As the Japanese yen continues to weaken, an influx of international visitors is transforming the country’s renowned tourist destinations into bustling hotspots.
While Japan has long been associated with its rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and meticulous hospitality, the recent surge in tourism has placed unprecedented strain on some of its most beloved locations.
Kyoto, a city synonymous with traditional Japan, recently implemented restrictions on tourist access to certain alleys in Gion, its famed geisha district, due to complaints of visitors behaving like paparazzi.
Similarly, Fujikawaguchiko, a town known for its iconic view of Mount Fuji, erected a screen last year to deter selfie-snapping tourists from obstructing traffic.
Now, Ginzan Onsen, a picturesque hot spring town, has also imposed limits on day-trippers during the winter season to preserve the serenity of its Edo-era surroundings.
In response to overtourism concerns, Japan’s tourism authorities are advocating for alternative travel routes, encouraging visitors to explore lesser-known yet equally enchanting destinations.
Among these, Gifu Prefecture stands out as a hidden gem offering an authentic and crowd-free experience steeped in tradition, history, and natural beauty.
Gifu: An Authentic Japanese Experience Off the Beaten Path
Situated in the heart of Honshu, Japan’s main island, Gifu Prefecture is a region rich in cultural heritage, sacred mountains, and time-honored crafts.
Home to some of the country’s finest hot springs, UNESCO-listed villages, and historical ryokan (traditional inns), Gifu presents a serene escape for travelers seeking an alternative to the well-trodden paths of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.
“Made up of two distinct regions—the mountainous north and the river-abundant south—Gifu offers a quintessentially Japanese experience for European travelers wanting to explore beyond the mainstream tourist trails,” says the Department of Tourism and International Affairs of the Gifu Prefectural Government.
Easier Access from Europe
Reaching Gifu has become more convenient for European travelers, thanks to Finnair’s direct seasonal flights between Helsinki and Nagoya. Operating four times a week from March to October, the flights provide seamless access to Nagoya, which lies just south of Gifu’s border with efficient train connections to the prefecture’s main cities.
“With increasing demand for travel to Japan, Nagoya Airport aims to provide travelers with easy and efficient connections to Japan’s lesser-known yet equally captivating regions,” a spokesperson from the Central Japan International Airport Utilisation Promotion Council stated.
A Week-Long Journey Through Gifu’s Cultural and Natural Wonders
Gifu City: A Historic Gateway
Gifu City, the prefecture’s namesake capital, is a fitting starting point for any journey through the region. The city’s heart is the wide-flowing Nagara River, which has been the site of a 1,300-year-old fishing tradition utilizing cormorants to catch ayu (sweetfish). Between May and October, visitors can witness this ancient practice firsthand.
Staying at the Miyako Hotel offers a luxurious introduction to the city. From the hotel’s rooms, guests can enjoy views of the silvery Nagara River and the historic Gifu Castle perched atop a nearby mountain.
Seki: The Legacy of Japan’s Swordsmiths
Traveling along the Nagara River leads to Seki, a city renowned for its 800-year-old sword-making tradition. Though the art of crafting katana swords has declined, Seki remains a global hub for high-quality cutlery, ranking alongside Solingen (Germany) and Sheffield (England).
At Sanshu, a third-generation-owned shop, visitors can watch swordsmiths forging steel and even try their hand at the craft. While traditional katana swords remain exclusive collector’s items, visitors can purchase finely crafted knives, scissors, and other cutting tools.
Mino: The Art of Washi Paper
A short journey north brings travelers to Mino, a charming town famous for its production of washi paper. At Warabee Land, an immersive workshop showcases the intricate process of washi-making, a centuries-old tradition. The thick yet semi-transparent paper is ideal for traditional Japanese screens, lampshades, and wallpaper.
Visitors can also savor an authentic Japanese meal in the adjacent craftsman’s house, featuring locally sourced ingredients such as tempura vegetables, miso soup, and fresh fish.
Hida and Takayama: A Step Back in Time
Further into the mountains lies Hida, a town celebrated for its premium Hida beef and medicinal herbs. The local population still forages for plants with healing properties. At Mori no Megumi, visitors can partake in a tea-making class to create custom herbal blends tailored for ailments such as hair loss, hangovers, and joint pain.
Nearby, Takayama presents a well-preserved glimpse into Japan’s Edo period (1603–1868). Strolling through Takayama’s old town, visitors can admire historic merchant houses, traditional sake breweries, and the Jinya, the last remaining Edo-era administrative headquarters.
Accommodation at the Honjin Hiranoya Kachoan Hotel offers an upscale experience in traditional Japanese hospitality. Guests are welcomed with a gong, provided with yukata robes, and guided to tatami-matted rooms with futon beds and wooden bathtubs. The hotel’s sushi bar and private kaiseki dining rooms serve meticulously crafted multi-course meals featuring seasonal Japanese delicacies.
Shirakawa-go: A UNESCO Treasure
The mountain village of Shirakawa-go, recognized by UNESCO for its unique architectural heritage, is a must-visit destination. The gassho-zukuri houses, characterized by their steep thatched roofs, are built without nails and maintained through a centuries-old communal rethatching tradition.
Gero: A Tranquil Onsen Retreat
The journey through Gifu concludes in Gero, a town renowned for its exceptional hot spring water. Unlike Japan’s more famous onsen towns, Gero remains relatively undiscovered, allowing visitors to enjoy a serene bathing experience.
Throughout the town, free public footbaths and hand baths provide a casual introduction to the therapeutic properties of Gero’s thermal waters, which are known to leave the skin feeling silky smooth. At the Suimeikan Hotel, an expansive onsen resort, guests can unwind in outdoor hot spring pools while snowflakes gently descend from the winter sky.
Experiencing Japan Beyond the Crowds
As Japan’s major tourist destinations grapple with the pressures of overtourism, Gifu Prefecture presents an idyllic alternative. From ancient fishing traditions and master swordsmiths to Edo-era towns and tranquil onsens, Gifu offers travelers an immersive cultural journey far from the crowds.
With Finnair’s direct flights making access more convenient than ever, now is the perfect time to explore Gifu—a destination that encapsulates the essence of Japan’s history, craftsmanship, and natural beauty.
How to Get to Gifu, Japan: Finnair operates direct flights from Helsinki to Nagoya’s Chubu Centrair Airport up to four times per week between March and October. Return fares start at €908 for Economy Class, €1,538 for Premium Economy Class, and €3,137 for Business Class.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members