In the Vicinity

See also: Useful Links

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Nakasendo Trail - Magome and Tsumago post towns are 15-20 minutes by car. Original cobblestone path in the forest near Ochiai post town. Plenty of other post towns to explore. Weather permitting, hikes from post town to post town is highly recommended.

Hida Takayama and Hida Furukawa - traditional central Japan towns popular with local and foreign tourists. White walled town of Furukawa is a personal favorite. There is a wonderful tour operator there offering walking tours and bike tours in English.

Shirakawa-go - UNESCO World Heritage site. A small village of traditional thatched roof houses in snow country.

Naegi Castle Ruins - sunrise hike recommended. (beautiful sea of clouds may be sighted)

Akechi Railways - charming 1-2 car local train line running north-south in Ena/Nakatsugawa area. Agi station is a personal favorite.

Crystal Park Ena - a competition-sized outdoor ice skating rink with a wonderful view of the mountains.

Ena Gorge - scenic Enakyo Cruise runs every 30 min. (less frequent between 15 Jan - 15 Mar)

Enakyo Wonderland - a charmingly retro amusement park suitable for young children.

Nagoya Castle - The Honmaru Palace, which has been reconstructed according to the original plan to minute detail, is a magnificent piece of architecture not to be missed.

Riverside Bamboo Forest - lesser known bamboo forest with a 600m footpath (longer than the famous one in Kyoto)

Quiet off-the-grid shrines and temples

Terraced paddy fields

Sakura cherry blossom and red Japanese maple viewing

Museums - Hiroshige Museum of Art (Ena), Museum Nakasendo (Mizunami), Magome Wakihonjin Museum, Tsumago Waki-Honjin Museum, Nagisocho Museum (Tsumago), Nakasendo Hishiya Museum (Ena), Mino Ceramic Art Museum (Tajimi), Museum of Modern Ceramic Art (Tajimi), Ichinokura Sakazuki Art Museum (Tajimi), the uniquely designed Mosaic Tile Museum (Tajimi), Mizunami Fossil Museum (fossil hunting in the area is permitted), Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum and many more.

For other hidden local gems - just ask the owner!