Nature Spots in Gifu Area
Area
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Gifu
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Gifu
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- Hida Great Limestone Cave
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4.0156 Reviews - Travel / Tourism
- Gifu Pref. Takayamashi Nyukawachouhiyomo 1147
- The Hida Great Limestone Cave is located between Hida Takayama and the Okuhida Onsengo. Running a total length of about 800 meters, it is among the greatest tourist limestone caves in Japan. In the cave you can also see a rare form of stalactite known as a helictite, the only known occurrence in Japan. These bizarre looking cave deposits grow in all directions. As well as the limestone cave there is the Ohashi Collection Kan Museum which displays artworks collected by Sotokichi Ohashi, the discoverer of the Hida Great Limestone Cave. About 1,000 pieces of artworks are on display.
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This place wasnt really on our itinerary but change of plans gave us free time and glad we did. Reasonably easy to walk through the caves with some stairs and smaller spacers. Museum attached was...
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- Tokuyama Dam
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4.023 Reviews - Travel / Tourism
- Gifu Pref. Ibigunibigawachou Kaiden 448
- In addition to being one of Japan’s top rockfill dams in terms of total water and bank volume, the Tokuyama Dam is a dam constructed to be coexistent with nature. The dam is open for viewing everyday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. However, use of fire is strictly forbidden, and you must take all your trash with you. Descriptions of the Tokuyama Dam are provided in the Forestry Learning Hall. (Reservations required.)
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色んな面で規模が大きく、総合的に日本一のダムのようです。ダム件そせぅの為、沈みゆく徳山ダムを舞台にした日本映画「ふるさと」でも有名です。ダムむ向う時期まで歩いて渡れますよ。少し走ると徳山会館があって、ダムの歴史の勉強が出来ると共にレストランでは名物のダムカレーが頂けます。
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- Utsue Shijuhattaki Falls (Utsue Shijuhattaki Falls Prefectural Nature Park)
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4.033 Reviews - Travel / Tourism
- Gifu Pref. Takayamashi Kokufuchoutsue
- The collective term for 13 waterfalls located in a nature park a 15 minute drive from JR Hida-Kokufu Station along Prefectural Route 479. The name of the falls is derived from a local tale known as the “Legend of Yosohachi.” A highly secluded area, visitors can enjoy the sight of the 18.8 meter tall Otaki falls and other waterfalls splashing down rocky walls amidst seasonal scenery. This scenery has been selected in a variety of lists of Japan’s most beautiful locations, including the 100 best examples of natural scenery to preserve in the 21st century, Gifu Prefecture’s 50 most beautiful water areas, and the 33 most beautiful locals to enjoy fall foliage in the Hida-Mino area. There is a campground and hot spring bathhouse nearby, and the stone paved path leading to the falls makes it easy even for families with children to enjoy the gorgeous views.
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Wonderful place next to Takayama. Take train to Hida Kokufu station, outside the station take a free bus to the falls. The bus goes up at 10:08 13:38 and 14:40. The bus stop is opposite to a...
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- Nemichi Shrine
- Travel / Tourism
- Gifu Pref. Sekishi Itadori On the Shimane Road 448
- Nemichi Shrine sits in an area surrounded by lush vegetation. The main enshrined deities are Nemichi Okami, Izanami no Mikoto, Oyamatsumi no Kami, and Kanayamabiko no Kami. The spring festival is held in April and the autumn festival is held in October. Beside the main gate to the shrine is a small pond nicknamed Monet’s Pond. So called because it resembles Claude Monet’s water lilies. The place has become particularly well known on the internet and consequently attracts visitors to the shrine almost daily.
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- Sekigahara Daishonyu-do (Stalactite Cavern)
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3.019 Reviews - Travel / Tourism
- Gifu Pref. Fuwagunsekigaharachou Tama 1328-3
- With its stalactite and stalagmite formations, Sekigahara Daishonyu-do (Stalactite Cavern) is a real natural wonder. Visitors can view rainbow trout swimming in the clear water that gushes out from the cave, and there is an abundance of Paleozoic fossils to be seen. The area around the Cavern is full of natural beauty in every season of the year. Besides the spring cherry blossom, the wisteria are in full bloom around May 10 each year, and the autumn foliage is a sight for sore eyes; the autumn foliage season starts around mid-October, but the best time to see the leaves is from around mid-November until early December.
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何でもない、只の小規模な鍾乳洞でした。７月-８月は無休らしいが、普段は水曜日は定休？日らしい。駐車場も完備されていて小規模だが、それなりには楽しめる。但し、料金は京都の社寺並のぼったくり、大人７００円、子供３００円、幼児まで有料？で２００円・・・子供と幼児くらいは無料にしてやれよ！
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- Otaki Limestone Cave
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4.05 Reviews - Travel / Tourism
- Gifu Pref. Gujoushi Hachimanchouakuda 2298
- The Otaki Limestone Cave is said to have been formed through groundwater erosion in the faults of the Palaeozoic limestone rock formation. There are lots of things to see along the approximately 700 meter section such as the ‘tenjokai’ group of stalactites and the mysterious Otaki (waterfall). There is a fishing pond close by where you can catch and eat your fish there and then.
