Sightseeing & Things to Do

There are also plenty of places in Tono to enjoy! Listed below each link are some Tono attractions to check out.

Nakatsugawa

Magome-juku – 馬籠宿

The town of Magome-juku lies about a 20-minute drive north of central Nakatsugawa. It is an old post town along the Nakasendo (仲山道), or “Middle Mountain Passage”. This road was one of the two used during the Edo period for travel between Kyoto and Edo (Tokyo). Set high in the mountains with many beautiful old buildings, it is a popular tourist spot, and the forest hike to the next post town of Tsumago (妻籠) in Nagano prefecture is a short and pleasant one. The town also has an annual firefly festival (ほたる祭り– hotaru matsuri) – well worth checking out.

Dragon God Waterfall – 龍神の滝

Found in the outskirts of Sakashita (part of Nakatsugawa City), on the border of Gifu and Nagano prefectures, is the breathtaking Dragon God Waterfall. Known to almost all JETs who have lived in Tono, it is about half-an-hour's drive from Nakatsugawa City and unfortunately not accessible by public transport. The waterfall is located within the Yumori camping grounds. It's a great place to have barbecues and swim in the river during the warmer months. The site has a number of cabins and walking trails that cross right over the Kawa-ue river and is well worth the trip.

Ena

​Enakyo – 恵那峡

Enakyo (Ena Gorge) has beautiful views of unusual cliff formations along the Kiso river. It is definitely a worthwhile visit in the spring to see sakura (桜 – cherry blossoms) and in the fall for the momiji (紅葉 – autumn leaves). There are festivals in spring and autumn, as well as a fireworks display in summer. There is an amusement park nearby and you can also enjoy boat rides along the Kiso river from Enakyo. Try some gohei mochi while you're there!

​Iwamura Castle Ruins – 岩村城跡

The Iwamura Castle Ruins lie above the quaint old town of Iwamura (part of Ena City). The town itself is worth a visit for the old buildings and annual free saké-tasting festival. Iwamura Castle is accessible in two ways: either a 20-minute walk from the visitor's carpark, or by car via a different route. The mountaintop location provides some stunning views of the surrounding mountains, and there are a number of interesting events held there annually, such as Noh theatre by firelight.

Ena Crystal Park – クリスタルパーク恵那スケート場

Ena Crystal Park is an outdoor skating rink open during winter. The closest station is Takenami on the Chuo Line, but driving is advisable as the rink is not really accessible on foot. The cost is around ¥1,000 per visit, but season passes are available. Skates and helmets are also available to rent.

Toki

Toki Premium Outlets – 土岐プレミアム・アウトレット

Toki Premium Outlet Mall is one of the few Western-style outlet malls in Japan. It features a number of well-known Western brands and when searching for larger-sized clothing or shoes, GAP, Nike or Adidas often provide a good place to start.

Tajimi

Eihoji Temple – 永保寺

Established in 1313 by the Nanzenji branch of Rinzai Zen Buddhism, Eiho-ji Temple is still used today by zazen trainees and for zazen services. Once a month, zazen classes are held for the general public. Two of the buildings in Eiho-ji are national treasures, and the surrounds of the temple are picturesque with a pond, bridge, waterfall and a traditional Zen garden. The autumn foliage here is particularly beautiful. Eiho-ji can be accessed from Tajimi station, either by bus or, for the energetic, on foot (about a 20 to 30- minute walk – ask for directions first though!).

Mino

Oyada Shrine and Maple Valley ー　大矢田神社

An Edo period shrine dating back to 1672. The shrine is known for its carvings and colors in the main hall. It is most popular to visit during Autumn for leaf viewing when the 3,000 maple leaves around the shrine change colors turning the area a brilliant shade of red. 

Other places of note in the region:

​Minokamo
-Zuirinji Temple
-The Tengu of Mt. Atagao
-Rhine River boat cruise
-Fossil dig                                                                        
-Showa Mura horse-back riding
-Health Park                                     
-Hatabuki mountain hiking

Kani
-Flower Park
 
Shirakawa
-Oyama Shrine hike and tree viewing
 
Yaotsu
-Goho Falls hiking
-Maruyama Dam
​-Meisou Silent Meditation Forest