Gifu

Hida Shirakawa Village (Hida Shirakawa-go)

The immense sloped roofs of this mountain village in heavy snow country, resembling giant A-frame houses, are typical of the folk houses of the Hida region. Shirakawa Village has 30 such thatched houses remaining and was designated a World Heritage site by UNESCO. The village remains a living museum of these marvelous Japanese folk houses. Almost every house in the valley is an inn or provides lodging for visitors; here one can experience first hand the life of a remote mountain hamlet.

Nagara River Cormorant Fishing (Nagaragawa Ukai)

With a history of over 1,300 years, the traditional art of fishing with cormorants is presented every night from May 11 to October 15. The spectacle has a magical, almost mystical, beauty. Pleasure boats (yakata-bune) offering food and drink allow visitors to watch the skill of the men handling the cormorants from close quarters.

Kokeizan Eiho-ji temple (Kokeizan Eiho-ji)

This ancient temple, built in 1313, has a garden designated as an Important Garden by the government. The Kannon Hall and Kaizan Hall are National Treasures and a must for visitors.