Kaizu City’s Recommended 7 Tourist Spots. Enjoy the Culture and History Nurtured by Wajū!

Surrounded by the Yoro Mountain Range rising to the west and the three rivers of the Kiso—Kiso, Nagara, and Ibi—with their clear waters, Kaizu City is located at the southernmost tip of Gifu Prefecture. Kaizu City is rich in natural environments, flood control and erosion control, and has a history and tradition that live on through its shrines and temples. Here, rather than engaging in active sightseeing, it is recommended to spend a relaxed time letting yourself be carried along by the gentle flow of time! Even those who are usually pressed for time should slow their pace and feel the gentle passage of time.

1. “Chibobo-san” as affectionately called, “Chiyobo Inari Shrine”

Chiyobo Inari Shrine is affectionately known locally as “Chibobo-san”. It is said to be one of Japan’s three major Inari shrines alongside Fushimi in Kyoto and Toyokawa in Aichi, attracting 2 million worshippers throughout the year regardless of season.

It is a folk god believed to bring prosperity in business and domestic safety, enshrined around the Muromachi period in its current location. When Minamoto no Yoshiie’s sixth son, Yositaka, branched off from his family, he was given treasured items such as swords and paintings by his father, and it is said that the shrine was established to “preserve the ancestral spirit in perpetuity.”

The offering at Chiyobo Inari Shrine is a triangular fried tofu. It can be purchased as a set with a candle. The fried tofu used as an offering symbolizes “the Inari that gives birth to things and life” and is not related to foxes; it is offered to pray for agricultural prosperity and thriving business. It is also offered because it contains proteins necessary for the human body.

After worship, enjoy dining and shopping in the vicinity of the shrine. The specialty representing “Chiyobo Inari” is the savory river fish cuisine. Popular dishes include “sweet simmered river fish” and “grilled eel in its whole form” which have had their muddy taste removed. Other recommendations include “kushikatsu” and “candied sweet potato.”

The “Tsukinami Festival” held from January 1st to 3rd and from the end of every month to the 1st is bustling with many worshippers. Most shops along the approach open around 10:00, though some shops start at 8:30, and some only open during the “Tsukinami Festival.”

2. Overlook the Nobi Plain from “Garyuzan Gyokiji”!

“Garyuzan Gyokiji” is an ancient temple located in the mountains of Nanno-cho, Kaizu City, Gifu Prefecture. As an excellent viewpoint overlooking the Nobi Plain, tourists from all over Japan visit this site.

About 1,300 years ago, Gyokiji, who traveled across various provinces gathering funds for the construction of a giant Buddha, established the temple upon receiving an imperial command from Emperor Shōmu. He founded “Garyuzan Gyokiji” around the same time as the construction of the Great Buddha at Todai-ji in Nara, in order to help people suffering from the disastrous damage of heavy rains and floods in the region. Later, during the period of the Northern and Southern Courts, the temple buildings were completely burned down, but they were rebuilt by local feudal lords. In the Edo period, Matsudaira Yoshiyuki, the first lord of the Takasu Domain, built a stone wall around the temple grounds like a castle and rebuilt it as the family temple of the Matsudaira family. It was completed in 1705.

Also known as the “Hidden Castle,” Gyokiji was not open to the general public until before the Meiji Restoration. Currently, parts such as the study hall are open to the public, allowing visitors to learn about the period through clocks and furnishings once used by the Matsudaira family.

While you can reach the temple by car, on clear, sunny days it is recommended to hike along the mountain path at a leisurely pace. The scenery from this temple is so magnificent that you will feel as if you are witnessing the best view ever seen. From the temple’s study hall, you can see not only Nagoya’s high-rise buildings such as Meieki Towers, but also the Ise Bay and even the Northern Alps. It is also recommended as a night view spot.

Please note that the mountain road to Gyokiji is extremely steep and is closed during the winter season. Also, if you are not an experienced driver, it is advisable to walk from the second parking lot.

3. Learn about Kaizu’s History and Culture at the “Kaizu City History and Folklore Museum”!

The “Kaizu City History and Folklore Museum” presents the old ways of life in Kaizu City, focusing on themes such as “Wajū (embankments built surrounding a settlement),” “life in lowlands,” and the “Takasu Domain.” By learning about the lives of our ancestors, you can appreciate the wisdom and ingenuity behind Wajū.

On the first floor, the “Takasu Wajū” corner features the “Takasu Wajū Transformation Theater (a topographical model)” that provides an overall view of Wajū. This large topographical model is built at a scale of 1:4600. It starts with the terrain as it was in the 24th year of the Meiji era, and through a video explanation, the present-day Takasu Wajū gradually comes into view.

The second floor houses two exhibition rooms. In the first exhibition room, the formation of Wajū, the ingenuity, history of river improvement, drainage issues, history of new rice field development, and flood control activities are all explained in an easy-to-understand manner. It is also recommended to learn through the touch-panel “Wajū Quiz”. The second exhibition room displays agricultural tools used in the Hori-ta farming practiced in the lowlands of the area, allowing you to compare them with modern agriculture and learn about the ingenuity of our ancestors. 　

