2026 Gifu Prefecture Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in January)

Shirakawa-go is a village located in Gifu Prefecture, Japan, and administratively belongs to Shirakawa Village in Gifu Prefecture. Approximately 96% of the village area is forest, and the village is situated at an altitude of about 500 meters, surrounded by high mountains such as Mount Hakusan, which reaches 2,702 meters. Due to the region's extreme snowfall, a unique steeply sloped roof design has developed. The village preserves traditional Japanese houses and lifestyles, and it was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. Although the village is said to be most beautiful when snow piles up on the roofs, it was raining when I visited Shirakawa-go. However, the scenery of the village in the rain was not bad. Climbing the hill behind the village and looking at the panoramic view, the village appeared like a picturesque painting. I made a heartfelt promise to return when the snow falls, bidding a tearful farewell to Shirakawa-go.

Explore the charm of Japan year-round. From winter snowscapes to summer festivals, each month offers unique sights and events to discover. From Hokkaido's icy wonders to Kyoto's cherry blossom extravaganza, let's embark on a journey full of surprises and discover the must-see destinations in Japan from January to December! 🎐🎆 [🌸January to March: The Charm of Winter and Early Spring] January: Chasing the Fairytale Lights in the Snow Looking for world-class dreamscapes? In February, lock in the Shirakawa-go Gassho Village illuminations! Snow weighs down thatched roofs, and vibrant yellow lights filter through windows, creating a scene straight out of a Ghibli film. (The illuminations are by reservation, so be sure to book in advance!) In late January, visit Yamagata Zao, where the natural wonder of Juhyo (juhyo) unfolds: thick fog freezes onto the trees, forming a giant snow monster. Riding the illuminated nighttime cable car through them is like stepping into a fairytale from the Snow Queen! February: Enter Hokkaido's Secret Snowland In February, a subtropical winter scene, a trip to Hokkaido is the perfect way to enjoy the snow! Niseko and Furano in Hokkaido are an absolute ski enthusiast's paradise, boasting pristine powder snow and excellent ski facilities. Besides skiing, you can also enjoy the Sapporo Snow Festival: Odori Park transforms into a magical snowy landscape, featuring giant "Attack on Titan"-themed snow sculptures, thrilling ice slides, and even ice bars for toasts. March: Kanto and Kansai's Early Cherry Blossom Front While Tokyo still feels chilly in late March, the Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms in Ueno Park are already bursting into bloom! Locals love to pack a blue picnic mat and enjoy the "blooming cherry blossoms" while munching on strawberry daifuku. At night, the illuminated paper lanterns create another romantic atmosphere. In Kansai, head to Kyoto's Philosopher's Walk: Cherry blossoms drape along the Lake Biwa Canal like pink waterfalls. Along the way, you'll find unique shops. Stop by a teahouse and savor a matcha dessert with a breathtaking view from the floor-to-ceiling windows—it's a perfect spring ritual! [🌷April to June: The Vibrancy of Spring and Summer] April: Kyushu Flower Sea and Volcano Adventure In spring, Nagasaki's Huis Ten Bosch is awash in millions of tulips. The Dutch windmills and flower fields create a picture postcard of poetry and distant lands. At night, a dazzling illumination displays illuminate the entire Huis Ten Bosch. Looking for something a little more exciting? Kumamoto's Aso Volcano begins to sprout fresh greenery in April. Enjoy a horseback ride to admire the majestic Mount Aso. On a clear day, you can even take a helicopter tour to see the crater! May: Hokkaido's Flower Viewing Guide Is lavender peak season in July? Heading to Furano in May is the way to go! While the outdoor flower fields aren't in full bloom yet, the early-blooming purple blossoms in the greenhouse are already fragrant. Best of all, with few visitors, you can wander freely among the flowers without worrying about being stared at. Enjoy freshly picked honeydew melon and ice cream along the way (but remember to make reservations in advance!). The night cherry blossoms at neighboring Aomori Hirosaki Park are just around the corner: cherry blossom petals drift across the moat, and the reflections of the lights resemble flowing gold dust. Don't miss this last flower viewing