Gifu
Explore Gifu travel guides, traditional villages, mountains, food, and local culture. Discover central Japan beyond the usual tourist routes.
Shirakawa-go Travel Guide: Gassho Farmhouses, Views, and How to Visit
Shirakawa-go, nestled deep in the mountains of Gifu Prefecture, is one of Japan’s most picturesque and culturally important villages. It is famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses with steep, thatched roofs built to withstand heavy winter snow. The village is a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers an authentic look into Japan’s rural past, where…
Hie Shrine, Takayama: Shinto Shrine, Forest Walk, and the Your Name Trail
Takayama, a picturesque city tucked into the Japanese Alps, rewards travelers who appreciate history, craftsmanship, and quiet mountain scenery. On our recent visit I spent time at Hie Shrine, a Shinto shrine that holds real cultural and spiritual importance for the local community. It also draws fans of Your Name (Kimi no Na wa), since…
