Surround Yourself with Relaxing Nature Close to You! 6 Recommended Tourist Spots in Hirugano Highlands

Hirugano Highlands is located in Gujo City, Gifu Prefecture. Its catchphrase is “Relaxing Nature Close to You.” The nature of Hirugano feels close to people’s daily lives—an inviting space where anyone can feel at ease and comforted. You can fully enjoy the great outdoors, and several tourist spots making use of this rich nature are scattered around the Hirugano Highlands.
You can spend your time interacting with animals, admiring colorful flowers, being active, or simply taking a relaxing stroll through the parks. Once you've had your fill of fun, you can unwind at the hot springs, available only during the winter season.
Surrounded by mountains on all sides, the clear and refreshing air will surely soothe both your mind and body. It’s the perfect destination for those who want to escape the city and fully immerse themselves in nature.

1. Elegant Bath Time at Bokka no Sato Onsen "Bokka" (Open in Winter Only)

Hirugano Highlands’ onsen “Bokka” is a day-use hot spring facility located inside the beautiful “Bokka no Sato” area. Its lovely, lodge-like exterior makes you feel as if you’re at a cozy pension, offering a luxurious hot spring experience. You can enjoy the panoramic forest-view large bath, the charming open-air bath, and a relaxing herb bath.
There’s also a full-fledged Finnish sauna, a mint-scented mist sauna, and a jacuzzi — all adding to the unique “Bokka” experience that makes you want to come back again and again. The spring quality is a simple onsen, said to be effective for neuralgia and joint pain.
At the "Souvenir Shop" inside “Bokka”, you’ll find original items made from natural materials such as rose and herb soaps, herbal bath salts, and more. Popular sweets include the rich and delicious “Gujo Pudding”, highly recommended and even awarded the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Director's Award.
Bokka stays open until 9 PM, perfect for a relaxing soak even at night. Don’t miss it when visiting Hirugano Highlands!

Note: Open in winter only, closed on Tuesdays.

2. Get Closer to Flowers and Animals at "Hirugano Highlands Bokka no Sato"!

Located 1,000 meters above sea level, “Bokka no Sato” is a vast leisure facility where you can enjoy colorful flowers and interact with animals against the stunning backdrop of the Hakusan mountain range. The 4.5-hectare flower field is filled with tulips in spring and lavender in summer, offering a view that changes with the seasons.
Here, you can meet cute animals like cows, horses, alpacas, sheep, and donkeys. The most popular experience is cow milking — held twice daily — where even small children can try milking Jersey cows.
Another favorite is the horseback riding experience. Children under elementary school age can ride with a parent as staff guide the horse around the field. Taking photos at the Sheep Square is also a must, where you can feed the sheep and pet their fluffy wool.
You can also enjoy fresh dairy treats or participate in crafting workshops like bread-making or creating small items — perfect for a relaxing and fulfilling time.

3. Try Horseback Riding at "Hirugano Highlands Kiso Horse Ranch (Hope Lodge)"

“Kiso Horse Ranch (Hope Lodge)” is a popular spot where even beginners can enjoy horseback riding. The ranch protects the endangered Kiso horses. Enjoy connecting with these friendly and intelligent horses while feeling the refreshing breeze of Hirugano Highlands in the peaceful forest.
The plump Kiso horses are gentle and perfect for both kids and adults. Many people fall in love with horseback riding after their first experience here. Courses range from 15-minute trials to hour-long hiking rides. In the summer season, overnight guests can enjoy horseback riding inside the paddock.
And there’s food too! The specialty here is the “Milk Hot Pot”, made with plenty of fresh milk. Finish it off with ramen noodles! It's a delicious and filling meal you must try.

4. Experience, Explore, and Have Fun! “Hirugano Picnic Garden – Pink Breath and Kochia Hill”

The "Hirugano Kogen Kochia Park" has been renewed as “Hirugano Picnic Garden – Pink Breath and Kochia Hill”!
This is a rapidly rising leisure spot where both kids and adults can have fun. The ski slope transforms into “Kochia Park” during the green season. The fields are covered with Kochia (summer cypress), showing bright green in summer and turning deep red in autumn. It looks like a painted masterpiece, delighting visitors.
Riding the lift up to the summit, you’ll be greeted by the magnificent view of the Hakusan Mountain Range and Mt. Dainichigatake. Inside the park, activities like the thrilling “Zip Line,” balance bikes for kids (“Striders”), and an 18-hole “Disc Golf” course are available, perfect for active visitors.
The Zip Line, where you slide down a wire rope with a pulley, is a thrilling activity popular worldwide. It’s rare in Japan, so don’t miss the chance to try it here! Gloves are required, and you can even enjoy it in the rain with a raincoat.
There’s also a craft studio where you can decorate wind chimes or make photo frames using glass and wood. See, experience, and play — spend your time just the way you like at Hirugano Picnic Garden.

5. A Couple of Waterfalls Standing Side by Side! “Meoto Waterfall”

Located west of Hirugano Kogen near Bunsuirei Park, Meoto Waterfall is a graceful waterfall where the water flows down the rocks like lace. The waterfall is about 17 meters high and splits into two streams falling closely together — giving it the name “Meoto” (Married Couple) Waterfall. When the water volume increases, the two streams merge into one powerful flow.
This waterfall is the source of the Nagara River, and on the trail leading to it, there is a natural spring named “Nagara River Source Spring”.
Blending beautifully with the surrounding scenery, this waterfall is a great sightseeing spot that offers seasonal changes from spring to autumn. Legend has it that in the Nara period, Taicho Daishi, who opened Mt. Hakusan, performed purification rituals here.

6. The Starting Point of Water’s Journey — Hirugano Watershed Park

At an altitude of about 900 meters, Hirugano Kogen is known as a watershed. Although many have heard of watersheds, it’s rare to see one so clearly — but you can experience it here at Hirugano Watershed Park. Pure water flowing from Mt. Dainichigatake is divided — some flows to the Pacific Ocean via the Nagara River, while some flows to the Sea of Japan via the Shokawa River. Hirugano Kogen is the starting point for both rivers — truly the place where water begins its journey. It's easy to understand, and the mysterious sight is sure to fascinate you.
If you ever find yourself at a crossroads in life, why not bring a leaf here to Hirugano Watershed Park? Like water whose fate is instantly decided by which way it flows, watching where your leaf drifts might just show you the path you should take! There’s also a small walking trail inside the park where you can enjoy a relaxing stroll. In spring, you can view wildflowers like katakuri and mizubasho, in the rainy season sasa-yuri lilies bloom, and in autumn, the park becomes a beautiful spot for viewing fall foliage.

◎ Enjoy the Nature of Hirugano Kogen — Sightseeing Spot Summary

We’ve introduced 6 sightseeing spots in Hirugano Kogen. No matter which spot you visit, you’ll feel nature up close and personal. Let the fresh air of the great outdoors refresh you and blow away your daily fatigue! Whether with family, friends, or your partner — visit Hirugano Kogen with your loved ones and experience nature just within reach!

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Surround Yourself with Relaxing Nature Close to You! 6 Recommended Tourist Spots in Hirugano Highlands