in Tohoku. June: Hydrangea and Chinatsu Festival The rainy season melancholy is soothed at Kamakura Meigetsu-in Temple! Thousands of blue and purple hydrangeas line the shrine's approach, creating a tunnel of blossoms. The main hall's famous round windows frame the lush green maples in the courtyard, creating a Zen-like beauty that makes your breath go soft. Looking for something more lively? Head to the Osaka Tenjin Festival at the end of the month. Hundreds of traditional wooden boats parade across the Okawa River, ablaze with lights. At the night market on the shore, scoop goldfish and enjoy takoyaki. The grand finale, fireworks, explode overhead—the Kansai people are in full force! July to September: Summer Passion July: Bayside Fireworks and Hot Springs Trio Tokyo's Sumida River Fireworks Festival is a summer staple—tens of thousands of fireworks explode near Senso-ji Temple, creating a rainbow across the river. Find a spot along the riverbank between Sakurabashi and Kototoibashi to enjoy the view! Even more frequent are the Atami Sea Fireworks Festival, held several times a month. Fireworks erupt like waterfalls across the night sky, illuminating the waters in a golden crimson. Donning a yukata and chasing fireworks along the beach with candy apples—this is summer in Japan! August: Jump into the Tohoku Festival Frenzy The Aomori Nebuta Festival is a must-see! Parades of lantern floats and samurai lanterns, with short-sleeved "jumpers" shouting "Rassera!" as they leap. The aroma of freshly grilled squid from street vendors mingles with the sound of taiko drums, making you want to dance along. In Osaka, you can enjoy the USJ summer exclusive: the splashy NO LIMIT! Summer Water Parade, where you can enjoy a wild summer with Pikachu, Super Mario, and more! September: Nagano Maple Fire × Tokyo Ghost Carnival Dive into the secrets of early autumn in Kamikochi, Nagano! The Hotaka mountain range is bathed in crimson foliage. From Kappa Bridge over the Azusa River, you can gaze upon the peaks. As you walk across the wooden plank road, the mountain breeze is so refreshing it's almost sweet to breathe! Then, immerse yourself in the spooky night at Tokyo Disneyland! Thousands of ghostly red lights illuminate Cinderella Castle, and a limited-edition Halloween parade float pierces the darkness—you might even see a ghostly Mickey! 🍁October to December: Autumn and Winter Romance October: Kyoto Maple and Snow Monkey Spectacular Unlock the iconic scene of Rurikoin's foliage reflected on a lacquered table at the end of October! Morning light filters through the crimson leaves, shimmering on sutras. This magical moment returns for a limited time (book online!). Also featured is Nagano's Jigokudani: the iconic scene of wild snow monkeys bathing in hot springs, set against the backdrop of a valley covered in early fall foliage. On the way back, stay overnight at Kanbayashi Onsen Village for a truly relaxing monkey-watching experience. November: Tokyo Ginkgo Hiking Route In late November, head to Meiji Jingu's Outer Gardens! A 300-meter golden tunnel formed naturally by 146 ginkgo trees sparkles in the breeze. A Christmas market is also opening nearby, offering a delicious mulled wine and rich bread. For nighttime viewing, head to Rikugien Gardens: 400 maple trees are illuminated with an even more vibrant crimson. The winding gardens, with their bridges and flowing water, create a dazzling display of vibrant colors. This is the perfect spot for nighttime foliage viewing! December: A Sea of Christmas Lights and Sky-High Fireworks In December, Tokyo's Skytree Christmas Market features a German log cabin, where you can enjoy mulled champagne and snap photos of the champagne-gold lights. Yebisu Garden Place's crystal chandeliers and giant Christmas tree create a dazzling atmosphere, reminiscent of a Harry Potter ball. Additionally, ski resorts in Nagano and Niigata are entering their ski season! Hakuba in Nagano and Naeba in Niigata are both incredibly exciting and well worth a visit! Whether you enjoy natural beauty, cultural festivals, or urban exploration, Japan offers unique experiences every month of the year. We hope this guide inspires your travel plans and makes every moment in Japan filled with surprises and touching moments. For more detailed tips, check out trip.com's "Local Guides" for a hassle-free trip! 🌟✈️ #Japan #JapanAttractions #Japan'sBestViews #Tokyo #TokyoTravel #TokyoFreeTravel #TokyoDestinations #Osaka #OsakaItinerary #OsakaAttractions

