Gujō Hachiman
A long day out from Nagoya on a bus tour into the mountains of Gifu. First stop, Gujō Hachiman, a little castle town known for its water: clear rivers, springs and canals running along the streets.
Springs and canals
The town has springs everywhere, with little covered spots where people used to wash vegetables and dishes.
On the red bridge:
Takayama
Then Takayama, two hours further into the mountains. Lunch first: Hida Takayama ramen, a soy-sauce broth with thin curly noodles. ¥2,520.
The old town
Takayama’s old town is rows of dark wooden merchant houses, sake breweries and shops.
There’s a Snoopy Chaya, soft serve (¥600) and a chestnut latte (¥700).
Onward to Shirakawa-gō!
Written 2026 · Takayama, Japan