Sightseeing Out of Town

Sights and Attractions Well Worth The Extra Journey

Visitors willing to venture just outside of Gujo Hachiman will find many attractions and things to see and do. Visitors can explore ancient caves, take in beautiful displays of Spring cherry blossoms, and visit the historical towns of Hida Takayama, Mino, and UNESCO World Heritage Shirakawa Go.

Some sightseeing out of town is best done by private car, however several sites of interest can be reached by public transit including Gifu Bus, and Nagara River Railway.

 

There are over 500 limestone caves in and around Gujo Hachiman. Three are open to the public, and offer a chance for anyone to visit this amazing underground world.

Otaki Shonyudo Cave

Otaki Shonyudo is a network of underground caves with a waterfall. Visit this 800m long cave and see the 30m high waterfall - it is the tallest underground waterfall in Japan.

Where: a 25 minute drive from the central historic area

Admission: 1,000 JPY　Tel: 0575-67-1331

Otaki Shonyudo Cave Official Website (Japanese Only)

Driving Instructions to Otaki Shonyudo Cave

Jomon Do Cave

Jomon Shonyudo - these stunning underground caves were used during prehistoric times as shelter. The only light is from the flashlight you carry with you on your self-guided tour! (Can be scary!)

Where: a 25 minute drive from the central historic area

Admission: 500 JPY　Tel: 0575-67-1331

Driving instructions to Jomon Do Cave

Miyama Shonyudo Cave

A cool place to visit on a hot summer day. This cave is home to bats and various insects that can easily be seen during a self-guided tour.

Where: a 30 minute drive from the central historic area

Admission: Adult 900 JPY、Child 500 JPY Tel: 0575-68-2321

Visit the Official Miyama Shonyudo Cave Website

Driving Instructions

 

Meiho Ski Area

Skiers and snowboarders alike will enjoy the winter playground that is the Meiho Ski area. A short 40 minutes away by car, many winter sports enthusiasts make Gujo Hachiman their home base for a few days of skiing and snowboarding.

There are four main ski areas with 14 courses, including 5 km of downhill courses, suitable for all levels and abilities. Visitors can enjoy local hot springs after skiing to warm up and soothe tired muscles.

Visit the Official Meiho Area Website (Japanese Only)

For Meiho area accommodation Click Here.

Where: approximately 40 minutes from Gujo Hachiman by car. No public transport is available to this area.

Click Here for a Google Map Route to the Meiho Ski Area from Gujo Hachiman

 

Seseragi Kaido (Autumn Colour Road)

Beginning in late October, stunning autumn colours abound in and around Gujo Hachiman, and are easily seen along national highway 472 between Gujo Hachiman and Hida Takayama. Along the way are many waterfalls and hiking trails, and of course delicious restaurants where you can stop and enjoy a nice meal or a light snack.

Visit the Official Seseragi Kaido Website (Japanese Only)

 

Spring Cherry Blossoms Along The Nagara River and National Highway 156

It was the personal dream of Ryouji Sato, a former bus conductor on the route from Nagoya to Kanazawa, to plant cherry trees along the road from Nagoya to Kanazawa. Over many years, he personally bought, grew, and planted the thousands of cherry trees now seen along National Highway 156. These trees are especially beautiful in spring when they are in full bloom alongside the Nagara River. The view is in one word - stunning and should not be missed.

You can also find beautiful displays of wild "yama zakura" or mountain sakura. These trees grow wild on mountains all over Japan and were not planted by people.

 

Easy Day Trips From Gujo Hachiman

Several significant tourist attractions are within easy reach of Gujo Hachiman. All these locations are accessible by public highway bus and/or train, with travel times typically under two hours each way.

Mino City

Nearby Mino City is world renowned for producing traditional Japanese washi paper, a tradition that dates back more than 1,300 years. The town's historical centre features well preserved historical Edo period architecture.

For two days in the middle of October, during the Mino Washi Akari Exhibition he udatsu-lined old streets transform into a magical world of delicate washi paper light art.

Visit the Official Mino City Tourist Website - English

Getting to Mino takes approximately 25 minutes by car, and can be easily reached from Gujo Hachiman by Nagara River Railway departing Gujo Hachiman Station.

Seki City

A sword making demonstration in Seki. These master craftsmen are making a samurai sword.

If you've ever want to see how they make authentic samurai swords, then don't miss the opportunity to visit Seki Traditional Sword Museum. You are also able to order your very own custom made samurai sword but be aware, they are very expensive, the waiting list is very long, and special permits are required.

The museum includes demonstrations of how custom samurai swords are finished and prepared following traditions with hundreds of years of history.

You can find out information about museum hours and sword making demonstration times on the website in English. The museum is a short walk from the Nagara River Railway Seki Station.

You can also experience Ukai - cormorant fishing - on the Nagara River in Seki. During the summer you can observe up close a traditional way of fishing that dates back over 1,300 years. The cormorant fishing masters in Seki are employed by the emperor and are called Imperial Fishermen of the Royal Household Agency.

Imperial Fishermen of the Royal Household Agency use cormorants in a 1,300 year-old tradition to catch ayu on the Nagara River.

Getting to Seki City from Gujo hachiman is very easy on the Nagara River Railway, nicknamed "The Samurai Line", the trip takes about one hour on very scenic route alongside the Nagara River.

Hida Takayama

Hida Takayama is only 80 km north of Gujo Hachiman. This old town has roots dating back to 300 B.C. and boasts a beautifully restored historical town centre.

Visit the Official Hida Takayama Website - In English

Getting to Hida Takayama from Gujo Hachiman takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes by car via the Tokai Hokuriku Highway. There are daily highway buses from Gujo Hachiman that depart the Gujo Hachiman Highway Bus stop alongside the Tokai Hokuriku Highway. Busses are operated by Kintetsu and Nohi Bus.

UNESCO World Heritage Site - Shirakawa Go

UNESCO World Heritage Shirakawa Go village is famous its gasshō-zukuri homes and buildings.

Getting to Shirakawa Go takes approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes by car via the Tokai Hokuriku Highway.

Gifu Bus and Shirotori Bus both offer daily highway bus service between Gujo Hachiman Jokamachi Plaza and Shirakawa Go Village

Visit the Official Shirakawa Go Website - In English