中濃

The Chuno Guide

2010

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Contents� Seki City pg. 3� Mino City pg. 5 � Minokamo City pg. 7 � Kani City pg. 10 � Shirakawa-cho pg. 11 � Hichisou-cho pg. 13 � Yaotsu-cho pg. 13

� Horado pg. 14� Gujo pg. 15 � Gujo Hachiman-cho pg. 16 � Shirotori pg. 17 � Winter in Gujo pg. 18 � Links and Resources pg. 19 � RPA Contact Info pg. 20

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Seki CitySeki city is historically known for its knives and cutlery production. The cutlery industry, which originated from sword smithing, provides a variety of products created by traditional and modern techniques, which is renowned today as a world-famous cutlery production centre. There are many reasons to visit Seki.

There is the Seki Industrial Promotion centre where you can experience the techniques of the Seki sword smith’s 700 year old tradition by watching a performance by a master craftsman. There is also the Knife museum which has a collection of over 1,500 unusual knives from around the world; the Gifu Prefecture Cutlery Hall which has direct sales shops where you can pick a bargain for cooking knives, knives, razors etc. at a discount of 70-80% off market prices. There is also the Feather Museum, which exhibits the history of razors and more.

Every year during the second Saturday and Sunday of October there is the famous Seki Sword/Cutlery festival (on the same days as the Mino City Paper Lantern Festival – See Mino City section) where you can pick up a bargain for a samurai sword and an abundance of cutlery products and view the several events held around the city like the amazing, traditional Japanese sword smelting exhibitions.

On the river you can also view Ukai fishing between May and October. This is a traditional way of fishing which stretches back over 1000 years. In this ancient, Japanese fishing method, trained ukai (cormorant birds) dive into the water in search of ayu,(sweet fish). At nightfall, wooden fires are lit in suspended cages at the front of long wooden boats to attract the ayu, whereupon leashed cormorants are released into the water. To ensure that the cormorants don't swallow the fish, the birds are fitted with neck rings. Ukai fishing in Seki

Seki Sword Festival – Sword smelting

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So who says that you have to go all the way to Gifu to see this, when it’s right on your doorstep, in Seki City and Gujo Hachiman?

Because Seki City is surrounded by the beautifully rich natural environment of the Nagara-gawa (known to be, one of the most famously clear rivers in all of Japan!!), Seki is blessed with delicious local food such as Ayu (sweetfish) and eel dishes. In Seki there are also lots of shrines and temples. The most famous ones being the Kasuga Shrine (which exhibits Noh drama costumes, Noh masks and swords); Kitta Kannon (Shin-Chokokuji Temple), which has the Juichimen (eleven faced) Kannon, the Amida Hall with its three-tiered pagoda and the beautiful Mandara Garden; the Seki Zenkoji Temple; as well as the Benkei Hermitage (Inen Memorial Museum), this is the house of a famous Haiku poet which has been renovated as a museum. In Seki there is also an opportunity to learn how to make Japanese paper dolls. Classes will start again in November this year. Chisako, our lovely, teacher holds a class (in English) about once a month. People are welcome to join at any time of the year. Classes are open to both boys and girls. Prices for the dolls cost between ¥1,400-¥2,500, depending on the type of doll being made that month. Chisako is able to pick people up from both Seki and Shin-Seki stations. For further details please call Chisako on 080 5133 3847 or email: Higashiyachisako@yahoo.com. There are lots of good restaurants in Seki and a GIGAS electrical store, a Baskin Robbins, K1Mart (with lots of international food) and a shopping plaza and subsidised gym.

Japanese Paper Doll making in Seki

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Mino CityThere is a lot of cool stuff to do in Mino City and a lot of this revolves around Mino Washi (Mino Paper). Mino is a city which is historically, culturally and internationally known for it’s paper making, a tradition which dates back to the 13,00’s. Mino paper is created in and around the outstanding environment of the Nagara-gawa (river) and its main feature is its delicate texture. Mino city is definitely worth a visit.

