Hida Region
Mountain Life Hida マウンテンライフ飛騨, Gero
If you enjoy ziplines, mid/high level rope courses, then this is the place for you! There are different courses from easy to challenging. Upon arrival you will meet your instructor (they can speak some English) who will give you an introduction to the courses and safety regulations. You will go through the course with an instructor. If you feel that you cannot finish a course, the instructor can show you to a short cut that will bring you back to the ground.
*The only way you can get to this place is by car. Be careful with winding roads, sharp corners and hills!
Link: https://www.mt-life-hida.com/
Kamioka Railway Cycling
This is an outdoor activity where you can cycle from Takayama to Furukawa on an abandoned railway. The round trip should take about an hour or longer since you may want to stop take in the view of the lovely countryside. *Please check the links for more info on ticket prices and dates.
Links: https://rail-mtb.com/ and https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5981.html
Museo Retro Takayama
This tiny museum is packed full of retro items from past Japan.; from school desks, arcade games, toys and snacks (don’t worry the snacks are not literally from the retro ages). You can spend about an hour or so in this museum and have closer look at what Japan used to look like. There is an entry fee of about ¥350.
Link: https://retromuseum.jp/
High Mount Climbing Gym, Takayama
This indoor climbing gym is in Takayama, nearby the Takayama train station. This gym is smaller than the ones previously mentioned but the climbing challenges make up for that. Like other climbing gyms there are multiple deals and memberships available. The main staff member/owner can speak English and enjoys his work. The routes are more challenging than the gyms in Gifu City.
Link: https://ameblo.jp/climbing-high-mount
If you enjoy ziplines, mid/high level rope courses, then this is the place for you! There are different courses from easy to challenging. Upon arrival you will meet your instructor (they can speak some English) who will give you an introduction to the courses and safety regulations. You will go through the course with an instructor. If you feel that you cannot finish a course, the instructor can show you to a short cut that will bring you back to the ground.
*The only way you can get to this place is by car. Be careful with winding roads, sharp corners and hills!
Link: https://www.mt-life-hida.com/
Kamioka Railway Cycling
This is an outdoor activity where you can cycle from Takayama to Furukawa on an abandoned railway. The round trip should take about an hour or longer since you may want to stop take in the view of the lovely countryside. *Please check the links for more info on ticket prices and dates.
Links: https://rail-mtb.com/ and https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5981.html
Museo Retro Takayama
This tiny museum is packed full of retro items from past Japan.; from school desks, arcade games, toys and snacks (don’t worry the snacks are not literally from the retro ages). You can spend about an hour or so in this museum and have closer look at what Japan used to look like. There is an entry fee of about ¥350.
Link: https://retromuseum.jp/
High Mount Climbing Gym, Takayama
This indoor climbing gym is in Takayama, nearby the Takayama train station. This gym is smaller than the ones previously mentioned but the climbing challenges make up for that. Like other climbing gyms there are multiple deals and memberships available. The main staff member/owner can speak English and enjoys his work. The routes are more challenging than the gyms in Gifu City.
Link: https://ameblo.jp/climbing-high-mount
Chuno Region
Gifu Bubu Climbing Gym, Nishi-Gifu
They have two gyms: one in Mizuho and another near Colorful Town. Both locations are indoor climbing gyms. This is, in my opinion, the best place for those who would like to start bouldering or have fun climbing with friends. The staff are very friendly and are willing to help you complete any bouldering challenges. Beginners fee is ¥2,200 which includes a 10 minute introduction to the gym, rental climbing shoes and three hours of climbing. For experienced climbers or those who have been to this gym before, you can pay for a monthly membership (various deals available) or pay for the number of hours you want to climb.
Link: https://climbinggymbubu.com/pages/%E5%B2%90%E9%98%9C%E5%BA%97
Holiday Gym, Nishi-Gifu
This is a fitness gym in the Nishi-Gifu area, so they have most of the equipment and weights you need for working out. They also have a swimming pool, public bath, locker rooms, and rooms for fitness classes (yoga, Zumba, boxing, dancing etc.). The staff are very encouraging and are very friendly. If you are new to the gym, you can ask them for a tour. You would have to sign up to the gym with a monthly paid membership fee which is quite expensive (¥8,000). However, you can visit the gym as many times as you’d like and there is no time limit. Once you have signed up, they will introduce you to the gym, run through health and safety, how to use the machines, create a workout routine for you (bear in mind they will measure your height, weight and scan which parts of your body is physically healthy), and provide anymore assistance if needed.
Link: https://www.holiday-sc.jp/?shop=079-gifu
They have two gyms: one in Mizuho and another near Colorful Town. Both locations are indoor climbing gyms. This is, in my opinion, the best place for those who would like to start bouldering or have fun climbing with friends. The staff are very friendly and are willing to help you complete any bouldering challenges. Beginners fee is ¥2,200 which includes a 10 minute introduction to the gym, rental climbing shoes and three hours of climbing. For experienced climbers or those who have been to this gym before, you can pay for a monthly membership (various deals available) or pay for the number of hours you want to climb.