High-quality Hida beef with 33 different cuts served all at once! How many cuts of Wagyu have you tried? What's the most you can eat in one sitting? 😏 This time, I went to my favorite place and chose this restaurant //Hida Beef Whole Purchase Yakiniku Akariya🐂// They offer a special set menu featuring 33 different cuts served all at once! Oh my gosh, I really want to order this! 🙀 #Akariya offers a variety of set menus and à la carte options. For à la carte, there are 33 different cuts to choose from. The menu is very detailed, with each cut's flavor, marbling, and tenderness rated with stars. Plus, there are pictures for reference. Although I sometimes struggle with decision-making, this kind of labeling is super helpful 🤭 It made it easy for me to pick my favorite lean cuts~ 😙🤭 In the past, whenever I visited Takayama in Hokuriku, I would go to #AjikuraTengoku for Hida beef yakiniku or enjoy Hida beef sukiyaki (which I also had this time). This time, I decided to try something new and went to #Akariya for yakiniku. However, in terms of pure meat quality, I still highly recommend #AjikuraTengoku for Hida beef yakiniku. But Akariya offers a wider variety of cuts and is easier to book a table (though you still need to make a reservation in advance). It’s a great backup option! For this meal, two people spent a total of ¥21,186. Restaurant Name: Hida Beef Whole Purchase Yakiniku Akariya Location: 〒506-0017 Gifu Prefecture, Takayama City, Asahimachi 11-4, Bara Building 1F Business Hours: 11:30 AM - 8:30 PM

Ryokan style accommodation #Japan Beautiful view with a super hot spring pool by the water 🏔️🌲🇯🇵 "深山荘 (Shinzanso)" This is a traditional Japanese-style accommodation located in the Chubu Sangaku National Park, Takayama City. Let me tell you that this is another accommodation with a great view and atmosphere, surrounded by the Kamada River and Kasadake Mountains. And another highlight of this place is the outdoor hot spring pool by the water. After a tiring journey, come and soak in the hot spring while enjoying the mountain view and listening to the sound of flowing water. Let me tell you that it's very good for the heart. 😍😍 #Shinzanso #takayama #accommodation review #Japanese accommodation #travel in Japan #japan #engineering travel #travel plan giveaway #hotel review #natural attractions #beautiful accommodation review

After sightseeing in Shirakawa-go, I took a stroll around Hida Takayama! I went around a lot, mainly around the famous "old townscape"😊 The places I went to in about 4-5 hours were ① Hidasannomiya Hie Shrine⛩️ ② Strolling around the old townscape (eating around) ③ Soy sauce shop ④ Miyagawa morning market ⑤ Ate Takayama ramen ⑥ Takayama Jinya ⑦ Souvenir shop The tourist attractions are compact, so I think I could go to most of the places I wanted to go with this amount of time☺️ It's like a time slip back to a long time ago, with a good old Japanese townscape stretching for about 400 meters, and it's a Mexican Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings! Hida Takayama is a place you should visit at least once Why not consider it as your next travel destination👍 #0 yen trip #World Heritage Site #Gifu Prefecture #Hida Takayama #Hida Takayama Old Townscape #Takayama Ramen