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This place was fantastic! The village itself was gorgeous in a deep pine valley. After alighting from the cable car, be ready for the cool draft that comes out of the cave. The cave was stunning...
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- Ena Gorge
- Travel / Tourism
- Gifu Pref. Enashi Oichou Enakyo
- This place developed as a result of the dam constructed during the Taisho period, becoming a beautifully verdant prefectural park, and then named Ena Gorge in 1920. A walkway has been created on the peninsula jutting out into the gorge, and there is also a tour boat, allowing you to enjoy different views. Approximately 15 minutes by car from JR Ena Station.
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- Yahagi Dam
- Travel / Tourism
- Aichi Pref. Toyotashi Shizurasechou Higashibata 67
- This dam straddles the border between Shizurase-cho, Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture and Kushihara, Ena City, Gifu Prefecture. The parabolic concrete arch dam is positioned in the upper reaches of the Yahagi River. Visitors can tour the control room, the tunnels below the dam body, and other areas (reservation required). The dam also holds dam discharge viewing events several times per year. It is also possible to enjoy the rich natural scenery of the area surrounding the dam and Lake Okuyahagi, its dam lake, including cherry blossoms and fall foliage.
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- Mt. Norikura
- Travel / Tourism
- Gifu Pref. Takayamashi Nyukawachouiwaidani
- A mountain located at the southern edge of the Hida Mountains which has 23 peaks, seven lakes, and eight plains. The mountain's highest peak, Kengamine, is 3,026 meters tall. There are two roads which lead to the Tatami-daira plateau 2,700 meters above sea level—one on the Nagano Prefecture side which leads from the Norikura Plateau through Prefectural Route 84, and one on the Gifu Prefecture side which leads from Hirayu to the Nirokura Skyline. A shuttlebus can also be used to travel either route. Alpine flower fields sprawl in the vicinity of Tatami-daira and visitors can enjoy the sight of the beautiful flowers as they climb. The area is also a popular destination to enjoy fall foliage in autumn. It takes approximately one hour and 30 minutes to climb to the top of the mountain from Tatami-daira. At the top of the mountain you'll find a stunning view of the Hida Mountains.
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- Yoro Falls
- Travel / Tourism
- Gifu Pref. Yourougunyourouchou Takabayashi 1298-2
- This is one of Japan’s top 100 waterfalls, boasting a height of about 30 meters and a width of about 4 meters. The sight of the clear water cascading downward and causing foam to bubble beneath will enrapture you. The spray is like a fine mist, and you can even feel its coolness in the summer. According to the “Yoro Koshi Densetsu” (Legend of the Dutiful Child of Yoro), this waterfall’s water transformed into sake (rice wine).
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- Mt. Ikeda
- Travel / Tourism
- Ikeda-cho, Ibi-gun, Gifu Prefecture
- Mt. Ikeda is famous for yamazakura (wild cherry blossom), a Natural Monument of Japan. Yakeishi Shrine and Nobi Observatory at 750m and the 2000 natsutsubaki (Stewartia pseudocarmellia) near the summit are all wonderful to see. The summit features a gorgeous night view, which is quite popular and widely praised. To enjoy the 11 kilometers hike from base to summit, you’ll need sufficient preparation and five hours to complete the trip up and back down.
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- Mt. Kinka
- Travel / Tourism
- Gifu-shi, Gifu Prefecture
- A 329 meter tall mountain located in the center of Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture. Gifu Castle, former home of the mighty samurai Oda Nobunaga, towers at the top of the mountain. The mountain was once called Mt. Inaba, but it came to be called “Kinka,” “golden blossom,” due to the many Japanese Chinquapin trees which grow on its slops and turn the mountain gold with their blossoms in early May. Gifu Park is located at the foot of the mountain and a ropeway travels from here to the top of the mountain in about four minutes. A facility called Squirrel Village, where visitors can see a variety of squirrels living comfortably and freely in natural environments, is located near the mountaintop ropeway station as well as a store and scenic overlook restaurant, and many people visit this popular destination.
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- Tsukechi Gorge
- Travel / Tourism
- Gifu Pref. Nakatsugawashi Tsukechichou
- Tsukechi Gorge is a marvelous natural environment in which to relax and unwind. It has been ranked as one of the best 33 places to view autumn foliage in the Hida and Mino region. The sparkling Tsukechi River and the coloration of the leaves on the trees are so beautiful that they almost take your breath away. The footpath in Fudo Park is ideal for taking a refreshing walk in the woods. In the spring, visitors can see flowers such as rhododendron and azalea; in the summer, they can enjoy camping or fishing.