Link: https://climbinggymbubu.com/pages/%E5%B2%90%E9%98%9C%E5%BA%97
Holiday Gym, Nishi-Gifu
This is a fitness gym in the Nishi-Gifu area, so they have most of the equipment and weights you need for working out. They also have a swimming pool, public bath, locker rooms, and rooms for fitness classes (yoga, Zumba, boxing, dancing etc.). The staff are very encouraging and are very friendly. If you are new to the gym, you can ask them for a tour. You would have to sign up to the gym with a monthly paid membership fee which is quite expensive (¥8,000). However, you can visit the gym as many times as you’d like and there is no time limit. Once you have signed up, they will introduce you to the gym, run through health and safety, how to use the machines, create a workout routine for you (bear in mind they will measure your height, weight and scan which parts of your body is physically healthy), and provide anymore assistance if needed.
Link: https://www.holiday-sc.jp/?shop=079-gifu
Tono Region
Ryujin Falls
Located near Nakastugawa, Ryujin Falls is known for their waterfalls and autumn leaves. There are different forest paths and hiking trails you can take. Apparently, there is a legend about a white dragon in this area so if you have a chance, you can ask one of the staff about it. You don’t need to pay to go on the trail but it’s best to give a donation.
Link: https://go-centraljapan.jp/route/dragon/en/15.html
Naegi Castle Ruins
This place is recommended for those interested in nature, hiking and history. Outside of Nakastugawa lies the wall of a once magnificent castle. Most visitors and photo hunters go here to take beautiful pictures of the castle during sunset.
Link: https://visitgifu.com/see-do/naegi-castle-ruins
Granite Climbing Field, Tajimi
An indoor gym located near Tajimi. This is a very relaxed and cool gym. During holidays like Halloween, there is often a special challenge where you can win prizes. The owner and staff of the gym can give you advice on difficult routes. There are various kinds of routes which widely range from easy to very difficult. This gym is located on the 2nd floor so look out for stairs to walk up to the entrance.
Link: https://www.t-granite.com/
Located near Nakastugawa, Ryujin Falls is known for their waterfalls and autumn leaves. There are different forest paths and hiking trails you can take. Apparently, there is a legend about a white dragon in this area so if you have a chance, you can ask one of the staff about it. You don’t need to pay to go on the trail but it’s best to give a donation.
Link: https://go-centraljapan.jp/route/dragon/en/15.html
Naegi Castle Ruins
This place is recommended for those interested in nature, hiking and history. Outside of Nakastugawa lies the wall of a once magnificent castle. Most visitors and photo hunters go here to take beautiful pictures of the castle during sunset.
Link: https://visitgifu.com/see-do/naegi-castle-ruins
Granite Climbing Field, Tajimi
An indoor gym located near Tajimi. This is a very relaxed and cool gym. During holidays like Halloween, there is often a special challenge where you can win prizes. The owner and staff of the gym can give you advice on difficult routes. There are various kinds of routes which widely range from easy to very difficult. This gym is located on the 2nd floor so look out for stairs to walk up to the entrance.
Link: https://www.t-granite.com/
Seino Region
Yoro Park and Site of Reversible Destiny
There is a hidden gem in Seino where you can enjoy even more nature but also walk around abstract art/buildings. The Site of Reversible Destiny is like a walk through illusion which will leave you either puzzled or intrigued (maybe both). Please check links for info on tickets and opening hours. Yoro Falls is also a short and relatively easy uphill walk if you'd like to see one of Japan's Top 100 waterfalls and a breathtaking vista of Seino.
Link: https://www.yoro-park.com/facility-map/hantenchi/
Scelta Climbing Gym, Ogaki City
This indoor climbing gym is in Ogaki City (will need to take a short bus ride from Ogaki station to the gym). This gym used to be owned by Gifu Bubu but the management changed when a former Gifu Bubu staff member took over. This bouldering gym is smaller than Gifu Bubu but it still has the same amount of fun. You can look for the deals and offers online or on their Instagram.
Link: https://climbinggymscelta.com/
There is a hidden gem in Seino where you can enjoy even more nature but also walk around abstract art/buildings. The Site of Reversible Destiny is like a walk through illusion which will leave you either puzzled or intrigued (maybe both). Please check links for info on tickets and opening hours. Yoro Falls is also a short and relatively easy uphill walk if you'd like to see one of Japan's Top 100 waterfalls and a breathtaking vista of Seino.
Link: https://www.yoro-park.com/facility-map/hantenchi/
Scelta Climbing Gym, Ogaki City
This indoor climbing gym is in Ogaki City (will need to take a short bus ride from Ogaki station to the gym). This gym used to be owned by Gifu Bubu but the management changed when a former Gifu Bubu staff member took over. This bouldering gym is smaller than Gifu Bubu but it still has the same amount of fun. You can look for the deals and offers online or on their Instagram.
Link: https://climbinggymscelta.com/