The Mino-Washi Museum is a good introduction to the process of Mino paper making and Japanese paper products. You can even make your own paper!! Open between 09.00 – 16.30 (Closed on Tuesday) Entrance fee: 500 yen Directions: Take a bus from Mino station (Nagaragawa line) and get off at Washi-no-sato Koen. From Mino-o-ta station catch the Nagaragawa train to Mino eki (36 mins. 1,200 yen), or a bus from Gifu city direct to Mino city.

Mino is also well known for its “Udatsu” houses which line these old streets. Some of these date back to the Edo period. Here, there many shops which sell really cool Japanese paper products and a museum. The Imai house is famous for the Japanese fountain `Suikinkutsu' which drips water into an inverted cave-shaped, clay bowl in the garden. The sound of the dripping water echoes within the bowl and creates a very beautiful and relaxing tune. There is a store house which exhibits clothes and the tools of traditional performing arts.

Mino Washi (paper)

Making paper at the Mino Washi Museum

Udatsu houses in Mino city

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Every year, during the second Saturday and Sunday of October (on the same night as the Seki sword/cutlery festival) - Mino holds a wonderfully, beautiful outdoor Paper Lantern Festival. Each evening of the Festival the Udastu lined streets, of the city are illuminated with hundreds of creative lanterns (made with Mino-washi paper); entered in the contest by foreign, as well as Japanese professional artists and school children. The Mino Paper Lantern Festival is one of the most important tourist attractions in this area of Japan and is definitely something special and is definitely NOT one to be missed!!

In Mino, there is also a famous shrine called Oyada jinjya, which dates back to 1672 and is famous for cherry blossom viewing in the spring, and maple leaf viewing in the autumn. The shrine has about 3,000 maple trees growing around it, which gives it the name Momiji dani (maple valley). There is also an annual festival held there, during the summer. Mino is also known for its beautiful river, excellent for swimming and the favourite pastime of jumping off the bridge. Nearby Sappi (South of Mino) is a good place to buy foreign foods like British cheese etc.

Mino Lantern Festival – alongside the Udatsu houses

Oyada Jinjya – Mino city

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Minokamo CityThis city offers adventure, with boat trips down the Kiso River, hiking trails, golf courses, fossils, parks, good restaurants and a closer place to shop for electrical goods and video rental stores so you don’t have to travel all the way down to Gifu City. There are lots of temples and shrines in Minokamo that you probably didn’t realise were there.

The Koyama Kannon (Island Temple) which stands in the middle of the Hida River (which flows through Minokamo City) is situated on a tiny island. This solitary island is connected to the opposite bank by a foot bridge where bamboo grows naturally on the surrounding grounds of this temple which is considered to be a “Semi-National Park”. This makes for a truly peaceful retreat.

There is also Zuirinji Temple, which is considered to be the most famous temple in the Mino region. Here a wooden Buddha statue and other cultural assets are preserved. Minokamo is famous for “Hachiya Persimmon” which lends its name to the temple called “Persimmon Temple” because Persimmons were presented to Genreal Ashikaga as a sign of respect and the temple land given as a reward. In 1900 the Minokamo persimmons won a Silver award at the Paris World Exhibition.

Koyama Kannon

The famous Buddha of Zuirinji Temple

Koyama Kannon – Minokamo city

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Other temples and shrines of interest in Minokamo City are the Ryoanji Temple with its bell tower gate; Shogenji Temple; Inari Shrine; and Kobi Shrine.

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Reigning high on Mt. Atago, overlooking the Hida River in Kobi Town of Minokamo is Japan's largest tengu. He is a mighty 12 meters tall, the height of a three or four storey building.

Also, discover the historic Kiyomizu Temple in nearby Tomika town. This temple has the same name as the world-famous Kiyomizudera temple in Kyoto because it was built by the same man, Sakanoue- no-Tamuro.

There is also Showa Mura, which is considered to be nearby Inuyama’s Meiji Mura’s “little sister”. Here you can experience craft making techniques, ride horses, and there is a wonderful river, amazing views and more!! After your adventure relax in the beautiful Showa Mura Onsen next door. This makes a great day out.

