Journey to Hikone and Gifu, Japan (Podcast)

August 10, 2023

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Hear about journey to Hikone and Gifu in Central Japan because the Novice Traveler talks to Miyuki Seguchi from the Japan Specialists Podcast about he residence area of Japan the place she is a tour information.

Why must you go to Central Japan?

Miyuki says, “A number of vacationers from North America or the West once they journey to Japan, they are going to keep in Japan for 2 to 3 weeks, and so they often journey from the japanese a part of Japan to the western a part of Japan or vice versa, however most of them don’t cease off on the central area particularly the southern a part of Gifu to the japanese a part of Shiga. So this a part of Japan is just not as effectively referred to as main vacationer locations, however there are a whole lot of locations to go to, and these locations are often much less busy and straightforward to entry by public transport. If you wish to discover some distinctive native areas with hidden gems that offer you an amazing concept of genuine native life.”

The journey begins with a go to to Hikone, a metropolis positioned within the Chubu area, residence to the well-preserved Hikone Fort, certainly one of Japan’s 5 nationwide treasure castles. Guests may also get pleasure from a ship journey on the moat surrounding the fortress and discover the attractive gardens. Moreover, Miyuki recommends a ship journey to Chikubu Island on Lake Biwa to expertise the coexistence of Shinto and Buddhism.

Subsequent, the itinerary takes vacationers to Sekigahara, a city identified for the historic Battle of Sekigahara which modified Japan’s historical past. Right here, they’ll go to the Battlefield Memorial Museum to study concerning the battle.

Transferring west, the tour arrives in Gifu Metropolis, the biggest metropolis in Gifu Prefecture. A singular spotlight right here is the Ukai Cormorant Fishing, a practice courting again over 1,300 years. This fishing technique entails educated cormorant birds catching fish. The fishermen have an honorary place delivering fish to the Japanese imperial household. The Nagaragawa Ukai is legendary for preserving this custom, and guests can expertise it between Might and October. There’s additionally the chance to go to the Ukai Cormorant Fishing Museum for deeper insights into this cultural observe. Exit at evening on a ship to look at this spectacle.

For lodging, staying in a standard ryokan is beneficial, the place you possibly can strive the high-quality multi-course Japanese meal referred to as kaiseki ryori. Don’t miss the prospect to go to a scorching spring or onsen.

The subsequent day, discover the Kawaramachi district, a historic space with conventional service provider homes. The Nagaragawa River, certainly one of Japan’s cleanest rivers, has contributed to the event of craft-making, significantly Japanese paper referred to as washi.

Climb Mt. Kinka to get a panoramic view of the area, together with the Japan Alps and the town of Nagoya. The summit will be reached by cable automotive or a one-hour hike.

Within the north of Gifu, you possibly can discover Mino and Seki cities. Seki is famend for its sword and knife-making custom, providing the prospect to witness expert craftsmanship. Mino can also be well-known for its washi paper manufacturing, and you may go to the Washinary store for varied washi merchandise.

General, Gifu Prefecture gives a mix of conventional tradition, scenic magnificence, and distinctive experiences. Should you journey between Tokyo and Kyoto, you’ll cross proper by.