If you are sightseeing in Hida Takayama, please visit this shrine, "Hida Sannou ⛩️ Hie Shrine" This shrine is said to be the model for the famous scene in the anime movie "Your Name"‼ ️ It has a solemn atmosphere and a long and honorable history that goes back more than 800 years. The shrine worships Oyamakui-no-kami, the god of the mountains, and Hie Shrine is indeed protected by monkeys! When I visited, I passed by people having a wedding and felt very happy😌 It is not far from the center of Hida Takayama, so please visit it while sightseeing🥰 📍Address: 156 Shiroyama, Takayama City #0 yen trip #Hie Shrine #Hida Takayama #Pilgrimage #Your Name

#newyearnewtrip Takayama, often called “Little Kyoto,” is a gem in the heart of the Japanese Alps, renowned for its beautifully preserved Edo-period heritage and serene atmosphere. Its old town, Sanmachi Suji, is perfect for strolling, with wooden townhouses, sake breweries, and craft shops offering local souvenirs. History lovers will enjoy the Takayama Jinya, a former government office, and the Hida Folk Village, showcasing rural life with traditional houses and cultural artifacts. The city is also a gateway to the stunning Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Culinary delights, like melt-in-your-mouth Hida beef and local sake, further enhance the experience. Takayama combines history, nature, and culture in a way that leaves visitors enchanted.

At Kito Sekigahara, there is a private sauna that you can rent out and use as much as you like at any time during your stay. There are also "totonoi chairs" available outside, so you can relax surrounded by nature - we highly recommend it! ୨୧ ‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥୨୧ Accommodation: Kito Sekigahara Address: 9581-1 Imasu, Sekigahara-cho, Fuwa-gun, Gifu Access: Approximately 10 minutes from Sekigahara IC Parking: Available (free) Rooms with sauna access: Villa Suite (4 people capacity) ୨୧ ‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥୨୧ #Gifu #Gifu Tourism #Gifu Hotel #Ichito Kashi #Sauna #Private Sauna #Private Sauna #Sauna 2024

#Travelwithme It's been a bit hectic so it's been a while I can only remember the fun times and I'm amazed at how quickly my memories are slipping away... A travel journal compiled in the style of a travel guide I hope it will be useful to someone someday, somewhere ① Miyagawa Morning Market The original farm market! Of course there were vegetables, but there were surprisingly many food stalls! There was also a stylish coffee stand ② Checked out of hotel around TAKAYAMA Parking is 1500 yen for 24 hours and within walking distance of the main tourist spots I left my car at the hotel and went sightseeing ③ TRAIN BLEU A bakery recommended by the ramen shop yesterday Shiny jewel-like bread I bought coffee on the way and had TRAIN BLEU bread for lunch ④ Rail Mountain Bike Gattan go!! You can ride your bike along abandoned railway tracks It's so much fun!! The rail joints make a "clack" sound like a train, which gets you excited! Please note that there are two courses, one in the town and one in the valley, and the meeting places are different ⚠️ You might want to make a reservation early ⑤ Hida Farm Market A wide variety of items, from fresh local vegetables to folk crafts and souvenirs I'm sorry I thought "Maybe I should buy some Takayama ramen to take home" 💦 I was able to buy souvenirs to give to my fashionable friends! It was a 2-day, 1-night trip, but it was a very fulfilling trip I wish I could have gone to the Shinhotaka Ropeway or Shirakawa-go, but I think I'll save that for next time I have to work ꒰ঌ┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈໒꒱ Thank you for reading to the end Like! I'm happy to receive comments ·͜· ꕤ︎︎ Adults can enjoy it too ・Hotels ・Cafes and gourmet ・Tourist spots etc. We provide travel tips that make travel lovers think "Maybe I want to go𓂃◌𓈒𓐍" I'll cry tears of joy if you follow me❤︎ ꒰ঌ┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈໒꒱ #HidaTakayama #HidaTakayamaGourmet #GifuTrip #Hida #DomesticTrip #TravelDiary