Another famous place to visit is the Nakasendo Historic Highway which is now known as Nakasendo Road (“Road through mountains”). During the Edo period the Nakasendo connected Edo (Tokyo) to the old capital, Kyoto. The Hayashi Family Residence Headquarters Inn is definitely one to visit. This is an example of the old architecture of that period, which still remains today and is noted for its dignified Edo historic design. Today it is also nationally designated as an important cultural asset. A visit to the Yusenji Temple garden on the Nakasendo is also a must.

The Tengu of Mt. Atago

;Inari shrine, Minokamo

Kiyomizu Temple, Tomika town

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Minokamo also has Maehira Park equipped with its baseball grounds, tennis courts, swimming pools and other attractions. There is also the Health Park with its 777 steps!! Minokamo is also good for hiking too, with nearby Hatabuki mountain, and its different hiking trails.

There are loads of festivals which take place in Minokamo. During the summer there is the Nakasendo Festival. The centerpiece of this festival is a historic pageant planned elaborately by the locals who parade along the Nakasendo and celebrates the visit of a princess who travelled along the Nakasendo, during the Edo period. There is also a fireworks festival in August held near the Rhine Park on the bank of the Kiso River. Minokamo is also known for its large community of Brazilians, where you are bound to find Brazilian shops in and around town. In Imawatari, Kani and Minokamo (Plaspa Meats - close to the station) you’ll find great Brazilian shops selling all kinds of goodies like meat, sausages, beans, lentils, canned goods, Thai rice, spices, and tons of other foreign foods at a reasonable price. For shopping, Minokamo is pretty good. You don’t always have to go down to Gifu or Nagoya for everything. There is a GIGAS electrical store, Valor supermarket, Hello Foods (arguably the cheapest place to buy groceries in Minokamo), a mall called Apita, where you can buy household goods, clothes, groceries, books, CD’s, stationary and which has good restaurants and a 100円shop, a travel agency and JR ticket issuer, where you can buy your cheap ¥7,900 Kodama Shinkansen tickets to Tokyo. Minokamo also has good Karoke, video rental stores (Sanyodo), the Minokamo Hotel Roof-top beer garden and lots of nice little tea shops, a gym (¥500 all day on Saturday’s) as well as lots of local clubs where you can learn Kyudo (Japanese archery, ¥3,000 for a 12 week course), Tai chi, Kendo and Judo. I’m still looking for Capoiera (the Brazilian martial art/dance), if anyone has any information on this, please let me know. Looking for a Japanese language teacher? Look no further!! The lovely, ball room dancing Chi-Chi Mama holds a Japanese class each week in Minokamo. Each class costs ¥1,000 for two hours!! And she’s very patient and flexible.

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Kani CityKani is also a good place to hang out. It has great restaurants, shopping, video rental stores and a gym. Here you can find Uni Qlo for all your reasonably priced, western-sized clothes!! Patio (a mall with great shopping items), and some of our favourite restaurants like Dennys,Honi honi, Tonga Tonga, Mei Haus (a lovely hidden organic restaurant behind Tonga, Tonga), Sari (an Indian curry restaurant), Mc Donald’s, Mos Burger and many more good Japanese and foreign eateries. One of the most famous places to visit in Kani is the Flower Festival Commemorative Park. One of the exhibitions worth noting is the Wondrous Japanese Rose Garden with its 1,450 varieties of Roses and a total of 41,000 plants. This is considered to be the best assortment of roses in Japan. Best times for viewing are during mid-May to June and mid-October until November. The Flower Festival Park is closed on Mondays and costs ¥710 for Adults. The 13km stretch of the Kiso River which runs from Minokamo through to Kani, is known as the Japan Rhine (due to its striking rock formation and resemblance to the Rhine River in Germany). Here you can catch a sightseeing boat down the river and through the rapids.

Kani also has a smaller river where you can go fishing and view the fireflies in the season and is also known for its various festivals throughout the year, in spring there is the Komamori Shrine, Shirohige shrine (spring and summer) and the Kukuri Hachiman shrine festivals. In the summer they have the Kani summer festival and the Cave summer festival.In the autumn you’ll see the Kani Agricultural festival where you can see huge, overly proportioned fruit and vegetables and in the winter the Kani city Marathon.

