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Showing posts with label Oyada Maple Valley. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Oyada Maple Valley. Show all posts

Sunday, November 9, 2014

Top 5 Autumn Colour Spots in Gifu

Autumn Colours at Gifu Park
Gifu Prefecture in the Chubu region of Japan is a great spot to enjoy the colourful Autumn leaves in Japan. We are lucky to be surrounded by mountains in Gifu which means lots of trees, especially beautiful Japanese maple trees. This is a post we shared on the fantastic website, Cheapo Japan, a guide to getting the most out of Japan on a budget.

The best time to view the fall foliage is typically early November to early December. Here are my top 5 spots to see the Autumn leaves in Gifu.

Gujo Hachiman Castle 


Gujo Hachiman Castle perched atop Mount Hachiman in Gujo Hachiman is worth a visit just alone for its beautiful castle, but the colourful Autumn leaves make this experience even more enjoyable. Every Autumn the surrounding grounds of the castle come alive with ablaze of colours. The Autumn leaves contrast beautifully against the white walls of the castle. You can also enjoy the foliage at night when the trees are illuminated from sunset to 9pm.

Address: 659 Hachiman-cho, Yanagimachi, Gujo, Gifu Prefecture 501-4212
Best Time: Early to Late November
Admission: FREE to the surrounding area, 310 yen to enter the castle

Autumn Colours at Gujo Hachiman Castle
Autumn Colours at Gujo Hachiman Castle

Yoro Park 


Yoro Park on the western edge of Gifu Prefecture near Mie Prefecture is a picturesque place situated between the stunning Yoro Mountains and Ibigawa River. The main attraction of the park is the famous Yoro Falls, ranked among the top 100 most beautiful waterfalls in Japan. The park and surrounding area has an impressive collection of Japanese maple trees which make it a breathtaking spot to enjoy the autumn leaves.

Address: 1298-2 Takabayashi, Yoro-cho, Gifu Prefecture
Best Time: Late November to early December
Admission: FREE to Yoro Park

Autumn Colours at Yoro Park
Autumn Colours at Yoro Park

Oyada Maple Valley 


The Oyada Maple Valley in Mino City is considered one of the best locations in Gifu to appreciate the autumn leaves. The valley which includes Oyada Shrine is surrounded by around 3,000 Japanese maple trees, some more than 1,000 years old. The contrast of the vermilion reds, apricot oranges and golden yellows of the trees against the traditional carvings of the shrine is magnificent. It is a sight not to be missed in Autumn.

Address: Oyada, Mino City, Gifu Prefecture
Best Time: Mid November to early December
Admission: FREE to the shrine and surrounding valley

Autumn Colours at Oyada Maple Valley
Autumn Colours at Oyada Maple Valley

Ena Valley 


The Ena Valley in Ena City is a must see location in Autumn. The red and yellow of the beautiful maple leaves create a mesmerizing reflection in the emerald-green water of the river. The best spot to enjoy this breath-taking sight is from a sightseeing boat on the water. Make sure to take a soak in the hot spring bath to continue the fabulous view. I recommend the early evening to see the sun setting in all its glory.

Address: Okudo, Oi-cho, Ena City, Gifu Prefecture
Best Time: Early to Mid November
Admission: FREE to the valley

Gifu Park 


Gifu Park located right under Mount Kinka in Gifu City is where samurai warlord, Oda Nobunaga made his famous palace and home. The park is stunning in Autumn with the whole park coming alive in brilliant red and yellow colours. Gifu Castle at the summit of Mount Kinka is also spectacular when surrounded by Autumn colours. There is a Chrysanthemum Flower Show held every year from late October to late November.

Address: Omiya-cho, Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture
Best Time: Mid to Late November
Admission: FREE to the Gifu Park (Gifu Park picture)


Autumn Colours at Gifu Park
Autumn Colours at Gifu Park


Autumn Colours Forecast 2014 in Japan

Friday, November 29, 2013

Oyada Maple Valley in Mino City, Gifu

The Oyada Maple Valley in Mino City is considered one of the best locations in Gifu to appreciate the beautiful autumn leaves. The viewing of Autumn leaves in Japan is called momijigari (紅葉狩り), and is an annual event in which thousands of people visit locations all over Japan seeking out the best spots to see the spectacular colours. This time of the year almost rivals the famous cherry blossom season in spring and is very beautiful.

Oyada Shrine is surrounded by around 3,000 Japanese maple trees (yama momiji) that set the valley around the shrine ablaze in Autumn with brilliant colours. The area is filled with vermillion reds, apricot oranges and golden yellows of the season. Some of the trees are more than 1000 years old. The contrast between the colourful leaves and the traditional carvings of the shrine is magnificent and make this place a sight not to be missed during the fall season in Japan.

There is also a festival vibe to the area during the season with many local food vendors selling all types of festival food and local Gohei-mochi.

The Oyada Maple Valley was designated a National Natural Monument of Japan in 1930.

The Autumn colours are usually at their best in mid to late November.

Oyada Maple Valley in Mino

The Starting Point at the Entrance to the Shrine

Stone Lantern at Oyada Shrine

The Main Shrine Entrance

Komainu at Oyada Shrine

Autumn Leaves at Oyada Shrine

Food Vendors at Oyada Shrine

More Food Vendors at Oyada Shrine

The Steep path to the Main Shrine at the Top

Autumn Leaves around one of the smaller Shrines

Access:
The valley is tucked away in a rural part of Mino City with parking available for cars. Parking is 300 yen. Public Transportation is also available with buses from Mino Station. Take the Gifu Bus on the Takami Line (高美線) to Oyada Jinja Mae bus stop (大矢田神社前) which is a 30 minute bus ride.

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