At the end of the old street, there's a retro-style 7-Eleven. Its antique design is quite unique, super Japanese style, and the wooden interior is amazing! What's great is that you get tax-free shopping on purchases over 5000 yuan! It's a direct discount, so let's see what's worth buying! However, it was so hot the day we came that everyone just wanted to go inside for the air conditioning; the heat was unbearable! But the exterior is really unique, so I couldn't resist taking a picture. The retro lettering and architectural design are definitely worth taking photos of—a fantastic and surprising landmark! Many chain stores in Japan are designed with local characteristics, so it's definitely worth a visit! I had to stock up on Sekkisei here! I even got tax-free shopping on this XD Many of the surrounding Japanese-style buildings are also worth taking photos of. You definitely have to come! #Japan #Hokuriku #Gifu

There is a unique souvenir shop at the entrance of the old street. This is a shop that mainly sells honey. There are many exquisite honeys in the store, which look rich and delicious. It was really hot when I came here, eating an ice cream to cool down was really a great enjoyment This shop sells honey soft serve ice cream. It would be nice to have a cup of honey water. The soft serve portion is actually quite big. I remember it was around 300-400 yen. Rich and mellow fragrance with honey flavor, not too heavy or greasy, very delicious~ This can really be the ending of Gaoshan Old Street Before I got on the bus, I unexpectedly found a beautiful view at the intersection where I had just eaten ice cream. This is a rural area in Japan. There are no cars in the photo and not many passers-by. It is very beautiful. It's a perfect ending here. It's great to eat ice cream and take beautiful photos here #Japan #Hokuriku #Gifu

Come to Gifu Prefecture in central Japan, especially Takayama City, which is full of antiques. Takayama Hida Old Town is one of the attractions not to be missed. The Blacksmith Bridge next to the entrance is a super classic red bridge. It is in sharp contrast with the wooden Japanese-style buildings in the old streets of Takayama. The completely different style is meant to give you a strong style. In fact, what is really unique is a bridge over Miyagawa River. On the left and right sides of the Forge Bridge are the Miyagawa Asaichi Takayama Old Street (Sanden Building Complex: Kamisan, Kamini, and Ichino), Honmachi Street, and Kokubunji Street. What's special is that there is a lane for cars on the bridge. The most special thing is the "Forging Monster Bronze Statue" on the left and right. The beautiful scenery of the entire river is amazing. I will definitely be unforgettable after seeing it once. It’s so beautiful especially in winter. It’s worth coming back several times to take photos! #Japan #Hokuriku #Gifu

In the retro streets of Onami-cho, Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture, you will find the Michelin 1-star Japanese restaurant Takumi Hirano, which serves kaiseki cuisine. The appetizers and side dishes are made with seasonal ingredients, and you can choose from Japanese soba, Inaniwa udon, and ochazuke for your meal. The Japanese soba is handmade by the chef every day. It is delicious soba with a fragrant soba. The Japanese sweets are also seasonal. This time, it is chestnut kinton. It is made using only Ena chestnuts. If you are going to eat Japanese food in Gifu, be sure to try the Michelin 1-star restaurant Takumi Hirano✨ #Gourmet trip #Breathtaking views #Couple trip #Retro streets

The Mino Washi Akari Art Exhibition is held for a limited time every October in Mino City, Gifu Prefecture. We accept entries from all over the country for light art using Mino washi paper, which boasts a 1,300-year tradition, and the winning works are exhibited in the Udatsu-nobori streetscape. It's a wonderful event where intricately crafted lights made from washi paper are displayed in the retro streetscape that retains the atmosphere from the Edo period. #RetroStreetscape

Located near Gifu Castle, this is an ancient shrine. It is one of the three shrines in Mino Province. It is said to have a history of at least several hundred years. Its stately appearance in the mountains is impressive, and the grounds have a solemn atmosphere. Many people visit during events. #Shrine #Gifu

