Day 1: Kyoto - Gifu

On your first day, travel to Gifu from Kyoto, Osaka, Nagoya or other cities by car or bullet train. Start your journey at Historic Sekigahara Battle-grounds and memorial museum, a state-of-the-art visitor center with various exhibits that will enable you to relive the momentous Battle of Sekigahara in Japanese history, as it unfolded on October 21, 1600, at the crossroads of Japan’s heart, now in Gifu Prefecture. Then you will be transferred to Gifu city. Visit Gifu Castle, the historical base of Nobunaga Oda, one of Japan’s most renowned samurai leaders. Don’t miss the large selection of Japanese armor and swords exhibited inside the castle. Then enjoy strolling the Kawara-machi district, located right along the Nagara River in the immediate vicinity of the ukai boarding docks, and one of the oldest surviving areas of Gifu City. This area, lined with old-fashioned traditional houses with a narrow frontage and a long depth, once flourished as a river port that used the water transportation of the Nagara River, and was crowded with many shops. Even today, shops that manufacture and sell the traditional crafts and Japanese confectionery shops are still operating while retaining the retro atmosphere. In addition, in the past few years, modern restaurants that have used machiya have appeared, and new charms have been added. It is right from the Ukai boat stop, so it is also recommended for a walk before viewing the Ukai. In Gifu Prefecture, where there are many clear streams, ayu fishing is thriving, and you can enjoy fresh ayu from June to October. Ayu that grows in one year can enjoy different favors depending on the season. You cannot miss eating the freshest ayu dishes there. In the evening, you may enjoy Ukai Fishing at the night on the river, which is an ancient fishing method that has been performed in Gifu for 1,300 years in which the fishing master used cormorants to catch sweetfish. This event is held during the summer season between mid of May and mid of October.

Overnight: Juhachiro or simila

Day 2: Gifu - Mino - Gujo - Takayama

This morning, you will be transferred to Mino city, known as a town of the Japanese washi paper, blessed with the cold and beautiful water of the three major clear streams, the Nagara River and the Itadori River, and the high-quality mulberry that is the raw material for washi paper. Mino washi paper boasts a history of 1,300 years, is counted as one of the three major washi papers in Japan, and is registered as a UNESCO World Intangible Cultural Heritage. Visit Mino Washi Museum and learn the history and experience this traditional Japanese paper making process. Enjoy strolling the Udatsu Wall Historical District, which is the townscape lined with houses that have been around since the Edo period. “Udatsu” refers to the firewall built at both ends of the roof. In the Edo period, it was intended to prevent re in the event of a re, but the wealthy merchants of that time each made a splendid fortune so that they could compete for their wealth. You can enjoy a variety of designs of udatsu and other shops where you can experience the charm of Mino washi. Next, you will go to Gujo Hachiman, which is a castle town rich in nature and has many sightseeing spots. Gujo Hachiman Castle, a symbol of the Gujo Hachiman area, is the oldest wooden reconstructed castle in Japan, and the castle tower with 4 layers and 5 foors of wood is designated as an important cultural property of Gujo City, and all the stone walls in the area are designated as prefectural historic sites. Gujo Hachiman, where you can enjoy a nostalgic atmosphere is also the largest producer of food samples in Japan. The food sample making experience at this historic town is also popular. After sightseeing you will head to Takayama.

Overnight: Honjin Hiranoya Kachoan or similar