journey to Lake Araragi. Surrounded by old-growth forest at an elevation of approximately 1,000 metres, this serene lake lies among towering asunaro trees, creating an atmosphere that feels secluded and almost otherworldly.

Your adventure begins at Arkopia Mountain Park, where you can rent an electric-assist E-bike before setting out along a forest road of approximately six kilometres each way.

The electric motor makes light work of the route’s hills and undulating terrain, leaving you free to enjoy the rush of cool air and ever-changing woodland scenery. Wide fat-bike tyres provide excellent stability and a reassuringly smooth ride along the forest track.

Once you reach the lake, leave your bike behind and explore on foot. A gentle two-kilometre walking trail circles the shoreline, inviting you to slow down, breathe in the fresh forest air and take in the peaceful waterside scenery.

Feel the breeze as you ride, breathe in the scent of the trees and watch as the lake gradually emerges at the end of the forest road. This is more than a journey to a scenic destination—it is an immersive adventure through the natural landscapes of Hida Takayama.

Please bring a backpack or another suitable way to carry drinks and personal belongings, as the E-bikes are not fitted with bottle holders.

※A brief orientation of approximately five minutes will be provided before departure.
※The cycling route is approximately six kilometres each way.
※Reservations must be made at least three days in advance.

【Experience Information】

Kuguno Forest Time E-Bike Experience

Location: Arkopia Mountain Park
4141 Musugo, Kuguno-cho, Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture

Access: Approximately 25 minutes by car from Takayama Station

Duration and price:
Three hours — ¥5,000 per E-bike

Morning session: 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Afternoon session: 1:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.

Availability: Up to 10 E-bikes

Eligibility: Riders must be at least 140 cm tall

Reservations:
https://www.arkopia-park.com/morijikan-ebike

Set approximately 1,000 metres above sea level and embraced by the forests of Kuguno, Lake Araragi offers a wonderfully tranquil escape. The Kuguno Forest Time programme invites you to paddle out across its still waters and admire the surrounding woodland and open sky from an entirely new perspective.

Stand-up paddleboarding is one of the most popular ways to explore the lake. Step onto your board, dip your paddle into the water and glide gently across the surface. Forest fills the horizon, clouds drift across the lake’s reflection, and ripples spread softly with every stroke. From the water, Lake Araragi reveals details and moods that are easily missed from the shore.

Those who prefer to sit back and take in the scenery can also explore the lake by kayak.

After your time on the water, unwind in a tent sauna beside the lake. Surrounded by forest, it offers a peaceful place to slow down and feel immersed in nature.

This is another side of Hida Takayama’s spectacular scenery—one you do not simply photograph, but enter and experience for yourself. A refreshing escape among forest, water and sky awaits in Kuguno.

Rental equipment included:

・SUP board
・Paddle
・Life jacket

What to bring:

Please wear or bring swimwear, a rash guard, sandals, a towel and other clothing suitable for getting wet.

※A safety and equipment briefing of approximately 10 minutes will be provided before the activity.
※Reservations must be made at least three days in advance.

【Experience Information】

Kuguno Forest Time SUP & Kayaking

Meeting point: Arkopia Mountain Park
4141 Musugo, Kuguno-cho, Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture

Access: Approximately 30 minutes by car from Takayama Station

Duration and price:
Three hours — ¥5,000 per set

Morning session: 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Afternoon session: 1:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.

Availability: Up to five sets

Reservations:
https://www.arkopia-park.com/morijikan-sup

Kuguno Forest Time is an immersive outdoor programme set amid the natural landscapes of Kuguno. On the shores of Lake Araragi, approximately 1,000 metres above sea level, a private tent sauna offers a memorable wellness experience surrounded by forest and water.

Begin by warming your body slowly inside the wood-fired sauna. Then step outside and cool down in the clear river water before settling into a reclining chair beneath the open sky. Breathe in the crisp highland air as the sound of flowing water, birdsong and wind moving through the trees surrounds you.

Unlike an indoor sauna, the scenery here is part of the experience. Forest and water stretch out before you as you move between the heat of the sauna, the refreshing water and peaceful outdoor rest. Repeat the cycle at your own pace and allow yourself to slow down in the heart of nature.

Leave Takayama’s historic streets behind and journey deeper into the landscape. This is more than simply admiring the scenery—it is a chance to feel the air, water and forest with your entire body. Discover a new side of Hida Takayama through a restorative few hours of “forest time” in Kuguno.

