(Translated by Google) Very beautiful view. I happened to drive by and found out that this is a popular attraction. There is no queue in the parking lot and there are very few people. I'm very glad that this trip went smoothly. (Original) 非常美麗的景色。 剛好駕駛路過發現這是人氣的景點。 停車場不需排隊，人流很少。 非常慶幸這次旅遊都很順暢

(Translated by Google) I went there in the summer and it was great! I can see how amazing the autumn leaves are in the fall. (Original) 夏に行きましたが、とても良かったです！秋には紅葉がすごいのがわかります

(Translated by Google) This year I went on December 6th. The autumn leaves were beautiful and when the weather cleared up it was almost dazzling. Since the season was about to end, there seemed to be fewer tourists. (Original) 今年は12月6日に行きました。紅葉が美しく晴れると眩しいくらいでした。シーズンが終わりかけだったので観光客が少なく感じました。

(Translated by Google) As you can see from the photo, it's a beautiful bridge. You can park in a paid parking lot and walk to here. From the bridge, the river with clear water was beautiful. (Original) 写真でわかる通りきれいな橋です 駐車場は有料駐車場に停めてここまで歩きます 橋の上から見ると澄んだ水が流れる川がきれいでした

(Translated by Google) The view was beautiful, and there were plenty of shops. Parking is a short walk away and costs 500 yen. The autumn leaves and bridge were beautiful, and the atmosphere of the temple was lovely. (Original) 景色もよいですが、お店が多くて良かったです 駐車場も少し歩けば500円の所あります 紅葉と橋がとても良い、お寺の雰囲気も良かったです

(Translated by Google) Xianglan Bridge is beautiful in autumn. (Original) 秋天的香嵐橋很美。

(Translated by Google) A suspension bridge in Korankei. It's an unexpectedly swaying bridge. However, the scenery around Koran Bridge is calm and you can enjoy the view at your leisure. (Original) 香嵐渓にある吊り橋。 思いの外、揺れる橋です。ただ、香嵐橋の周りの風景は落ち着いたものとなっており、のんびりと見ていられるような風景です。

Wish I knew there were too parking lots before hand. Don't use the back one. Also wish I knew it was a 2km hike. 1 up and down a mountain. English translations on l explainations. QR codes if you want to see CG photos of what the castle would look like. I could not find a drink machine. The museum didn't have one or the bathroom area at the top of the mountain. I had to go to the hotel place across the street.

Very narrow and curvy road to get there, but you can park close by & there’s restrooms. It’s a short walk up some stairs. Interesting place since there’s nothing left except the foundations.

One of the three most famous mountain castles in Japan, known only to those in the know. You can see the magnificent mossy stone walls in the secluded mountains. It took us about 90minutes to get to the main castle from Iwamura Station on the Akechi Railway.

Even though it's called ruins the foundation is well preserved. Awesome view included.

It is located in a beautiful area in the forest. It is unique in the seance that its ruler was a woman, rather tan a man which was very unlikely in that time period. That being said there is not much left to see there...

Great little spot with lovely ruins Hidden up at the top of the hill the ruins are easily accessible with a carpark up the top, or enjoy the walk up from the bottom car park.

One of Japan's historical sites

Nice temple overseeing the village that's known for the Possibly one of the best hot spring in Japan. It seems that they have over-marketed this place & now it feels like a theme park rather than anything authentic. IMHO Still the view is stunning.

Onsenji Temple sits gracefully on a peaceful hill, offering beautiful views and a sense of calm and serenity.

Beautiful place in autumn. 02-12-2024

Do you want to climb 172 steps to enlightenment? Once you reach the top, take some time out to enjoy the scenery, pray to the goddess of mercy and head back down to town for more adventures.

Fun temple to pray. I got my shrine stamp for 300 yen and got a great view of the city. Great way to start my trip to the area.

Smaller than I initially expected, but it'd really peaceful and has a beautiful view of Gero Onsen

A simple shrine with lovely grounds and a view of Gero Onsen Town. I was here on 3 Dec.

Beautiful old houses and a reconstruction of the city as it once was set a charming scene. Visitors can explore a working carpentry shop alongside demonstrations of other traditional crafts. The area also features a museum and a small onsen offering a delightful foot bath. Here, you have the opportunity to collect a six-part stamp by following the entire circuit through the city exhibition, which even takes you up to a slide. From there, you can either slide back down for 100 yen or choose to descend on foot.

