Gero (Gifu Prefecture)

Gero located in Gifu Prefecture is famous for its onsen (mineral hot spring spa). The mineral waters are reputedly beneficial for rheumatism, athletic injuries and the complexion. The town is fairly compact, making it easy to walk around and go hot-spring hopping. There are several ryokan and minshuku in this resort town to stay and for more options you can check with the Gero Tourist Information Office at the west exit of the train station. To get to Gero take the JR Takayama line train from Gifu (HIda tokkyu, 67 minutes) or from Nagoya (Hida tokkyu, 90 minutes).

Gujo Hachiman (Gifu Prefecture)

The main claim to fame of Gujo Hachiman in Gifu Prefecture is its Gujo Odori Folk Dance Matsuri held from early July to early September. The townsfolk continue nearly four centuries of tradition and let their hair down for some frenzied dancing. During the four main days of the festival from 13 to 16 August the dancing goes on through the night.

Inuyama Ukai Cormorant Fishing

Inuyama Ukai Cormorant Fishing takes place close to Inuyama-yuen station at Inuyama-bashi. Tickets for the boats cost 2800 yen during the peak July/August period and 2500 yen during June and September. Sailings are generally at 7 pm nightly.

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Inuyama-jo Castle

Inuyama-jo Castle dates from 1440 and is Japan`s oldest castle. The castle is extremely important as it is preserved in its original state and hasn`t been rebuild like other castles destroyed during war which is a rarity in Japan. The castle costs 400 yen to enter and is open from 9 am to 4.30 pm. The castle is recommended for its beautiful view across the Kiso-gawa river from the top storey. The castle is a 15 minute walk west of Inuyama-yuen station.

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Atsuta Jingu Shrine

Atsuta Jingu Shrine is one of the most important in Japan and dates from the 3rd century. The shrine is said to house the kusanagi-no-tsurugi (the sacred sword), one of the three imperial regalia of the imperial family. There is a small museum 300 yen open from 9 am to 4.30 pm, closed the last Wednesday and Thursday of every month. The shrine grounds are open 24 hours a day.

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Nagoya-jo Castle

Nagoya-jo Castle

Nagoya-jo Castle was built by Tokugawa Iyasu on the site of an older castle from 1610-14. The castle is open from 9 am to 4.30 pm and costs 500 yen to enter. The original castle was destroyed during World War 2 and replaced in 1959 with the current replica. The castle is a 5 minute walk from Shiyakusho station on the Meijo subway line. The castle is famous for its 3m long shachi-hoko, a dolphin-like sea creatures that stand at either end of the roof. The interior houses a museum with armour and family treasures.

Gifu Prefecture and Gifu City

Gifu is the gateway to the beautiful and superb mountain scenery and hiking trails of Nagano. Gifu City is a lovely small city overlooked by mountains. Recommended sights in Gifu City include Kinka-zan Mountain located near Gifu koen Park and topped by Gifu-jo castle and accessible via the cable car that runs from Gifu koen Park to the top of the mountains. In the summertime Gifu City is famous for its ukai cormorant fishing and fireworks.
Visit Takayama, a small beautiful city known for its traditional architecture and crafts. Takayama lies in the ancient Hida district tucked away between the mountains of the Japan Alps. I would allow 1-2 days to enjoy the place and a few more if you plan to use it as a base to visit the mountains or surrounding onsens hot springs.

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Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya

Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya

Nagoya is the 4th largest city in Japan and as a major transport center is the southern gateway to the Tokai region. Nagoya has excellent restaurants and shopping and is like a scaled-down, far more relaxed version of Tokyo. Recommended sights in Nagoya include Nagoya-jo castle, Osu Canon Markets and Atsuta Jingu Shrine.

Inuyama City

Inuyama City located in Aichi Prefecture can easily be done as a day trip from Nagoya or Gifu. The highlights of Inuyama are its historical castle Inuyama-jo and activities such as ukai cormorant fishing and the Kiso-gawa rapids.

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The Tokai Region of Central Japan

The Tokai area of Japan encompasses the southern area of the Chubu region in central Japan on the main island of Honshu, and is situated between the major tourist cities of Tokyo and Kyoto. The name originally comes from the Tokaido, one of the five ancient routes that connected Edo (modern Tokyo) with Kyoto during the Edo period (1603-1868).

The area includes the prefectures of Aichi, Gifu, Mie, and Shizuoka. The largest city in the Tokai area is Nagoya, which is the 4th largest city in Japan and a commercial and industrial center for the region. Nagoya is a major transport hub and is the southern gateway to exploring this historic area of Japan.

Photo by Transitmethod on Wikimedia Commons

The Tokai area is a fascinating mix of historic and new attractions and includes world-renowned tourist destinations such as historic Nagoya Castle in Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture, Ise Grand Shrine in Ise City, Mie Prefecture, Japan’s most sacred Shinto shrine, and the UNESCO World Heritage Shirakawa-go village in the northern mountains of Gifu Prefecture.

Nagoya by Zaopharm on Wikimedia Commons

It also includes hidden gems such as the picturesque Edo period castle town of Hida Takayama (Gifu’s version of Kyoto) in the mountains of Gifu Prefecture, and Hamamatsu and the stunning coastline of the Izu Peninsula in Shizuoka Prefecture.

Hida Takayama by John Asano on flickr