Top Activities on the Ground in Gifu Prefecture

Explore the rural and historic Hida region on a small-group e-bike tour. Pedal around the Maze village with ease on your electric bike and enjoy the passing views of the Japanese countryside, without any tourists around. Learn about the history, culture, and daily life in the Japanese countryside. This tour is ideal for those who want to escape touristic areas and be truly immersed in the local region.

Enjoy an otherworldly nature experience on this private tour that is customized to your preferences. Follow your guide deep into the snow-covered forest, experiencing the Japanese art of *shinrin-yoku,* or "forest bathing." Before you know it, a tower of blue ice stands before you. Soak in the scene, feel Japan's ethereal side, and find yourself one with Mother Nature.

Get a taste of the ancient Nakasendo Trail that runs between Kyoto and Tokyo on a guided five-hour walk through the Kiso Valley. Walk between two scenic medieval towns without the risk of getting lost as your guide will keep you on the right path. Learn more about local culture and traditions while enjoying the landscapes along the way and getting some exercise.

Step into the forest and experience nature from a completely different perspective—high above the ground. This tree-top adventure lets you climb, balance, and move between trees on exciting obstacle courses set in the beautiful Takayama countryside. It’s a perfect activity for those looking to create unforgettable memories in Japan!! The duration of this activity depends on your physical fitness. It typically takes just under an hour for the average person, but participants who take too long may be asked to withdraw partway through. Please review the following precautions carefully before signing up. ・People who are under 110 cm tall or weigh 95 kg or more are not permitted to use this facility. ・People under the age of 8 & 59 more older are not permitted to use the facility. ・Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. ・if you have long hair, please tie it back.

Experience the untouched beauty of mountain streams on this immersive river trekking tour in Takayama. Guided by certified experts from the Japan Mountain Guides Association, you’ll explore landscapes created by the eruption of the volcano while learning about the deep mountain culture that forms the roots of life in Takayama. One highlight of the tour is enjoying hand-dripped coffee, brewed using fresh spring water collected during the trek by a professional barista—an authentic taste of nature’s gifts. A locally sourced lunch of fresh sandwiches and soup is also included. Centered around the theme of “water,” this tour is ideal for adventure seekers, nature lovers, and culturally curious travelers who want to reconnect with the land and its traditions.

Hida-Osaka E-BIKE Adventure – Short Course Majestic Waterfalls × Forest Bathing × Countryside Gourmet! A Casual E-BIKE Tour Course Hida-Osaka Station - Gandate Park - Michi-no-Eki Hanamomo -Hida-Osaka Station Located between Gero City and Takayama City, Hida-Osaka is a town rich in nature and history. On this E-BIKE tour, you can comfortably explore the area's hidden gems while riding an electric-assisted mountain bike. At Gandate Park, experience the breathtaking power of a magnificent waterfall and immerse yourself in nature. Enjoy the refreshing ride through the forest as you make your way to Michi-no-Eki Hanamomo. At the roadside station, indulge in delicious local gourmet food made with fresh regional ingredients. Thanks to E-BIKE support, even beginners or those who are not confident in their stamina can enjoy this easy and exciting adventure ride. A compact yet fulfilling experience of Hida-Osaka in a short time! Feel the breath of nature and enjoy a refreshing E-BIKE journey.

Embark on a scenic cycling tour through the charming streets of Tajimi, where you'll experience the perfect blend of local culture and history！ Visit the renowned Suigetsugama Kiln, established by Arakawa Toyozo, a leading figure in the world of pottery. Witness the traditional process of pottery-making, including clay preparation, shaping, and firing, all done by hand. The tour also includes a stop at Eihōji Temple, a National Treasure with two treasured buildings, and THE GROUND MINO, where you can enjoy works by contemporary ceramic artists. For lunch, choose between Tajimi’s specialty eel or a traditional Japanese meal served on Mino ware.

Escape tourist hotspots and spend a day exploring the local culinary scene in Hida. As it’s a guided tour, you won’t have to worry about getting lost, and can concentrate on the delicious food. Try multiple local specialties such as miso, beef croquettes, Japanese sweets, and tea. A highlight is visiting a sake brewery to learn about sake production and enjoy sake tastings.

Experience life like a local by embarking upon a bicycle tour in the Japanese countryside. In the company of a small group of no more than eight, pedal a mostly flat course as your guide shares insights into the history and culture of the Hida region. Along the way, you make several stops at locals-only places, missed by most visitors and also have the chance to meet some of the locals.

Half-bow archery was once a common evening pastime around Japan, but few of these archery ranges remain. Takayama's historic archery range, a favorite of the locals since 1929, will be all yours for a private session. An experienced archer will be there to give you instructions.

Get access to stunning landscapes off-limits to vehicles—and observe daily life in the Japanese countryside—during this scenic bicycle tour through the farming village of Hida. Tours are timed to begin in the morning, when rural Japan shakes off its slumber and springs to life. You’ll get to see traditional wooden houses, sprawling rice paddies, and rolling mountains, covering more sights in less time on your own set of wheels.

Go off the beaten track to parts of Hida missed by most travelers on this guided biking tour. Pedal at a relaxed pace through a historic tow and past farming villages and rice fields, and get a taste of local daily life in the Japanese countryside as your guide shares insights into the history and culture for the area. This small-group tour is limited to eight people to ensure a personal experience.

The road is fully paved — smooth, stable, and safe to ride. Flanked by steep mountain walls and dramatic cliffs, the route feels like riding through a hidden canyon. Occasional clearings reveal breathtaking panoramic views. As you descend, small farmhouses begin to appear, offering a glimpse into the quiet daily life of rural Japan. Not Tokyo. Not Kyoto. This is Japan as it really is — unpolished, unhurried, and unforgettable. The entire 45-minute route is downhill only — no uphill, no effort. Perfect for a hot summer day.