There is also an interesting old part of Kani called Kukuri.

Wonderous Rose Garden, Kani Festival Commemorative Park

The Cave Summer Festival- Kani

The Kani Agricultural festival

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Shirakawa-choShirakawa-cho is an absolutely gorgeous town. It’s made up of 80% mountains and forest area, so is very green and luscious and mountainous and has gorgeous rivers running through it, with striking rock formations. The town has built a number of resort facilities, making it a good resort town and a great stop-off for people traveling to/from Nagoya, Gifu, Minokamo, Gero or Takayama as it’s conveniently located on the Takayama JR line and the Route 41. It’s great for camping with its three different camp sites (Kuore campsite being one of them off R64). It has an open-air concert hall and is also great for golf, tennis, fishing, swimming in the local river and onsen resorts like Spaland (off R41) (open 10am-21.00pm) and Hisuikan Spa resort (www.hisuikan.com/start.htm). All year round Shirakawa-cho shows off its striking beauty. From the snow covered mountains in the winter, to the cherry blossoms in the spring, to the luscious greens of summer and the beautiful striking colours of the maple leaves during autumn. It’s a good place for viewing the fireflies during the season, too. Fishing and swimming in Shirakawa-cho is a very popular pastime, because Shirakawa is surrounded by lush green mountains and clear rivers (hence the name Shirakawa “white river”) the ayu (sweet fish) brings many anglers to Shirakawa during the hot summer months.

Oyama Hakusan shrine, situated on top of a very high mountain, is definitely one to see. The huge torii gate which is the opening to the hundreds of stairs, leads to the shrine and the famous painted ceiling of the main hall which was completed in 1799. Reaching the shrine is definitely worth the mountainous curvy drive and followed by the hike up the hundreds of steps. The shrine is so secluded and is a great place to escape or see superb views of the Japan Alps on a clear day. The 1,200 year old grand cedar tree within the grounds is designated as a nationally protected tree. At various times in the year, Kabuki plays are held in the shrine.

Shirakawa-cho’s Oyama Hakusan shrine’s 1,200 year old cedar tree

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Following a path through the natural forest, you can visit the 33 Inkyo-Kannon images in Yasuraginosato Park or the “Village of Peace of Mind” park. The view from the high ground where the 16th

Inkyo-Kannon image, is located is superb.

While driving along the Route 41 or sitting on the train, don’t forget to look out onto the Hida River which runs up alongside Shirakawa, it is absolutely stunning!!! You may also spot a few monkeys and snakes while passing through Shirakawa as the wildlife and forest area are nationally protected environments.

Shirakawa-cho is famous for many kinds of food, most famously its green tea. The green tea farms up in the mountains are considered to be an important tourist attraction.

Shirakawa ham also a local speciality, is made in the factory located in the Italian-style restaurant/shopping complex called Piacere (on R41) using a smoking technique which is very unique to Shirakawa. Other local products include award-winning silkworm cocoons used for making accessories and the famous locally produced Sake, which uses 100% Koshihikari rice. While driving along the Route 41, stop-off for a bite to eat at the funny mushroom-shaped building, because it’s a very good Sushi restaurant which serves really fresh sushi.

Yasuraginosato Park

Shirakawa/Hichiso – Hida River

Shirakawa’s famous green tea

Green Tea farms of Shirakawa – one of its most important tourist attractions.

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Shirakawa is also 20 minutes south of Hida Kanayama (in the Hida region of Gifu ken) which has the best spicy Udon restaurant in Japan. With its recipe, very unique to this family-run business, Spicy udon is served with miso in a nabe hot pot, topped with tempura or other delights like mochi. This choice from the menu is highly recommended. Look out for the green signs of this restaurant on Route 41 after you go through the Kanayama tunnel from Shirakawa-cho. Kanayama also has a very good, cheap government subsidised gym. For ¥3,000 per month you can use the well-equipped gym facilities, do aerobics, aquarobics, judo, table tennis and there is a really good onsen next door and across the road from the gym. Organ players and lovers flock to Shirakawa to visit the organ music academy and Hiroshi Tsuji a local producer of pipe organs.