Hida Takayama is located in the northern part of Gifu Prefecture, near Toyama Prefecture. It is famous as a town in the mountains that retains its old streetscape, and is visited by many tourists. Walking around the town, you can feel the history as buildings that were likely built around the Edo, Meiji, and Taisho periods remain. In the autumn foliage season, the townscape becomes beautiful with the autumn leaves. #retrotownscape #autumnfoliage #HidaTakayama

Kiso Sansen Park in Kaizu City, Gifu Prefecture This park is a national park, and both the entrance fee and parking are free. In autumn, many cosmos flowers bloom, and the lemon yellow cosmos are rare and very beautiful. National Kiso Sansen Park Center 255-3 Abushima, Kaizu-cho, Kaizu City, Gifu Prefecture #Free Spot

The Tulip Festival at Kiso-Sansen Park in Gifu Prefecture. It is held from late March to early April. It is a national event, so you can enjoy the park and parking for free. There is also a grassy area where families can enjoy themselves by setting up picnic sheets and small tents. There is a tower, and there is a fee to climb it. Kiso-Sansen National Park Kiso-Sansen Park Center 255-3 Abushima, Kaizu-cho, Kaizu-shi, Gifu Prefecture #Free Spot

The size, scale, and presentation of the stalactites are the best in Japan The inside is quite spacious and there are almost vertical stairs along the way, so you need to wear clothes that you can move around in, lol Also, the average temperature inside the cave is about 12℃, so it's dangerous to go in light clothes😂 Also, in the cave, "cave low-temperature storage" is carried out to take advantage of the low temperature🍻 It seems that alcohol tastes better when stored at low temperatures for a long time🤔 #JapanGenkiProject2021 #SummerShortTrip #SummerResortIWantToKeepItSecret #AmazingNature

Hana Festa Memorial Park, Kani City, Gifu Prefecture Hana Festa Memorial Park in Kani City, Gifu Prefecture. It is one of the largest rose gardens in the world, and many types of roses bloom in the rose season. There are other flowers besides roses, and the garden is very large. Seasonal flowers such as nemophila, cosmos fields, and sunflowers are also in bloom, so you can see beautiful flowers any time you go, but the rose season is especially recommended. Address: 1584-1 Seta, Kani City, Gifu Prefecture #Flower Spot #Japan Genki Project 2021 #Summer Trip#Breathtaking View

When I went to Monet's Pond in Gifu Prefecture, I looked up if there was anything else nearby, and found out that it was famous for its hydrangeas, so I looked into it and went there. Hydrangeas bloom along the road called Hydrangea Highway, and there were many hydrangeas blooming in 21st Century Forest Park. I recommend visiting Monet's Pond as well. 21st Century Forest Park 2340 Itadori, Seki City, Gifu Prefecture 501-2901 #Flower Spot #Japan Genki Project 2021

On the way back from Monet's Pond, we went to a famous local Japanese sweets shop. Most of the sweets are made in the back of the shop, so they are very fresh. We bought the shop's specialty, cream daifuku. They are frozen, so we let them thaw a little in the refrigerator before eating. Our friends were also happy with the cool souvenirs. #sweets #souvenirs #tourismsupport #gourmettrip

📅 Itinerary Day1： Day2: Day3: 🏨 Accommodation 🍴 Food Recommendations 📌 Tips

🇯🇵Takayama: Hida no Sato in Autumn🍁 The ancient traditional village of Takayama: Hida no Sato in autumn. Charming, beautiful, and peaceful. The village isn't very large; you can walk around it in a short time. There are about 30 houses in the village, all still maintaining the traditional "Gassho-zukuri" thatched-roof architecture. The atmosphere of the village feels like stepping back in time to rural Japanese life. During autumn, the village is painted with vibrant orange, yellow, and red from the surrounding trees, creating a breathtaking sight. A traditional village in autumn is something I highly recommend visiting at least once.🇯🇵🍁✨ 📸 This set of photos was taken on November 13, 2024. #takayama #gifujapan #traveljapan #takayamajapan #gifuprefecture #takayama #hidanosato #hidatakayama #travelgifu

