With the weak yen making Japan more affordable for visitors, there has been a surge in tourists to the country. However, the concentration of crowds at popular attractions has led to some strain on Japan’s hotspots. Places like Gion in Kyoto, Fujikawaguchiko, and Ginzan Onsen in the Yamagata region have had to implement restrictions on tourist access to alleviate the pressure. In response, Japan’s tourism authorities are encouraging tourists to explore lesser-known destinations, such as Gifu prefecture, to experience a more traditional and off-the-beaten-track Japan.
Situated in the heart of Japan’s main island Honshu, Gifu prefecture boasts sacred mountains, UNESCO villages, and traditional artisans practicing historic crafts. The area is home to high-quality onsen towns, traditional ryokans (inns), and vast Japanese history and natural beauty. With the recent launch of Finnair’s direct seasonal flights from Helsinki to Nagoya, accessing the province has become easier for European travelers. Nagoya airport aims to provide efficient connections to undiscovered regions of Japan, allowing travelers to skip large airport queues and spend more time enjoying the region’s offerings.
A weeklong itinerary in Gifu offers a glimpse into the artisan heart of Japan, starting with the capital city of Gifu and its rich history. In Seki city, visitors can witness the ancient tradition of sword forging and even try their hands at creating knives, scissors, and other cutlery items. Further north, visitors can explore Mino city’s Warabee Land to observe the process of making washi paper. In Hida, known for its prime marbled beef and medicinal herbs, visitors can take a tea-making class using herbs that offer various benefits, from aiding with hangovers to hair loss.
Takayama city, with its Edo-era history, offers a chance to explore the last remaining administrative headquarters from that time in Japan. The town’s historic streets lined with dark wood shop fronts and restaurants provide a nostalgic experience. At Honjin Hiranoya Kachoan Hotel, visitors can enjoy traditional high-end accommodation with tatami-matted rooms and kaiseki dining, a multi-course haute cuisine experience. Shirakawa-go village, with its UNESCO-recognized community roof rethatching practice, showcases the unique ‘gassho-zukuri’ peaked building style.
The trip concludes in the onsen town of Gero, known for its therapeutic hot spring water. The town offers various public baths, foot baths, and pools with changing facilities, making it a peaceful and rejuvenating experience for visitors. Suimeikan Hotel, a vast onsen resort, provides traditional tatami-matted rooms with wooden baths and communal onsens. The therapeutic benefits of Gero’s hot spring water, along with its hygienic rituals, offer a relaxing and cleansing experience for travelers. With Finnair’s direct flights to Nagoya, exploring the rural idyll of Gifu is now more accessible for European tourists seeking an alternative, crowd-free experience of Japan.
