Sightseeing &
Things to Do in Hida Region
Hotspots
Takayama Sakura Guide :
In Japanese, but comes with a map and pictures of famous sakura around Takayama.
Takayama Tourism Website :
Takayama’s English-language tourism homepage.
Visit Hida:
Tourism homepage of Hida City.
In Japanese, but comes with a map and pictures of famous sakura around Takayama.
Takayama Tourism Website :
Takayama’s English-language tourism homepage.
Visit Hida:
Tourism homepage of Hida City.
Hiking Trails
- Hotakegayama: Easy access from Hagiwara.
- Gozenyama: Difficult to get to, but a good climb.
- Ontake: The entrance to this hike is in Gero, and this hike is a “stay-the-night climb.”
- Goshikigahara: Gorgeous hiking trail on Mt. Norikura, but expensive—hiking here is limited, and requires a fee for nature preservation.
- Kamikochi
Skiing and Snowboarding
Skiing and snowboarding are hugely popular in Hida, and a big tourist draw. Schools often have Alpine skiing clubs, and often have school visits to the local ski resort for Ski School. The ski season generally begins in mid-December, and goes until March.
Recommended ski resorts include:
Recommended ski resorts include:
- Nagareha (Kamioka)
- Honoki (Hirayu – far east of Takayama)
- Arkopia (Kuguno)
- Mont Deus (Miya)
- Takasu Snow Park (Takasu)
- Dinoland (Takasu)
- Chao Ontake (Takane)
Onsen
From North to South
If you’re planning to go to the onsen, remember to bring your own towel or you’ll have to buy one there. Most people are good with a small sports towel. Japanese onsen are separated for men and women because clothing – including bathing suits – are not allowed in the water.
If you’re planning to go to the onsen, remember to bring your own towel or you’ll have to buy one there. Most people are good with a small sports towel. Japanese onsen are separated for men and women because clothing – including bathing suits – are not allowed in the water.
- Nagareha -600 yen - Off route 41, a great place to soak after skiing. Open 10am to 9pm.
- Shijuhattachi Onsen (Kokufu) - 600 yen- Located near the base of the 48 Waterfalls hiking trail, this onsen is popular for its newly designed baths and whirlpools.
- Hirayu no Mori (Hirayu) - 500 yen- One of the nicest onsen in Hida, if you’re willing to drive 50 minutes out east.
- Associa Hotel Onsen (Takayama) - 1150 yen - Perhaps the best in central Takayama, Associa offers gorgeous views of the city. The infinity style onsen, “Tenbou no yu” alternates between men and women everyday so call ahead to check whether or not it’s your day! Go at sunset for a great experience!
- Green Hotel Onsen (Takayama) - 1000 yen - Small, but elegant, with a convenient location 10 minutes from the station. There is a free foot onsen in front of the hotel, and a huge gift shop with more souvenir samples than you can (but will) eat. A 16-onsen-tickets book can be purchased for 10,000 yen.
- Garyuu no Sato (Miya) - 600 yen- Located right along the 41 between Takayama and Miya. Great place to go for a cheap but enjoyable soak!
- Shirakawa no Yu (Shirakawa) - 700 yen- Located in between the small grocery store and the traffic light coming out of the tunnel that leads from the major parking lot.
- Shiramizu no Yu (Hirase) - 600 yen - A 15 minute drive from Shirakawa, Shimizu no Yu is a higher quality onsen in a beautiful town with amazing scenery and almost no tourists. Open 11am-8pm.
- Oka no Yu (Shokawa) - 700 yen - Right next to Shokawa Junior High School.
- Himeshaga no Yu (Osaka) - 650 yen- 10am-9pm, Closed Wednesday: Go to Osaka for the waterfalls, stay for the gorgeous rotemburo. A 15-minute detour off the 41 in Hida-Osaka. Food + onsen plans are available.
- Miki no Sato (Maze) - 700 yen- A huge onsen complex, it will spoil you for other onsens. Features a creative variety of pools, jets, and saunas, it’s definitely a must-see. Annual passes available.
- Shimizu no Yu (Hagiwara) - 500 yen- This small but gorgeous onsen was recently remodeled for a visit by the Emperor. Located off the highway between Gero and Takayama. Annual passes available.
- Gero Rotemburo (Gero) - Free - A public onsen near the big bridge in Gero. Open (and visible) to anyone, anytime.
- Yamagata-ya (Gero)- 800 yen - Along Gero’s main road of onsens, Yamagata-ya offers a small but private onsen with an indoor and outdoor bath.
Gyms
- Big Arena (Takayama) - 0577-43-3333
- High Mount (Takayama)
- Ryu’s Style (Takayama)
- Kokufu Fukushi Center (Kokufu) - 0577-72-4426
- Sakuragaoka Gym (Kamioka) - 0578-82-0240
- Kuguno Taiikukan (Kuguno) - 0577-52-3490
- Uegahira Sun Village (Gero)
- Asagiri Gym (Hagiwara) - 0576-52-1514
Marathons
Marathon in Japanese can mean any distance from a 5k to a full marathon. Here are some local ones happening in Hida:
- Ultramarathon (100k or 71k): Early June
- Daikon Marathon (Yamanomura): September
- Ontake Marathon (West Osaka – Gero): September
- Miyagawa Marathon (Miyagawa): Early October
- Maze Marathon (Maze): Mid-October
- Kanayama Marathon (Kanayama): November