Hida Furukawa: Gifu's Quiet Old Town

Hida Furukawa is an old townscape in Hida City, Gifu Prefecture, known for its atmospheric streets lined with white-walled storehouses and sake breweries. Its appeal lies in a calm, lived-in character that has not been over-developed for tourism, making it popular with travellers who want a quieter stroll than bustling Takayama. Colourful carp swim in the Setogawa River running through the town center, forming a beautiful scene against the white-walled storehouses. Just about 15 minutes by train from Takayama, it is a hidden gem of Hida that many pair with a Takayama visit.

Highlights: Setogawa River and White-Walled Storehouses

The Setogawa River flowing through the center of Hida Furukawa creates beautiful scenery in combination with the white-walled storehouses. Colourful carp swim in the river, and the area is loved as the Setogawa River and white-walled storehouse street. The snow-covered winter scene is also exceptional, showing different faces through the seasons. The town also retains a long-established Japanese candle shop, sake breweries, and latticed townhouses, making for a stroll among historic buildings.

Sacred Site of Your Name

Hida Furukawa is known as one of the settings evoked by director Makoto Shinkai's animated film Your Name (2016), popular as a pilgrimage spot for fans. Because the scenery of Hida-Furukawa Station and its surroundings recalls the film, many fans visit and enjoy walking the town while comparing it with scenes from the work. Walking slowly around the station, you can feel as if you have wandered into the world of the film.

Seasonal Enjoyment

The town can be enjoyed year-round, but the Furukawa Festival held every year on April 19 and 20 is a must-see. Its spirited Okoshi-daiko drum event is registered as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. From spring to autumn the Setogawa carp swim vigorously, and winter brings beautiful snow scenery, so any season is rewarding. Winter has heavy snowfall, so visit in warm clothing and non-slip shoes.

Access and Basic Information

• Location: Furukawa-cho, Hida City, Gifu Prefecture
• Transport: About 5 minutes on foot from JR Takayama Main Line Hida-Furukawa Station to the center of the townscape. About 15 to 20 minutes by train from Takayama Station to Hida-Furukawa Station
• By car: About 2 hours 30 minutes from Nagoya to Hida-Furukawa Station by JR Hida limited express; parking is available in town
• Strolling: Walking the townscape is free; sake brewery tastings and facility admissions vary by shop and site

Practical Travel Notes

Hida Furukawa is best visited together with Takayama; the short distance makes plans such as Takayama in the morning and Hida Furukawa in the afternoon easy to arrange. A stroll through the townscape takes 1 to 2 hours to complete, letting you take in the carp along the Setogawa, the white-walled storehouses, and the sake breweries at leisure. As it is less crowded than Takayama, it suits those seeking a quiet town walk. Budget-wise, the stroll itself is free, and even with brewery tastings, a meal, and souvenirs such as Japanese candles, costs stay reasonable. Winter is snowy, so prepare for footing and cold.

A Word of Advice

The charm of Hida Furukawa is above all its quiet. Savour the calm air of a town that contrasts with the bustle of Takayama. Along the Setogawa, the local way is to walk while feeding the carp. Sake breweries offer tastings of local sake, a fine way to touch Hida sake culture. If you are a fan of Your Name, walking while searching for film-like scenery around the station and library makes the trip even more enjoyable.

📚 Sources

The content here is organized from official tourism information on Hida City and Hida Furukawa, and public information from the facilities around the white-walled storehouse district. The business hours of nearby facilities, festival schedules, and parking availability change by season. The Furukawa Festival period is especially crowded. Because fees, hours, and access can change, please confirm with official sources before you set out.

Visitor Checklist

• Time needed: One to two hours to stroll the white-walled storehouse district, or about a half day with nearby visits.
• What to bring: Walking is mostly on stone paving along the canal, so wear comfortable shoes. Cash is handy for food and souvenirs.
• Suggested route: Stroll the Setogawa canal and the white-walled storehouse district, then look in on the surrounding townscape and shops.
• Festivals and events: The spring Furukawa Festival is especially popular, so secure lodging early.
• Combining nearby: The location pairs easily with the old townscape of Hida Takayama and other parts of the Hida area.