Takayama is a truly wonderful place that I never get bored of, no matter how many times I visit!!! The old townscape is beautifully preserved, and just walking around is fun. It's a tourist destination, but it's also calm and not too noisy, which is nice. There's plenty of food to choose from, and the Hida beef sushi is absolutely delicious. It's not flashy, but it's a safe and secure travel destination. I woke up a little early and walked around the town, and it was especially quiet, and I felt like I was able to really get a feel for the Takayama atmosphere. I recommend this place for people who want to relax. #Takayama #HidaTakayama #takayama #gifu #takayamacity #domestictravel #japan #japan #japantrip

On my trip to Nagoya, I reserved three days for Gifu. The weather was surprisingly clear, as if welcoming our arrival. What I found most unforgettable were the crystal-clear streams, the jade-white stone beds, and the people quietly enjoying the scenery together. Being there and becoming part of this picture, I think, I am truly lucky.

I absolutely love eel. I've tried countless eel restaurants, big and small, in Tokyo. But the one I ate at today truly amazed me. The restaurant started with a pot of rice, cooked at a very high temperature in a traditional Japanese Nanbu iron pot. Lifting the lid revealed steaming rice with crispy bits at the bottom—it's rare to see this kind of wood-fired rice these days. The fresh, dry rice, served in a bowl, was perfectly cooked, each grain distinct and bursting with the aroma of the wok. Every grain contained rice germ, supposedly from Gifu Prefecture's "Phantom Rice - Dragon's Eye." Next came a tamagoyaki (Japanese rolled omelet) filled with eel and scallop adductor muscles. The main attraction arrived: the fragrant grilled eel. There were three types of eel to choose from: shredded, soy sauce, and sauce. I chose soy sauce and sauce, while my friend opted for shredded and sauce. The grilled eel was generously portioned; the crispy outer layer melted in your mouth—it was delicious! This is quite different from what I've had before; it's not the kind of eel rice served in a takeout container. I've never had such delicious grilled eel. The grilled eel is exceptionally thick, with a crispy, paper-thin skin. Topped with the signature sauce, the melt-in-your-mouth texture of the eel is incredibly satisfying. Their tableware is also a true artistic experience—beautiful and sophisticated. We ate in a private room, which offered excellent privacy. We finished off with a Daruma doll dessert. Today was so fulfilling!

Entering Gassho Village feels like stepping into a snow-white fairytale world! The entire village is blanketed in thick snow, and the rooftops of the Gassho-style houses look like they've been dusted with powdered sugar—absolutely adorable. Walking along the snow-covered paths, even the sound of footsteps becomes soft, accompanied only by the sparkling reflection of the snow. It's impossible to stop taking photos, as every angle looks like a postcard. The scenery, especially before and after the illumination, is incredibly romantic. It's cold, yes, but the happiness is overwhelming. Visiting Japan in winter? This is a must-see destination! 📝 Gassho Village Snow Scene Tips (A must-read for stunning photos!) • 📍 Arrive early at the best viewing platform: The panoramic view of the Gassho houses is breathtaking, but it gets crowded, so the earlier, the better! • 🧤 Wear anti-slip shoes: The paths are really slippery, so safety first. • 📸 Capture both daytime and evening shots: The sunny version and the twilight blue version each have their own dreamy charm! • 🚌 Take the bus: Driving in winter can be slippery and is not recommended for beginners. • 🔋 Bring an extra camera battery: Cold weather drains batteries quickly! If you want to capture the most magical winter scenery in Japan, Gassho Village is an absolute must-visit! ❄️✨