Rental equipment included:

・Tent sauna
・Wood-burning stove
・Sauna stones
・Bucket and ladle for löyly steam
・Thermometer
・Sauna bench
・Fire tongs
・Reclining chairs
・Firewood

What to bring:

Please bring swimwear, a rash guard, sandals, a towel and other clothing suitable for getting wet.

※Each tent sauna set is reserved exclusively for one group.
※A brief equipment and safety orientation of approximately five minutes will be provided before use.
※Reservations must be made at least three days in advance.

【Experience Information】

Kuguno Forest Time Tent Sauna

Meeting point: Arkopia Mountain Park
4141 Musugo, Kuguno-cho, Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture

Access: Approximately 30 minutes by car from Takayama Station

Duration and price:
Three hours — ¥10,000 per private set

Morning session: 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Afternoon session: 1:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.

Capacity: Two to four guests per group
Limited to two groups per day

Reservations:
https://www.arkopia-park.com/morijikan-sauna

See the familiar landscapes of Hida from an entirely new perspective—the sky.

Kuguno Forest Time, an outdoor programme set amid the natural beauty of Kuguno, invites visitors to rise above the landscape on a special tethered hot-air balloon experience.

Step into a balloon secured by four tether lines and ascend gently to a height of approximately 20 to 30 metres. During the five-minute flight, the view gradually opens to reveal the mountains of Hida, the Northern Japan Alps and the townscape of Kuguno below. From this elevated vantage point, an uninterrupted 360-degree panorama unfolds in every direction.

When the weather conditions align, a sea of clouds may appear beneath the balloon. White mist gathers between the mountains, creating the unforgettable sensation of floating above the clouds as the morning landscape emerges around you.

The scenery changes with every season, ensuring that no two flights feel quite the same.

Take your Hida Takayama journey beyond simply admiring a beautiful view. Rise into the sky and experience the landscape from above—an unforgettable new way to discover Kuguno.

※Advance reservations are required.
※The experience is held on selected dates only and is subject to weather conditions.

【Experience Information】

Kuguno Forest Time Hot-Air Balloon Experience

Location: Arkopia Mountain Park
4141 Musugo, Kuguno-cho, Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture

Access: Approximately 25 minutes by car from Takayama Station

Further information:
https://www.arkopia-park.com/morijikan

Just a 30-minute drive from central Takayama, the scenery shifts from historic streets to open mountain landscapes. Located in the south-eastern reaches of Takayama City, Asahi is surrounded by the natural beauty of Hida—a place that invites you back as each new season transforms the view.

In spring, hike through the satoyama countryside beneath graceful weeping cherry trees and discover delicate wildflowers along the trail.

Summer brings deep green forests and long days made for camping, river play and mountain-stream fishing. The Akigami area, upstream from Akigami Dam, sits at a higher elevation and offers refreshingly cool highland air—an idyllic setting for a summer escape immersed in nature.

Just a 25-minute drive from central Takayama, the peaceful community of Asahi unfolds beneath the majestic presence of Mount Ontake. Venture beyond the familiar sights of Takayama and set out on two wheels through the timeless landscapes of rural Hida.

Rent an electric-assist E-bike and explore Asahi’s nature-rich countryside at your own pace. The motor provides powerful support on uphill stretches, making climbs feel light and effortless. On the way down, feel the breeze as you glide through satoyama scenery that transforms beautifully with the seasons.

In spring, elegant weeping cherry trees bloom throughout the area, earning Asahi its reputation as a “village of weeping cherry blossoms.” Summer brings vivid green forests and fields, while autumn turns the surrounding hillsides brilliant shades of red, orange and gold. Each ride reveals a different side of the landscape.

For a deeper introduction to Asahi, join a small-group guided tour. A knowledgeable local guide will lead you to little-known places and introduce you to the traditions and everyday rhythms of satoyama life. Depending on the timing, you may even have the opportunity to visit the workshop of a local woodworker.

Go beyond simply seeing Hida Asahi. Ride through its landscapes, meet its people and experience the nature and daily life of the community from the saddle of an E-bike.

What to bring:

・Comfortable clothing suitable for cycling
・Supportive trainers or other easy-to-walk-in footwear
・Drinking water, which can be carried in the bicycle’s bottle holder
・Lightweight gloves and warm layers, if required
・A backpack if you need to carry personal belongings

Eligibility: Riders must be at least 153 cm tall.

