Ultimate Guide to Hida-Furukawa

Take the 9:40 train on the Takayama Honsen Line bound for Inotani to Hida-Furukawa Station. Please don’t be late for the train since the number of trains going either way is extremely small.

There is a tourist information center next to the station where you can gather travel information to start your tour.

This is a Hida museum rooted in the traditional culture of wood practiced by many artisans skilled in furniture-making and construction techniques. Observe the style of the architecture by these craftsmen of Hida.

A museum dedicated to the Furukawa Festival which is held annually in April. View gorgeous floats and exquisite marionettes. You can experience some of the Furukawa festival.

Stroll through the traditional town that is wrapped in the atmosphere of Hida-Furukawa. The white-walled storehouses along the river and the colorful carp that have been released into the river are beautiful. ＊From late November to early April, the carp cannot be seen since they are moved to another location during hibernation.

Head over to Enko-ji Temple which is famous as one of the temples involved in the “Santera Mairi” (Visit to the Three Temples). The main hall seen from the temple grounds and the sight of the white walls are highlights.

Next to Enko-ji Temple, make your way to the sake breweries on Ichinomachi Street. Visit Kaba Brewery and Watanabe Brewery which represent Hida and not only can you tour the facilities, but you can also sample and purchase sake there. ＊Prior reservations are necessary to tour the breweries. There are numerous restaurants in Ichinomachi so you can have lunch in this area.

Visit Mishima Warosoku for skillfully handmade Japanese candles, the collage workshop Ufushigi, and the Yuu Kobo Studio where you can try weaving. You can experience the traditional handicrafts of Hida-Furukawa and enjoy shopping here.

Honko-ji is the second temple in the “Santera Mairi”. Known as the largest wooden structure in the Hida area, it has a beautiful and majestic presence.

Japanese paintings, gold lacquerware and pottery ranging from the 16th to 20th centuries are on display here. After touring the gallery, you can take a break at the gallery café.

Walk along the lodgings and shops with the atmosphere of Furukawa on Ninomachi Street through Sannomachi with its daily lifestyle on the way to Shinshu-ji Temple.

Shinshu-ji Temple is the third temple in the “Santera Mairi”. The red-banistered bridge going across the river is impressive. The pilgrimage to the three temples is supposed to bring romantic fulfillment and good fortune, and is a traditional event in Furukawa held on January 15th every year.

This is a shop specializing in handicrafts, brand candies and famous goods from Hida. It’s ideal for purchasing souvenirs and local goods. However, please be aware of the time while you do your shopping. The walk to the station takes about 10 minutes.

There is a tourist information center next to the station where you can gather travel information to start your tour.

Take the 9:40 train on the Takayama Honsen Line bound for Inotani to Hida-Furukawa Station. Please don’t be late for the train since the number of trains going either way is extremely small.