Discover Hida-Furukawa
You have probably heard of Takayama in Gifu Prefecture, but have you heard of Hida-Furukawa? This small town is roughly 30 minutes northwest of Takayama by car or train and is the perfect location to see the beauty of the region without being overwhelmed by crowds. Takayama has become an increasingly popular tourist destination in recent years and has left many people searching for similar but less-crowded towns. While Takayama remains a favorite for good reason, Hida-Furukawa offers a quieter and more local experience.
I spent half a day in Hida-Furukawa and left knowing I would return again. The town is peaceful, the locals are warm and welcoming, and the food is absolutely delicious. Whether you're planning a short visit or looking to add a lesser-visited town to your Japan travel itinerary, this Hida-Furukawa day trip guide has everything you need.
A Morning Walk Along the Araki River
Start your day walking along the Araki River and enjoy the beautiful water and mountain views. This path is ideal for enjoying the natural beauty and finding small roadside shrines or local shops. It’s the perfect way to begin your journey through the town. While walking, keep an eye out for wildlife and unique statues.
Explore Temples and Shrines
Next, head toward the Masushima Castle ruins or Honkoji Temple. Both have scenic views and are peaceful spots that don’t take long to explore. From Honkoji, walk the riverside path to Shinshuji Temple. Don’t miss the stunning view of the shrine from the bridge. Continue on to Enkoji Temple to finish your shrine-hopping experience. Each stop is quiet, beautiful, and rich in history.
From there, make your way to Hida-Furukawa’s old town. The Seto River and canals wind through the area and further highlight the beautiful historical architecture. To add to the experience, the canals are filled with carp. It’s a great place to relax, snap a few photos, or feed the carp. Bread is available from vending stations for just 100 yen.
Breakfast at Kanokoya Cafe
After working up an appetite, walk over to Kanokoya for breakfast or brunch. This café is known for its Belgian waffles. Choose from packaged or freshly made waffles (both can be heated). I tried the freshly made chocolate fondant waffle and a locally made herb-flavored one. These paired well with an iced latte and a caramel macchiato. The shop has an eclectic vibe with a cozy theme that seems as if it is from the book Where the Wild Things Are. As if all those weren’t enough, the staff were incredibly friendly and even recommended local soba spots for lunch.
Shop for Unique Souvenirs
After eating, visit some of Hida-Furukawa’s local craft shops. One of my favorites was Hottosuru Mise where the owner designs original t-shirts, postcards, and wooden goods. I ended up chatting with him for about 30 minutes. Before I left, I had to purchase one of his cat-themed t-shirts. Not only was the art adorable, but the quality was great too. His designs are only available in Hida-Furukawa which make them perfect souvenirs.
Nearby, you’ll also find shops for candles, woven goods, and more handcrafted items. Plus, each shop offers a chance to connect with the town’s artisans and learn more about the local area.
Lunch: Try Local Soba or Hida Beef
Hida-Furukawa is known for soba (buckwheat noodles), Hida beef, and mountain vegetables. I recommend Sobasho Nakaya where the handmade soba comes with freshly grated wasabi. If you are traveling with others, don’t skip the local vegetable tempura. Just be aware that the portions at this shop are large compared to other similar restaurants.
I ordered the zaru soba, which is soba served cold with a dipping sauce, grated daikon, green onions, and wasabi. After the noodles, don’t forget to pour soba-yu (the water used to cook the soba) into your dipping sauce and drink it like a soup to finish the meal.
Try Local Sake and Craft Beer
After lunch is the perfect time to visit the sake breweries or the only craft beer brewery in the city. While I didn’t sample any sake in town, both locations are worth visiting for their traditional architecture and long histories. Reviews are mixed on the staff friendliness, but many visitors rave about the tasting experience. I recommend that you give it a try and see for yourself. Even though I was not drinking sake, it was nice to see the breweries just for the historical value.
Just a short walk away from the sake breweries is Hida no Oku Brewery, the town’s only craft beer brewery. It is run by a female brewer, and the taproom is quaint and modern. I ordered a flight that included an IPA, a sour, and a dark ale. All were fantastic and flavorful. As the number of women brewers is increasing, I look forward to visiting these shops to support them. Hida no Oku will definitely be on my list for the next visit.
Learn about Local Culture at the Festival Exhibition Hall
Before wrapping up your visit, stop by the Hida Furukawa Festival Exhibition Hall. This museum gives visitors an immersive look at the town’s famous spring festival. The festival is held annually on April 19–20. Even if you're not visiting during the festival, the museum lets you experience it through interactive exhibits, videos, and life-sized floats. It's not large, but it’s well worth your time.
Final Thoughts
After the museum, you can continue exploring the town, enjoy some sweets, or move on to your next destination. I’ve visited Takayama many times, but I can’t believe it took me so long to visit Hida-Furukawa. With over-tourism becoming a growing issue in Japan, towns like this feel even more special.
Whether you're into food, nature, culture, or simply looking for a quiet escape, Hida-Furukawa deserves a spot on your Japan itinerary.
Let me know in the comments if you’ve been or plan to visit. I’d love to hear about your favorite spots and experiences or what you’d like to see!