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- Kanmuriyama Pass
- Travel / Tourism
- Gifu prefecture Ii-gun Ibigawa-cho
- A pass located on the border between Gifu Prefecture and Fukui Prefecture on the Mt. Kanmuriyama Line forest road. Situated 1,050 meters above sea level, vehicle traffic is allowed on the pass road. There is a parking area long the pass and many mountain climbers start their ascent of Mt. Kanmuri from here. There is also a stone monument along the pass inscribed with the pass’ name in Japanese which commemorates the opening of the road, as well as a stone monument marking the border between Fukui and Gifu. As the pass becomes dangerous under snowfall, traffic along the pass is closed in winter. Currently, a tunnel is being constructed directly under the pass.
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- Abo Pass
- Travel / Tourism
- Takayama-city, Gifu Prefecture
- A pass located between Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture and Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture. Situated 1,800 meters above sea level, the pass is a stunning place from which to view sweeping scenery of the Hida Mountains (Northern Alps). A parking area is located at the end of the pass’s climb, and the view from here is spectacular. Visitors driving along the pass can enjoy the beautiful forms of Mt. Yakedake and Mt. Hotakadake, selected as two of Japan’s 100 most famous mountains, and take pictures of mountains some 3,000 meters high. Currently the Abo-Toge Road is the primary pass route, but an older road is also style used by many for touring. Note that the pass is closed to traffic in winter from mid-November to May.
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- Kaore Valley
- Travel / Tourism
- Gifu Pref. Sekishi Itadori Kawaura
- Kaore Valley is located in Itadorikaore, Seki City. It is surrounded by Mt. Samondake, Mt. Hinagadake and Mt. Takinami and formed by cliffs with a total length of about seven kilometers. Iwatsutsuji (a kind of azalea) around early May and fall foliage from late October to early November are the best to gaze on so you can see the beautiful scenery matched with emerald green on the surface. Particularly, the fall foliage here has also been selected as one of Hida and Mino’s top 33 fall foliage places.
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- Hirayu Great Fall
- Travel / Tourism
- Gifu Pref. Takayamashi Okuhidaonsengouhirayu
- A large waterfall located a 12 minute walk from Hirayu Otaki Park. The waterfall is mentioned in the legend of the founding of the Hirayu Onsen hot spring district. The waters of this powerful six meter wide, 64 meter tall waterfall flow over a giant bedrock shelf. The waterfall is also a renowned destination for enjoying fall foliage which attracts many visitors. The waterfall is lit up during the Hirayu-Otaki Keppyo Festival, creating a magical spectacle. Considered one of the three great waterfalls in the Hida region, this popular waterfall has also been selected as one of Japan’s one hundred best and as one of the 50 best water-related sites in Gifu Prefecture. Area visitors can enjoy lovely scenery here, including Japanese white birch in early summer, mountains colored by fall foliage in autumn, and the waterfall itself beautiful frozen solid in winter.
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- Koga Valley
- Travel / Tourism
- Gifu Pref. Sekishi Horadokouka
- Koka Gorge is located in the Horado District in the northwestern part of the city of Seki, about a 40-minute drive from the Mino Interchange. A lovely section of the Nagara River runs for 4km through the gorge, and part of it has been designated Oku Nagaragawa Prefectural Nature Park, with rest areas and other facilities. The riverbed is made up of giant rocks and rock formations and has a whitish color, easily visible in the remarkably transparent water. Spring greenery and autumn leaves are also beautifully reflected in the surface of the water, and such sights are part of the year-round attraction of the gorge.
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- Hirayu Pass
- Travel / Tourism
- Gifu Pref. Takayamashi Okuhidaonsengouhirayu
- A pass situated along National Route 158 traveling from Takayama to Matsumoto which is situated at the northern foot of Mt. Norikura 1,684 meters above sea level. Situated at the junction between the Norikura Skyline and Prefectural Route 485, the pass is a continuous stretch of sharp curves and steep slopes and is known as a difficult place to drive. Commanding a spectacular view of the Northern Japan Alps to the northeast and Mt. Hakusan to the west, in spring the entire mountain is enwrapped in light green Erman's birch leaves, while in fall maples and rowans dye it vivid, eye-catching colors.
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- Suzuran Kogen Country Club
- Travel / Tourism
- Gifu Pref. Takayamashi Asahichounishibora 1628-1
- This highland is in Nishibora, Asahi-cho, Takayama City. Spreading out at 1,400 meters above sea level, it's filled with natural wonders like clumps of lily of the valley and other alpine plants, wild birds, and more. The air is cool even in summer, and offers a view over the Northern Japan Alps. In addition to a villa area equipped with hot-spring, there is a golf course as well.
Gifu Areas
Tucked away in the very center of Japan, Gifu prefecture houses mountains, old towns, and one of Japan’s greatest hot springs, Gero Onsen. A tour of the prefecture’s traditional architecture will take you from the mountain-enveloped wooden streets of Takayama to the mountain village of Shirakawago, where visitors can explore 250-year-old thatched roofed houses known as gassho-zukuri.
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