About
Traditional white-walled storehouses line the Seto Canal with colorful koi swimming below - Official Gifu Tourism
Hida-Furukawa is a historic town in Gifu Prefecture that preserves the authentic atmosphere of traditional Japan, earning it the nickname "Little Kyoto of Hida." The town's most distinctive feature is the Seto Canal (Setogawa) that runs through the historic district, lined with traditional white-walled storehouses (shirakabe dozo) belonging to centuries-old sake breweries. Over 1,000 brilliantly colored koi carp swim in these pristine canals from April through November, creating one of Japan's most photogenic streetscapes. 🔗
Cultural & Religious Significance
The town was formed through the merger of Furukawa, Kawai, Miyagawa, and Kamioka in 2004, but its cultural heritage dates back over 400 years to the Edo period. The canal system originally served practical purposes - locals used the pristine waters for washing vegetables. In 1968, authorities introduced thousands of carp to naturally clean the water, creating an enduring symbol of community care for the environment. 🔗
Hida-Furukawa gained international recognition as a filming location for the 2016 anime film "Your Name" (Kimi no Na wa), transforming it from a relatively unknown rural town into a major anime pilgrimage destination. The town's traditional crafts, particularly woodworking by the legendary "Hida Takumi" master builders, have contributed to imperial palaces and temples in Nara and Kyoto for over 1,300 years. 🔗
Visiting Information
Transportation from Takayama:
- Train (Most convenient): JR Takayama Line, 15-16 minutes, ¥240 for local trains or ¥570 for limited express
- Bus: Nohi Bus, 30-40 minutes, ¥380, departures every 20 minutes to 1-2 per hour
- Car: 15 km, approximately 12 minutes driving time
Hours: Town accessible 24/7; individual attractions have varying hours Current Status: Open and accessible; koi active in canals until late November 🔗
The Experience
The main highlight is the Seto Canal and White-Walled Storehouses (Shirakabe Dozogai Street) featuring over 1,000 colorful koi carp swimming in canals lined with traditional white-walled storehouses. The area runs 500 meters along three historic streets: Ichinomachi, Ninomachi, and Sannomachi, just 5 minutes walk from Hida-Furukawa Station.
Three Major Buddhist Temples include Enkoji Temple (most prominent beside the Seto Canal), Honkoji Temple (features intricate woodcarving and cypress entrance hall reconstructed in 1913), and Shinshuji Temple (part of traditional January 15 pilgrimage route). 🔗
Cultural and craft experiences include the Hida Crafts Museum (Takumikan) with traditional joinery techniques without nails, Mishima Candle Shop for traditional Japanese candle-making since Edo period, and Watanabe Sake Brewery operating since 1870 as a national registered tangible cultural property. 🔗
Practical Visiting Tips
Photography and Viewing:
- Best photo spots: Seto Canal with white storehouses reflection, koi feeding areas
- Optimal timing: Early morning (7-9 AM) for soft light and fewer tourists, late afternoon for warm light
- Equipment: Wide-angle lens for canal streetscapes, telephoto for koi detail shots 🔗
Cultural Etiquette:
- Koi viewing: Observe respectfully, feeding may be restricted
- Temple visits: Follow standard Japanese temple etiquette
- Photography: Check permissions at individual sites, library allows designated photography times
Seasonal Considerations for Late October:
- Weather: Comfortable temperatures 15-22°C (59-72°F), ideal for outdoor exploration
- Autumn colors: Early foliage beginning, white storehouses provide stunning contrast
- Koi activity: Still swimming actively in canals (relocated to Tenjin Pond in late November) 🔗
Location: View on Google Maps
Source: attractions/takayama/hida-furukawa.md