MATSUMOTO City

Matsumoto Castle

This 5-roofed, 6-storied tower was built in 1593-94 and is Japan's oldest existing castle. Matsumoto Castle is designated as a national treasure as the original structure, which has 420 years of history, has been preserved to this day.

MATSUMOTO City

Soba Noodle Making Experience

Soba (buckwheat noodles) is one of the most popular food in Japan and the quality of buckwheat in Matsumoto is known to be the best. Souvenir shop Takagi has a Soba restaurant and Soba making (hands-on experience) is available from 2 persons. Let's make your own noodle and taste them.

MATSUMOTO City

Nakamachi Street

The main feature of the Nakamachi area is the black and white geometric design of the Namako-Kabe of the old storehouses lining the street. Traditional crafts and small cafes are some of the highlights of this charming area.

MATSUMOTO City

Nawate Street

MATSUMOTO City

Matsumoto City Museum of Art

A huge outdoor sculpture by Yayoi Kusama, who was born in Matsumoto, greets visitors at the entrance of the museum. This museum holds many unique exhibitions as a means of showcasing the local art of Matsumoto.

TAKAYAMA City

Hirayu Onsen

This is one of the oldest hot springs in Oku-hida Onsen Village. Located near the Gifu entrance of the Abo Tunnel that links Gifu Prefecture and Nagano Prefecture, this is easily accessible from the Kanto area. There are also shuttle buses running to and from Kamikochi and Mount Noritake at Hirayu Bus Terminal.

TAKAYAMA City

Goshikigahara Forest

Visitors can trek through the vast forests spanning approximately 3,000ha at the foot of Mount Norikura, south of Chubu-Sangaku National Park, by guided tours which are only available by reservation. Many rare flora can be enjoyed here.

TAKAYAMA City

food & culture walk

Visit a Edo period sake brewery and the traditional morning market with a dedicated guide. Enjoy a 2.5 hour walking tour that teaches you about the unique Hida Takayama food culture.

SHIRAKAWA Village

Shirakawago Bus Terminal

This bus terminal is located to the north of the Cultural Heritage site, and provides easy access to the Wada House and Shiroyama Park Observation Deck. There is a waiting room, toilet, and tourist information center (bus ticket counter) in the bus terminal.

SHIRAKAWA Village

Doburoku Festival Museum

A festival is held in Shirakawa-go every fall where an unrefined sake called doburoku is offered to the gods to pray for good harvest, safety, and peace in the village. This museum introduces this Doburoku festival and reproduces scenes from the festival by using dolls and models. Important records and artifacts are preserved and exhibited here.

NANTO City

World Heritage Ainokura Gasshozukuri Village

On a terrace about a stone's throw from the surface of the Shogawa River, the village is found spread across a long, thin plateau. Of the 27 houses there, 20 are in the traditional sloping-roof Gasshozukuri style.

NANTO City

Japanese paper making (Michinoeki Taira "Gokayama Washi no Sato")

A variety of Ecchu washi (Japanese paper), Gokayama washi is designated as one of Japan's traditional craft products. At the Washi Taiken Kan, you can experience this hand-made process for yourself. Are you up to the challenge? A traditional building complete with sloping roof provides a quaint location for the unique experience of papermaking.

KANAZAWA City

Kanazawa Station

Kanazawa Station is JR West Railway's major station located in Kanazawa. The reconstruction of the surrounding area is still making progress for the extension of the Hokuriku Shinkansen (a bullet train) from Kanazawa to Osaka.

KANAZAWA City

Kazue-machi Chaya District

Historical Rows of Houses Designated as Japan's Cultural Assets

KANAZAWA City

Kenrokuen Garden

One of Japan's Three Most Beautiful Gardens

KANAZAWA City

Kanazawa Castle Park

Ruins of Castle Where Maeda Family of Kaga Clan Resided

KANAZAWA City

Oyama Jinja Shrine

The shrine that enshrines Maeda Toshiie was moved to the present location in 1873.

KANAZAWA City

Naga-machi Buke Yashiki Kyukeikan Rest House

The institution surrounded by mud walls is rest facilities for tourists, and provided with a lobby and restrooms. Sightseeing volunteer guides stand by here and guide visitors (in Japanese only) around the Naga-machi samurai (feudal powerful military class) residential areas.

KANAZAWA City

D.T. Suzuki Museum

Daisetz Suzuki, known internationally as D.T. Suzuki, is a Kanazawa-produced buddhist philosopher.

KANAZAWA City

21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa

The 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa as a new-style art museum different in image from conventional art museums was opened in October 2004.

KANAZAWA City

Kaikaro

Kaikaro is a refurbished chaya house originally existed more than 180 years ago.

KANAZAWA City

Ohmi-cho Market

The Omi-cho Market was established about the middle of the 18th century. Since then, it has been supporting the gastronomic culture of Kanazawa for more than 280 years.