※Reservations must be made at least three days before your preferred date.

【Experience Information】

Discover Asahi E-Bike Tour

Address: 150 Mangoku, Asahi-cho, Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture

Access: Approximately 25 minutes by car from Takayama Station

Operating season: April 1–October 31

Reception hours:
9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.

Prices:

Guided tour: Please enquire for current rates
E-bike rental: ¥800 per hour, including tax
Full-day E-bike rental: ¥5,000, including tax

Reservations:
https://www.hidaasahi.jp

High in the Suzuran Highlands stands an unusual bench designed for a very different kind of waiting. It is not a place to catch a bus, but somewhere to pause, settle in and watch the night sky unfold overhead.

Surrounded by mountains and far from the glow of the city, Asahi is blessed with dark, unspoilt skies. When night falls, the familiar daytime landscape disappears, replaced by a canopy of sharply defined stars. Visitors often remark that they never imagined the sky could be so beautiful—making stargazing one of Asahi’s most memorable after-dark experiences.

Created to share the beauty of the night sky in a way that feels distinctly local, the Stargazing Bench was crafted using the skills of Asahi’s woodworkers. Take a seat, tilt your gaze upwards and let time slow down. There is no timetable to follow and nowhere else you need to be.

After a day of sightseeing in Takayama, head into the Suzuran Highlands for the evening. Add a quiet moment beneath the stars to your journey through Hida Takayama.

【Visitor Information】

Stargazing Bench

Location: “The Bus Stop Where No Bus Stops,” Suzuran Highlands
1628 Nishibora, Asahi-cho, Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture

Available: Spring to autumn
The bench is removed during winter.

Access: Approximately 50 minutes by car from Takayama Station

An entire forest transformed into a monumental work of ice.

The Subzero Forest appears only in winter at Akigami Onsen in Asahi. Created using the area’s intensely cold temperatures, which can fall below −10°C, this enchanting seasonal landscape has been a cherished local tradition since 1971.

The setting is an expansive forest covering approximately four hectares. Around 6,000 metres of water hoses wind through the grounds. Preparations usually begin in September, and from around December, water is gradually frozen to “grow” the ice formations layer by layer.

The ice constantly changes with the temperature and sunlight. Carefully protected and shaped over many weeks, the finished landscape is the result of both nature’s cold and patient human craftsmanship.

Visit during the day to discover a crystalline world shimmering in translucent shades of blue. After dark, red, blue and green lights illuminate the formations, transforming the forest into a dreamlike winter spectacle.

Created through a remarkable collaboration between the elements and local ingenuity, this frozen landscape exists for only a brief season. For winter travellers exploring Hida Takayama, the Subzero Forest offers an unforgettable glimpse into the beauty of Hida’s coldest months.

【Visitor Information】

Subzero Forest

Season: Usually January–February

Location: Within the grounds of Akigami Onsen Ryokan
355 Kurumijima, Asahi-cho, Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture

Opening hours: Open throughout the day
Illumination: From sunset until 9:00 p.m.

Parking: Available
Passenger vehicles: Free
Tour buses: ¥3,000 per vehicle, plus ¥100 per passenger

Enquiries: Hida Asahi Tourism Association
Phone: 0577-55-3777

Access: Approximately 45 minutes by car from JR Takayama Station

※Temperatures at the Subzero Forest are extremely low, and snowfall is possible. Dress in warm winter layers and wear sturdy, slip-resistant footwear.

Journey across the mountains along a route that has connected Hida and Shinshu for centuries.

Takane lies in the south-eastern reaches of Takayama City, at the foot of magnificent mountain ranges. Rich in natural beauty and deeply rooted local traditions, the area once served as an important crossroads for travellers, goods and ideas moving between Hida and Shinshu—present-day Nagano—via the historic Nomugi Pass.

Today, National Route 361 continues that journey. Running through the heart of Takane from central Takayama towards Nagano, the road reveals one expansive mountain view after another. The landscape shifts with every bend, turning the drive itself into one of the highlights of the trip.

Historic landmarks along the route preserve stories of the region’s past, while contemporary craft studios and welcoming cafés offer enticing reasons to pause. In Takane, centuries-old traditions and modern creativity meet naturally along the same road.

Leave the historic streets of Hida Takayama behind and set out on a drive through the mountains. With spectacular scenery, living history and local culture connected along the way, Takane is a destination best discovered one scenic detour at a time.