On the third floor, a part of the Takasu Matsudaira Domain residence has been restored. There is also a Noh stage available; while admission is charged, it is open for general use. Outdoors, a reproduction of a “Hori-ta” rice field using a small traditional lowland boat is set up, where you can actually see rice being cultivated. A large wooden water gate called “Kimmaki Shikaken Mondo” is also restored in another building, and you can visit it if you wish.

4. Japan’s Largest National Park, “Kiso Three Rivers Park / Kiso Three Rivers Park Center”

“Kiso Three Rivers Park” is a national park spanning three prefectures—Aichi, Mie, and Gifu—and is the largest national park in Japan. Its total area reaches up to 10,000 hectares. Currently, 11 diverse bases are open within the park, and the first facility to begin operation in Kiso Three Rivers Park is the “Kiso Three Rivers Park Center” located on the site of the flood control shrine and Senbon Pine Grove in Kaizu City, Gifu Prefecture. 　

Inside the park, you will find colorful flowers arranged according to the seasons. Tulips in spring, azaleas in early summer, and cosmos in autumn. And in winter, dazzling illuminations light up the park. The annual “Winter Light Story” is a highlight, showcasing the vast scale and dynamic light displays across the expansive park.

Additionally, within the center’s grounds there are various facilities. At the “Water and Greenery Hall,” you can learn about the history of flood control projects, as well as the fish, birds, insects, and plants that inhabit the Kiso Three Rivers. There is also a reproduction of a traditional lowland lifestyle unique to people living along the riverside, called “Wajū’s Farmhouse and Water Shop.” For family and group recreation, there is a “lawn plaza” and a popular “wooden playground” for children.

A particularly recommended feature is the 65-meter-high observation tower. From there, you can enjoy a grand panorama of the mighty flow of the Kiso Three Rivers and the unique watery landscape of the Wajū lowlands, with the vast Nobi Plain stretching out below.

5. Challenge Your Quirky Bicycle at “Hirata Riverside Plaza”

Hirata Riverside Plaza is a vast urban green space spread out along the riverbed on the right bank of the Nagara River from Oyabu Ohashi to Nanno Ohashi. It is a park where you can interact with water and greenery.

Here, there are dedicated bicycle courses, practice spaces, and courses that go around the forest so you can safely enjoy cycling. Small children can practice riding bicycles, or the whole family can ride unique multi-seater bicycles and have fun. Quirky bicycles are available that can accommodate 2 to 4 people. 　

In addition, there are facilities where you can do inline skating on short or long-distance courses, as well as courses designed for competitive cycling. In the multipurpose plaza, you can enjoy various sports and also observe the plants and animals living in the forest as you wander freely. After playing extensively in nature, enjoy outdoor cooking at the barbecue area. Admission is free, but note that some bicycle usage requires a fee.

6. Enjoy the Fragrance and Colors of Plum Blossoms at “Nanno Plum Garden”

At “Nanno Plum Garden,” in early spring, about 500 plum trees bloom over a vast area of 300 meters north-south and 100 meters east-west (approximately 10,000 tsubo). The plum blossoms are at their best from late February to mid-March. Their fragrance and vibrant colors delight visitors every year. Since the garden is connected to a municipal park, admission is free. The paths through the garden serve as walking trails for local residents. 　

At the northern end of the garden, there is also a natural monument pond of approximately 600 square meters featuring the rare freshwater fish “Hariyo.” Hariyo is a globally rare fish that is difficult to see. When you visit, be sure to pay a visit.

Near the plum garden, the Yoro Mountain Range rises and a rural landscape spreads out. The tranquil scenery is somewhat nostalgic and very refreshing.

7. Japan’s No.1 in the Tokai Region for Open-Air Baths, “Nanno Onsen Suisho no Yu”

Suisho no Yu is a public day-use bathing facility located in Kaizu City, Gifu Prefecture, part of Nanno Onsen. Situated on the lower slopes of the Yoro Mountains, its panoramic view is its most popular feature.

Located at an elevation of approximately 150 meters, the open-air bath offers a spectacular view of the Oku-Hida Northern Alps and the Aichi JR Central Towers, and after sunset, you can soak in the bath while admiring the moon and the night view. With a variety of baths that change daily—such as a mandarin orange bath and a herbal bath—plus 11 creatively themed baths including rock baths, jar baths, and outdoor baths, as well as a sauna, there is plenty to enjoy.

The spring water is a chloride-type hot spring with high sodium and calcium content (a high-concentration neutral hot spring) and has a saltiness similar to sea water. It is reputed to be effective for neuralgia and muscle pain, being easily absorbed by the skin with long-lasting effects. Although the high-concentration spring water appears slightly milky, hence not quite resembling “crystal,” the name “Suisho no Yu” is derived from the fact that raw quartz can be found near the source.

◎ Summary of Kaizu City’s Recommended Tourist Spots

How did you like these 7 recommended spots in Kaizu City, Gifu Prefecture? If you’re thinking, “I want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and spend some peaceful time,” be sure to visit Kaizu City. In the relaxed, unhurried flow of time, taking a deep breath of fresh air will surely reset both your body and mind.