Hichisou-choA 2 billion year old rock was discovered in the bed of the Hida River in Hichisou town in 1970. Inside the museum of Japan’s oldest rocks in Hichisou town, visitors can see this rock and experience the history of the earth’s origin. The silver spacecraft-shaped building can’t be missed; you’ll see it on R41. The river and rock formations of the Hida River, which runs through Hichisou town are also stunning.

Yaotsu-choOne of the most famous sites to go see in Yaotsu would be the Goho falls (five waterfalls). In this area there are five waterfalls amongst a backdrop of stunning scenery. You can climb up the path beside the waterfalls and overlook the forest. It’s absolutely gorgeous in the autumn when the leaves change. Definitely a must see.

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Another important site would be the Sugihara Chiune Memorial Hall and Memorial park. Sugihara was a Yaotsu born Japanese diplomat who saved the lives of 6,000 Jewish refugees during WWII. He is commonly known around the world as the “Japanese Schlinder”.

The Hill of Humanity Memorial Park is within walking distance of the memorial hall and is near other sites of interest like the Maruyama Dam and The Meisou Forest (Silent meditation forest). The symbol of the park is The Monument. It has come to symbolize “World Peace” and is used to convey this message of peace sent by the people of Yaotsu to the people of Japan and the world. This ceramic monument resembles a pipe organ and is controlled by computer software that controls the water fountain, the lights and music. Every hour, the monument comes to life with a dazzling performance.

The Prayer for Peace Monument is shaped to resemble the piles of visas Sugihara had issued, pointing towards the sky and overlooking Yaotsu/the world. At the top of each pyramid is a bell where visitors who wish to, can sound the bells, thus sending a message of Love, Peace and Friendship.

HoradoHorado is famous for its beautiful Itadori River and camping all summer long. The river is a great place to cool-off during those hot summer months. The fishing is also good.

Late November, there is an annual Horado Kiwi Marathon with 3K, 5K and 10K races, sponsored by the Horado BOE which are definitely worth checking-out.

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GUJO

Gujo is divided into 7 parts – Minami, Hachiman, Yamato, Shirotori, Takasu, Meiho and Wara. There are two JET’s in GUJO – one lives in Hachiman, and the other lives in Shirotori. The rest of the ALT’s in Gujo are private. Gujo is accessible by the Nagaragawa Tetsudo Train Line, Gifu-highway buses, local buses, the ‘Tokai-Hokuriku’ highway, and local roads. Timetables: Rail: http://www.nagatetsu.co.jp/jikoku/jikoku2.htmBus: http://www.gifubus.co.jp/noriai/index.html

Please check this link for a good map of the rail and road access in Gujo: http://www.city.gujo.gifu.jp/english/11.php

This link has a map that is excellent, along with major sightseeing spots highlighted: http://www.city.gujo.gifu.jp/images/82/pdf/01/e-6.pdf

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Gujo Hachiman-choKnown as a castle town, Gujo Hachiman is a great place to spend a few days. The castle which was built in 1559 stands atop Hachiman Mountain and commands great views of the whole town. The many souvenir shops and museums which line the old preserved atmospheric streets are also worth noting. Taking a leisurely walk along the waterway in Gujo where vivid carp and ayu swim and where willows drape, is highly recommended.

Gujo Hachiman is most widely known for its famous Gujo Bon Odori (Bon dance) which last for 30 nights from late July to early September. During the 400 year old Buddhist festival of O-bon, people gather to dance and sway together in unison, as a means of welcoming the spirits of their ancestors. The four days of the climax are called Tetsuya Odaori (All night dancing) which is held between the 13th and 16th

of August. Thousands of people from all over Japan join in the procession from 8pm to 4am the next morning. This is definitely something worth experiencing and a MUST SEE!! And don’t forget to wear your yukata.