Absolutely breathtaking views. The garden is small, but everything is decorated in much detail. The fishpond under the sunlight is particularly beautiful! Hopefully I can come back in the fall to see the autumn leaves!

A very beautiful place. The location is small, but if you were staying at a nearby hotel, it's worth a visit. I think this should be considered an alternative to Sirakawa-go. There's an onsen for your feet on the premises.

Icon of Shirakawago but moved here when the government was building a dam and the huts were in danger of being flooded. Huts are well-preserved with many interesting exhibits in the houses. Worth the 20 min climb from the train station or you can take the 100 yen bus. Quite a big place to explore so plan for at least an hour here.

Nice place to go to when sightseeing with friends and family. Entrance fee is 800 yen but you can get a 10% discount by claiming the free discount vouchers at the tourist information center outside the train station. There is an onsen/bath house inside the village, 2~3 restaurants, and a loooong slide that you can get on for 100 yen. ☆ You must also try the footbath to relax your feet after walking the whole day! (It's found inside the village) 🚌 You can get on a bus from station to gassho village for 100 yen (buses run hourly)

Tranquil and scenic area full of history. Beautiful plantations and the wind chime structure was exceptionally stunning. The restros offered nice local food. On the top of the hill there's the long slide good for both kids and kidults.

It's quite a hike(up hill) if you choose to walk. Nothing much here, but just to absorb the traditional farming life. The slide was fun though... But it's another 7mins steep hike up...

A very beautiful village where history and nature come together. A nice experience, but unfortunately, as a tourist you mostly need cash, cards are not accepted in many shops.

Loved the walk from Magome to Tsumago - the first 3km are straight up, around 10 to 12%…then you descend along streams and rivers. Very beautiful and highly recommended. It’s 8km however there is an optional extension to the waterfalls which is 3.5km one way…so you could get 15km of hiking if you wished.

The End of the Road: Nostalgic Quiet in Tsumago-juku ​The arrival at Tsumago-juku was the highlight of completing the charming hike from Magome. After hours of walking the ancient forest paths of the Nakasendo, the main restored street, with its traditional wooden houses, offered a welcome and peaceful respite. ​However, as the day drew to a close, it seemed the ancient village entered a state of slumber. The quiet was absolute, yet the options were limited: most shops and galleries that operate during the day had closed their doors, with only a few lights shining behind the madobe (windows). ​For the weary travelers, the challenge shifted from walking to logistics: finding a hot meal before the return bus arrived. With a very limited service menu, only a small variety of places remained open—perhaps a humble Ocha-ya (teahouse) serving a final bowl of noodles, or a small shop selling the sweet and satisfying local delicacy, Gohei Mochi. ​These are precisely the moments when one experiences Tsumago-juku most authentically: not as a tourist destination, but as a quiet, tranquil village. The wait for the bus, facing the ancient wooden houses under the shifting evening sky, becomes a moment of reflection and serenity, where the taste of hot Miso and the murmur of the nearby river mark the successful end of the historical adventure.

A trip to remember. We took the roughly 4h30min long Nakasendo Trail from Nakatsugawa to Tsumago-juku and it left us speachless. The Ochiai cobblestone path felt like magic out of a Ghibli movie and the well preserved edo houses of Magome & Tsumago led the way into a journey theough time. We‘ve stayed at the Masushiroya Ryokan and had a fantastic time and food there. The nightime lantern walk was my personal favorite! #TrustmeIamGerman

We wish we had spent more time there! Beautiful and has a very helpful tourism office. (They even helped us find vegan-friendly accommodations.) Delightful coffee shop that sells local art. A great town for nature and buying souvenirs that are NOT made in China.

Part of the Nakesendo trail where there are a few shops opened along the trail selling traditional crafts. Most of the original structures we're maintained. A bit of ascend but definitely worth the walk. Like walking through the past.

Beautiful Edo style village, with plenty of small shops selling lacquerware, cypress trees wood cutting boards and serving trays and souvenirs.

