All Gifu Prefecture Tours & Excursions in 2026

Description Experience the preserved Edo-period charm of the Japanese Alps on this private, customizable walking tour of Takayama. Tailored entirely to your interests, this historic excursion lets you set the pace alongside a knowledgeable local guide. Dive into regional history and dictate your own path through this timeless timber town by choosing your preferred route options: Select your morning start: Choose between browsing historical riverside market stalls or touring a preserved Shogun-era government office. Pick your architectural path: Wander the famous black-walled streets of Sanmachi Suji or tour a master-built heritage home. Choose your spiritual finale: Visit a historic Shinto shrine housing festival floats or walk a peaceful hillside temple trail. Set your custom duration: Enjoy a completely flexible walking pace across a tailored 2 to 4-hour timeline. Itineraries are flexible and can be modified based on your preferences.

Discover the intriguing legacy of Seki, a city renowned for its exceptional sword-making craft that has evolved over centuries. This immersive tour delves into the history of Japanese swords, exploring the traditional forging techniques that have shaped both samurai swords and contemporary cutting tools. Participants will gain insight into the artistry behind Seki blades, from their historical significance to their modern adaptations in kitchen knives and other tools. Conclude the tour by browsing a diverse selection of locally crafted items, with expert guidance available for those looking to find the perfect blade for their needs. - Explore the rich history of Japanese sword-making in Seki - Learn about traditional forging techniques and their modern applications - View and compare a variety of Seki-made blades and tools - Receive expert advice on selecting the right knife or tool for your needs

This Kabuki experience is truly unique — it takes place in a historic local theater that continues to keep the spirit of community Kabuki alive. You won’t find another experience quite like this anywhere else in Japan. It’s a deeply personal and memorable way to connect with traditional Japanese culture, and for many travelers, it becomes one of the highlights of their Japan journey.

Explore the rich heritage of Mino ware on this immersive walking tour in Tajimi, Japan. Begin at Gallery Voice, a cultural hub showcasing contemporary ceramic art while learning about the evolution of Mino ware from its medieval roots to modern interpretations. Then, stroll down Oribe Street, visiting local pottery shops where you can feel the textures and weight of the ceramics firsthand, bridging the gap between art and functionality. Engage with artisans' insights as you select unique pieces that reflect both tradition and contemporary sensibilities. This tour offers a deep dive into a living craft, revealing the artistry that shapes daily life in Tajimi. - Discover the history and evolution of Mino ware ceramics - Visit Gallery Voice for contemporary ceramic exhibitions - Explore Oribe Street and engage with local pottery shops - Touch and appreciate the craftsmanship of functional art pieces

Gujo Hachiman is famous for its pure, natural water and summer obon dance called the Gujo Odori, which has been held for over 400 years. You will experience the waterways by walking through the town and visiting the many canals and springs that are still in use today. In this tour, your knowledgeable licensed local guide will accompany you on your journey features an atmospheric townscape, an old fashioned castle town whose culture continues to thrive like the waters of the nearby river. Let us know what you would like to experience and we will customize your four-hours special tour that's best for you! Note*1: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary.

Visit Seki City, one of the world’s top three blade-producing regions, and discover 700 years of swordsmithing history at the Seki Blacksmithing Tradition Museum. Afterwards, visit the Fukuda Cutlery Industry factory and experience the latest technology by touring the cemented carbide knife brand "KISEKI:" and m aking a pocket knife. After the experience, enjoy seasonal cuisine at a traditional Japanese restaurant involved in the development of "KISEKI:" products.

Discover Kamikochi on a small-group day trip from the Takayama area with an English-speaking guide. Along the way, you’ll enjoy beautiful alpine scenery while learning about Japan’s nature, history, and local culture. Unlike a standard sightseeing trip, this experience is designed to be flexible: we keep the pace relaxed, stop at scenic viewpoints for photos, and adjust the walking route based on your group, the season, and the weather. Seasonal transportation is included and may be by public bus and/or company vehicle depending on operating conditions. Please wear hiking shoes or sturdy walking shoes. Chinese-speaking guide requests are available subject to availability.

The main aim is not for sightseeing, but getting benefit from God, Buddha, and Kannon. The shrine and the temples are little-known power spots, but spiritualists say Horakuji Temple is the strongest spiritual power temple in the Kansai region and some people had a mysterious and unbelievable experience. The next persons get benefit or have a wonderful experience may be you. Note (important): If the starting point is Gifu-Station, stating time is 7AM. But, if you want to start at Minami-Tanabe station, it is possible and the stating time is 10:45. Please inform "stating at Gifu Station (7AM)" or "starting at Minami-Tanabe Station (10:45)" to the guide in advance. [Travelers can customize.]

Forge your own kitchen knife from tamahagane, the same steel used for samurai swords, and take the finished blade home. You work one-on-one with an award-winning young master swordsmith in Seki, Japan's legendary blade town: heating and hammering the steel, applying the clay to set your own hamon (temper line), then grinding, sharpening and fitting the handle. Every step is hands-on, guided in English, using genuine swordsmithing technique scaled to a kitchen knife you'll use for years.