6 Recommended Tourist Spots in Hida City – Also the Setting of “Your Name”

Hida City is located at the northernmost end of Gifu Prefecture. It is traversed by major rivers such as the Jintsu and Kogen Rivers, and the Kogen River basin is home to the Okuhida Onsen Village with many famous sake breweries. The townscape, which cherishes traditional Japanese customs and industries, is distinctive. Hida City also appears in the film "Your Name," released in August 2016 with a box office revenue exceeding 25 billion yen, and thanks to the movie its popularity has soared. Here, we introduce 6 recommended tourist spots in Hida City!

1. A Serene, Old-Fashioned Stroll for Adults: "Setogawa and the White-Walled Storehouse District"

This district is synonymous with Hida Furukawa’s traditional townscape, known as one of the “inner chambers of Takayama.” In Hida Furukawa, a stretch of white-walled storehouses lines the street, directly beside which the Setogawa River flows. In the river, more than a thousand koi swim gracefully. The contrast between the colorful koi and the white walls exudes deep charm and sentiment. You can even rent yukata or kimono and stroll around, fully immersing yourself in the nostalgic atmosphere.

In winter, the Setogawa River is used as a snow channel for removing snow, and the koi are moved during that season. Therefore, if you wish to enjoy both the white walls and the koi, visiting in summer is recommended. In summer, you can even buy koi food from an unmanned vending machine and feed the fish while you enjoy the dazzling white walls lit by the sun.

The layout of the district is like a grid, and the combination of old houses and their architectural features creates an unmistakable Japanese ambiance. Although it’s a tourist destination, it rarely gets crowded, making it a hidden gem for a relaxing journey. Its quiet, calm atmosphere is perfect for an adult getaway.

2. Featured in "Your Name": "Kitawakami Shrine"

Kitawakami Shrine, also known by the nickname “Sugimoto-sama,” appears in the film "Your Name!" In the movie, Taki stops by the shrine while searching for Mitsuha. Although it is said to have been founded in the Heian period, its detailed history remains unclear. The shrine holds its annual festival over two days on April 19 and 20, turning the entire Furukawa area into a festive event.

This festival, also known as the Furukawa Festival, mainly features lion dances, "okoshi-daiko," a type of drum performance, and food stalls—not the street stalls one usually finds at night markets. In these stalls, intricate mechanical dolls are displayed, forming a stage-like structure resembling a mikoshi.

There are 10 different stalls known as Kagura Stage, Sanbaso, Phoenix Stage, Qilin Stage, Sanko Stage, Golden Turtle Stage, Dragon Flute Stage, Seiyo Stage, White Tiger Stage, and Blue Dragon Stage—each with its own history and unique mechanical dolls. Additionally, the okoshi-daiko performance, in which drums are played to announce the start of the festival, is itself a major event in the Furukawa Festival.

This is normally a very quiet place that remains cool even in summer. Although the mountain road is long and feels like a light hike, you quickly find yourself at the main hall, mesmerized by the beautiful nature.

3. For All Your Hida Souvenirs: "Hida Furukawa Sakura Products Center"

Hida Furukawa Sakura Products Center is a popular exhibition where you can find almost every Hida specialty. From traditional crafts to local confections and processed products, you can say that if you visit here, you have all your Hida souvenirs covered. Among the items on sale are “e-sour candles” and “Sarubobo straps.” The term “Sarubobo” refers to a traditional doll made in Hida, and in Hida dialect “bobo” means “baby,” so “Sarubobo” means “monkey baby,” which has long been believed to ward off evil spirits in Hida.

In addition, you can purchase various food items, such as “Ayunbokki-ni” (braised sweetfish), “Hida Ramen,” “Hooba Miso,” “Miso Senbei,” and “Yanchan Nanban,” making it a superb destination for souvenir hunting.

4. Juicy Hida Beef Galore! "Hida Korokke Honpo"

At Hida Korokke Honpo, you can enjoy the famous Hida beef korokke, a gourmet treat from Hida Furukawa. Each korokke weighs 120 grams and is prepared fresh to order, ensuring a delightfully crispy texture every time.

The korokke are well-seasoned so that you can enjoy them without needing extra condiments, and they remain tasty even when cooled, making them a recommended souvenir.

5. A Natural Hot Spring That Suddenly Emerged from a Mine: "Wariishi Onsen"

Wariishi Onsen is a very popular day-trip hot spring facility among locals and nearby residents. It was discovered when water suddenly gushed out from a depth of approximately 850 meters during an investigation of a mineral vein in a mine. The spring, which is stored above a fault, is known for its variable temperature and flow rate. The water is sulfurous, with a temperature of around 42°C (subject to variation). Because of the excellent quality of the spring water, it is reputed to be effective for conditions such as rheumatism, neuralgia, insomnia, and skin diseases.

In addition to the regular bathing area, there is also an accessible bath with a slope designed for people with disabilities. The facility includes a dining area and a relaxation room, making it an ideal place to unwind. As the facility is used like a community center, there is also a gateball field on site.

6. Dream Manga Library "Hida Manga Kingdom"

Hida Manga Kingdom is a library dedicated exclusively to manga, housing only manga donated by manga enthusiasts from across the country. The facility consists of Manga Summit House, which contains around 40,000 manga volumes, the day-use hot spring facility "Miyagawa Onsen Onryu~Yu," and the accommodation facility "Nature Miyagawa." This facility is highly recommended for manga lovers. Within Manga Summit House, you can read manga without any time limit during operating hours. Whether you sit on the floor, on chairs, or even lounge on benches, you can enjoy reading manga in a relaxed, homey atmosphere.

The collection ranges from nostalgic classics to the latest releases, making it enjoyable for all ages. Many rare manga that are hard to obtain in the market can also be found here, making it an extremely popular destination for manga enthusiasts. The manga are organized by publisher, author, and by target audience (men’s or women’s), making it easy to find the specific titles you’re looking for.

Because Manga Summit House has an accommodation facility attached, you can immerse yourself in manga reading and even stay overnight. They also take great care in food, serving local dishes prepared with Hida beef and fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

In addition, the facility has natural hot springs with various types of baths, including a natural hot spring bath, an observation bath, a sauna, and a foam bath, allowing you to relax thoroughly.

You can purchase face towels, while bath towels and swimwear for a water bath are available for rent for a fee, so you can visit without having to bring your own.

◎ Summary of Recommended Tourist Spots in Hida City, Gifu

We have introduced 6 recommended tourist spots in Hida City. From the traditional Japanese atmosphere in the historic townscape, to Kitawakami Shrine featured in "Your Name!," and the relaxing hot spring experience at Wariishi Onsen, Hida City offers attractions that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Be sure to also check out the delicious gourmet spots in Hida. Enjoy a leisurely weekend in a town where both adults and children can fully appreciate the blend of history, nature, and delicious local cuisine.

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6 Recommended Tourist Spots in Hida City – Also the Setting of “Your Name”