More than 600 stone statues stand across a magnificent highland landscape. Each one holds a story of the bond between people and horses.

The Hiwada district of Takane lies between Hida and Kiso, a place where the traditions of both regions have mingled to create a distinctive local history. Scattered across the highlands, with sweeping views of Mount Ontake and Mount Norikura, are more than 600 stone Buddhist figures and historic sites, including numerous statues of Batō Kannon, the horse-headed bodhisattva traditionally associated with the protection of horses.

The old Kamakura Highway once carried countless Kiso horses through this landscape. Essential to travel, farming and everyday work, these animals shared their lives closely with the local people. The statues were erected to pray for their safety, honour them after death and express gratitude for their service. Together, they preserve the memory of a time when people and horses lived and worked side by side.

The statues are spread across six areas, with interpretive signs installed at 52 locations. Scan the QR codes with your smartphone to uncover the history and stories behind each site while exploring at your own pace.

Fields of delicate buckwheat blossoms, richly coloured autumn foliage and panoramic views of Mount Ontake and Mount Norikura add to the beauty of the walk.

Go beyond simply admiring the scenery. In Hiwada, every view holds a story waiting to be discovered.

【Visitor Information】

Hiwada Kogen Sekibutsu Trail

Location: Hiwada district, Takane-machi, Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture

Access: Approximately 60 minutes by car from Takayama Station

Official website:
https://hiwadakogen-sekibutsu.com/

In a former elementary school once filled with children’s voices, whisky is now quietly maturing with the passage of time.

Takane lies approximately 1,000 metres above sea level, framed by Mount Norikura to the north and Mount Ontake to the south. In spring 2023, the former Takane Elementary School began a remarkable new chapter as the Hida Takayama Distillery—Gifu Prefecture’s first dedicated whisky distillery.

Traces of the building’s life as a school remain throughout. The gymnasium has become the still house, where impressive copper stills now stand. The former headteacher’s office has been transformed into a cask warehouse, where whisky rests and matures. Classrooms, corridors, desks and chairs preserve memories of school days, while a new tradition of craftsmanship takes shape within the same walls.

Whisky production here draws on the pure waters of the Hida Mountains and Takane’s dramatically changing seasonal climate. The distillery’s ambition is to create a truly “All-Gifu Whisky”, made with barley grown in Gifu, water from Hida and casks crafted from local Hida timber.

This is a new form of craftsmanship that carries the community’s memories into the future. A visit to Hida Takayama Distillery reveals not only how whisky is made, but also the remarkable story behind every bottle.

【Visitor Information】

Hida Takayama Distillery

Address: 164-2 Shimonokō, Takane-machi, Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture

Phone: 0577-32-0016
Funasaka Sake Brewery

Access: Approximately 50 minutes by car from Takayama Station

Distillery tours are available by advance reservation only. Please book through the official website.

Official website:
https://www.whisky-hida.com/

Soak in a soothing hot spring, then savour the flavours of Takane. Surrounded by mountain scenery, Shiozawa Onsen Shichihokan offers an unhurried retreat where nature, bathing and local cuisine come together.

Located in Takane, Takayama City, this peaceful hot-spring inn welcomes both overnight guests and day visitors. Its quiet mountain setting makes it an inviting place to pause during a scenic drive or after exploring the surrounding countryside.

The natural waters of Shiozawa Onsen are rich in bicarbonate and alkaline minerals. Known locally as bijin-no-yu, or “beauty-enhancing waters”, the spring is prized for its soft, silky feel on the skin. A leisurely soak offers a restorative break after sightseeing in Hida Takayama, driving through Takane or walking amid the area’s natural landscapes.

Another highlight is lunch featuring the distinctive flavours of Takane. The menu includes the Hida Beef Yaki-Miso Set, pairing premium Hida beef with savoury grilled miso, as well as the Hibata Soba Set and Suna-age Gyoza Set.

※Lunch is available by advance reservation only.

More than a place for bathing or dining, Shichihokan brings together Takane’s mountain scenery, natural hot-spring waters and regional cuisine in one memorable stop.

【Visitor Information】

Shiozawa Onsen Shichihokan

Address: 290 Kamigahora, Takane-machi, Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture

Phone: 0577-59-2326

Day-use hot spring: 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.

Lunch: 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Advance reservations required.

Closed for day-use bathing: Wednesdays

Access: Approximately 60 minutes by car from Takayama Station

Parking: Available

Official website:
https://hida-takane.com/shichihokan/