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Have you ever wondered how the hoards of plastic food outside restaurants in Japan are made? Then make a visit to the plastic food factory called Sample Kobo. Here, you can see how the colourfully, artistic food samples are made and you can even experience making your own. Here you can buy some of the samples which make great souvenirs. Entrance is ¥1,000 but you need at least 2 or more people. Reservations are also required. Open 09.00-17.00pm Tel: 0575 67 1870 http://samplekobo.kir.jp/

Other things to see in Gujo Hachiman is Ukai - cormorant fishing (see Seki section for information about what this is); and the Gujo Hachiman Shounyudou underground cave,where you can see many strange stone formations, formed by icicles.

Old preserved streets of Gujo Hachiman

Gujo Bon Odori – A MUST SEE Event!!!

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Shirotori

The Amidagatake falls (Amidaga waterfall) in Shirotori is one of Japan’s 100 most famous waterfalls. Water falls from a height of 60m into the foot of Mount Dainichidake. It is considered to be the best in the Tokai district. At dawn, if you go near the basin of the waterfall with your back turned toward the rising sun, your shadow is edged with rainbow colours. It is truly a magnificent sight!! The waterfall is lit up at night from July to August. Nearby, there is also a cave.

There are lots of famous temples and shrines to visit in Shirotori. Ones for you to remember are the Taishido Temple, which has the famous seated figure of Kokuzo Bodhisattava, and is said to be one of the masterpieces of Gifu Prefecture and is designated a national important cultural asset; the Nagataki Hakusan Shrine; the Hakusan Cugu Choryuji Temple and the Zenshoji Temple which has the designated “Prefectural Natural Monument” 400 year old Cherry tree, which still flourishes in the Spring.

Shirotori is well known for its various festivals throughout the year. Festivals like the annual Shirotori festival from 3rd May to the 5th May is held at the Nagataki Hakusan shrine and the famous Dededen festival on 5th May are well known. Also on 6th January every year is the Muika or Hanaubai festival. This is where young people make human ladders and scramble for flower wreaths which are hung from the ceiling of Nagataki Hakusan shrine.

Shirotori is well known for its food, with its delicacies and delicious treats such as Gujo mochi, fresh wasabi, Okumino soba and udon noodles, pickled plums, mountain trout, Jinenjo yam, and honey.

The famous seated figure of Kokuzo Bodhisattava

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Winter in Gujo

One of the best parts of Gujo is its abundance of ski parks/resorts that can be enjoyed during the winter. Rumor has is that the 2008 Snowboard World Cup will be held here. There are about 12 resorts in Gujo along, most of which are up north in Shirotori and Takasu. Some parks have a bus service from the larger train stations, but the easiest way to access the ski-parks is by car. A general list of outdoor activities along with all the ski parks is available at this link: http://www.city.gujo.gifu.jp/images/82/pdf/01/e-5.pdf

Snow Japan is also a good resource for winter sports in Japan. www.snowjapan.com

If you come up to ski or snowboard, be sure to warm up at an onsen afterwards. Here’s a good link for descriptions: http://www.city.gujo.gifu.jp/images/82/pdf/01/e-4.pdf

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Links and Resources Gifu international center: http://www.gic.gifu-net.jp

Gujo Hachiman: http://www.gujohachiman.com (Japanese) Minokamo: http://www.geocities.com/tadvajapan/minokamo.html

Shirakawa cho: http://www.nhk-chubu-brains.co.jp/DDT-E/gifu/shirakwa_c

HigashiShirakawa mura: www.vill.higashishirakawa.gifu.jp (Japanese) Hichiso: http://www02.kani.or.jp/~hichiso (Japanese) Shirotori: http://www.nhk-chubu-brains.co.jp/DDT-E/gifu/shirotori/index.html

Kani city: http://www.city.kani.gifu.jp (Japanese) Kikuko’s Events Calendar: http://kikuko.web.infoseek.co.jp/english/information.html

Train Schedule Searches at Hyperdia: http://www.hyperdia.com

Books: Instant Gifu by the Gifu International centre