What is NAGARAGAWA?
The beautiful pure waters of the Nagara River have brought immense bountifulness to the lives from times immortal of those living right near the lands through which it flows—placid, yet at times flowing fiercely. The river has been the host of many stories as it nurtures life, creates culture and has held a reliable place in our hearts.
With sweetfish swimming in the river bed, Nagara River’s pristine waters have helped to bring about elements of culture such as graceful Minowashi paper, or the powerful Japanese katana. The river has also brought about the Hakusan faith that gives praise to the blessings of water, as well as Buddhist priest Enku who traveled along its banks. The Nagara river is also a place where people wish for happiness and offer their prayers.
The river begins its journey downstream at Gujo, and flows swiftly through Mino, Seki and Gifu before finally reaching the waters of the Ise bay. We encourage you to come out and experience a story and backdrop that lives on but which you’ve never seen, here at the Nagara River.
GIFU
岐阜
Enjoy walking in the townships and shopping, while getting a taste of Japanese history through
cormorant fishing on the Nagara River and touring the Jokamachi area.
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A castle located in the city of Gifu. Along with Mt.Kinka and the Nagara River, They are one of the main symbols of the city.
■ Location
18 Kinkazan Tenshyukaku, Gifu City
■ Open
Mar 16 - May 11 9:30AM - 5:30PM
May 12 - Oct 16 8:30AM - 5:30PM
Oct 17 - Mar 15 9:30AM - 4:30PM
■ Direction
3-minute walk from the "Gifu Park" / "Gifu City Museum of History" bus stop("City Loop-line"
Counterclockwise direction)and take Mt. Kinka Ropeway. -
Gifu Great Buddha
(Shoho-ji Temple)Gifu’s Great Buddha is 13.7 meters tall, is counted among Japan’s Three Great Buddha Statues, and is the largest in Japan to be made of Paper and bamboo.
■ Location
8 Daibutsu-cho, Gifu City
■ Open every day from 9AM ~ 5PM
■ Direction
5-minute walk from the "Gifu Park"/ "Gifu City Museum of History" bus stop("City Loop-line"
Counterclockwise direction) -
This Museum is dedicated to encouraging a deeper understanding of UKAI, the cormorant fishing show on the Nagara river.
■ Location
51-2 Nagara, Gifu City
■ Open
(5/1 – 10/15)Every day from 9AM ~ 7PM
(10/ 16 – 4/30)Open from 9PM ~ 5PM / Close : Tuesdays
■ Direction
6-minute walk from the " Ukai-ya " bus stop( "City Loop-line"
Counterclockwise direction)
SEKI
関
This city features the traditions passed down of swordsmiths and the cormorant fishing of Ose,
along with the bountiful and lovely nature that remains.
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Seki Traditional
Swordsmith MuseumThe museum shows Seki's sword (Katana) making history and the manufacturing process of Japanese swords. Traditional sword-hammering performance is also available.
■ Location
9-1 Minamikasugacho Seki-city
■ Open
From 9PM ~ 4:30PM / Close : Tuesdays
■ Direction
5-minute walk from the Nagaragawa Railway " Hamono Kaikanmae Station " -
Razor Memorial Facility
Feather MuseumThe museum introduced products of famous razor manufacturer , Feather,and razors from around the world from various angles including history and culture.
■ Location
1-17 Hinodecho Seki-city
■ Open
From 9:30PM ~ 4PM / Close : Tuesdays
■ Direction
2minute walk from the Nagaragawa Railway " Hamono Kaikanmae Station " -
The Pond,such as
Monet paintingsSee the pond that’s nicknamed “Monet’s Pond” for its beautiful water lilies, Japanese carp, and crystal-clear turquoise water.
■ Location
Nemichi Shrine, Itadori, Seki-city
■ Open
Everyday
■ Direction
60minute drive from " Gifu Station "
MINO
美濃
A beautiful city where history and nature combine, such as in its Minowashi paper or the decorative buttresses
that adorn the buildings of the old townscape.
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The museum offers the paper making workshop and you will meet the world of Washi, Japanese handmade paper through the special exhibits and shops.
■ Location
1851-3 Warabi, Mino city
■ Open
From 9PM ~ 5PM / Close : Tuesdays
■ Direction
15minute taxi ride from the Nagaragawa Railway " Mino-shi Station " -
Have a seat on the Japanese balcony to hear the melody of the water dripping in Suikinkutsu (water harp) echoes in the tranquility.
■ Location
1883 Izumi-cho, Mino City
■ Open
April-September : From 9:00am ~ 4:30pm
October-March : From 9:00am ~ 4:00pm
*Last admission : 15 minutes before closing
■ Direction
15-minute walk from the Nagaragawa Railway "Mino-shi Station" -
Hyakusyun Sake Brewry
(Kosaka Syuzojo)Kosaka brewery is located in the center of Mino City. The brewery was built in 1772, a stately structure that portrays the history of sake breweries in the Edo period.
■ Location
2267 Aioicho, Mino City
■ Open
Every day from 9AM ~ 5PM
■ Direction
15minute walk from the Nagaragawa Railway "Mino-shi Station"
GUJO
郡上
Play in the water or snow of the forest at the head of the Nagara River, or spend a summer’s day
in the Jokamachi with its distinctive fresh water, as you join the Bon-odori dance.
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A small museum which showcases the town's water system, history and traditional crafts. Check out the performance of Gujo Odori, one of the top three major Japanese folk songs and dances.
■ Location
50 Tonomachi, Shimadani, Hachimancho, Gujo City
■ Open
From 9PM ~ 5PM / Close : 12/24 to 1/2
■ Direction
3minute walk from the “Joukamachi plaza” bus stop(Gifu bus rapid Hachiman line) -
Gujo Hachiman castle was said to be the most beautiful mountain castle in Japan by Japanese writer Ryotaro Shiba. The castle has different faces for every season, with fresh green in spring and summer, beautiful leaves in autumn, and winter snowscapes.
■ Location
50 Tonomachi, Shimadani, Hachimancho, Gujo City
■ Open
Mar-May,Sep-Oct 9AM~5PM
June-Aug 8AM~6PM
Nov-Feb 9AM~4:30PM
■ Direction
15minute walk from the“Joukamachi plaza” bus stop(Gifu bus rapid Hachiman line)and 15 minute walk. -
Watanabe Somemono
Traditional Indigo DyeA famous and well-known "prefectural cultural asset" Watanabe has been dying indigo for decades. Some of Watanabe's patterns are hundreds of years old, while some are contemporary interpretations of traditional themes.
■ Location
737 Shimadani Hachimancho, Gujo-City
■ Open
From 10:00-17:00 Closed: Irregular holidays
■ Direction
5minute walk from the “Joukamachi plaza” bus stop(Gifu bus rapid Hachiman line)
ACCESS
Directions to the Nagara river region
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By Car
By Bus
By Train
※The traffic congestion will change depending on the situation
※For more information, please visit the following URL: travel.kankou-gifu.jp/en/transportaion/