A very beautiful village where history and nature come together. A nice experience, but unfortunately, as a tourist you mostly need cash, cards are not accepted in many shops.

Loved the walk from Magome to Tsumago - the first 3km are straight up, around 10 to 12%…then you descend along streams and rivers. Very beautiful and highly recommended. It’s 8km however there is an optional extension to the waterfalls which is 3.5km one way…so you could get 15km of hiking if you wished.

The End of the Road: Nostalgic Quiet in Tsumago-juku ​The arrival at Tsumago-juku was the highlight of completing the charming hike from Magome. After hours of walking the ancient forest paths of the Nakasendo, the main restored street, with its traditional wooden houses, offered a welcome and peaceful respite. ​However, as the day drew to a close, it seemed the ancient village entered a state of slumber. The quiet was absolute, yet the options were limited: most shops and galleries that operate during the day had closed their doors, with only a few lights shining behind the madobe (windows). ​For the weary travelers, the challenge shifted from walking to logistics: finding a hot meal before the return bus arrived. With a very limited service menu, only a small variety of places remained open—perhaps a humble Ocha-ya (teahouse) serving a final bowl of noodles, or a small shop selling the sweet and satisfying local delicacy, Gohei Mochi. ​These are precisely the moments when one experiences Tsumago-juku most authentically: not as a tourist destination, but as a quiet, tranquil village. The wait for the bus, facing the ancient wooden houses under the shifting evening sky, becomes a moment of reflection and serenity, where the taste of hot Miso and the murmur of the nearby river mark the successful end of the historical adventure.

A trip to remember. We took the roughly 4h30min long Nakasendo Trail from Nakatsugawa to Tsumago-juku and it left us speachless. The Ochiai cobblestone path felt like magic out of a Ghibli movie and the well preserved edo houses of Magome & Tsumago led the way into a journey theough time. We‘ve stayed at the Masushiroya Ryokan and had a fantastic time and food there. The nightime lantern walk was my personal favorite! #TrustmeIamGerman

We wish we had spent more time there! Beautiful and has a very helpful tourism office. (They even helped us find vegan-friendly accommodations.) Delightful coffee shop that sells local art. A great town for nature and buying souvenirs that are NOT made in China.

Part of the Nakesendo trail where there are a few shops opened along the trail selling traditional crafts. Most of the original structures we're maintained. A bit of ascend but definitely worth the walk. Like walking through the past.

Beautiful Edo style village, with plenty of small shops selling lacquerware, cypress trees wood cutting boards and serving trays and souvenirs.

A beautiful gorge tucked away in nature. The park takes about 45mins to 1hour to walk through. Take your time and don't rush. The views are great. Just be careful of your phones on the suspended bridges. Visited in March 2025. Water view looks great and clear.

Even though the weather was not perfect, still it is a visit worth. Maybe because I went there on a Friday and mid November the number of visitors was just nice and relaxing. If you have problems with hight, this is not your spot to go. For all other travelers with a bit of time, it is a day trip worthwhile. At the end you can relax in a big and very nice Onsen just 1 minute from the bus stop.

The falls are nice. However you can only get close access to Kannon Falls. Sentaru Falls path access was closed. I'm not sure if the entry is permanently closed or temporarily closed. After reading another review it looks like the path has been closed for a couple of years. It would be nice if the path was fixed. I couldn't find information on the entry. It is worth a visit, but just one larger fall has good access.

Great, easy hike. We went on the weekend and it was very crowded so I would recommend the weekday, if possible. Beautiful views!

There's two different sections to the waterfalls. Main area you walk down stairs to see the Tsukechi falls but you can also walk up away from carpark and there are streams that lead to a waterfall dam structure. 1 hour gives you time to see both. Carpark is free. The fruit ice cream is sensational. It's worth doing this fall in conjunction Ryujin Falls on the same day.

Nice place. Many waterfalls and streams, fresh air and easy to find parking

Great waterfall, little bit hard to walk but good for exercise

We've been here in late september 2017. The vegetaton in the higher altitudes were already turning into red. We parked our car in the parking lot of the cable car. Then we took to it to the base point of the climb. Th climb is not that easy and you need to be in a relatively good shape. Alternatively, you can just climb it very slowly :-). As for safety, the trail is safe with no obvious obstacles. After 1-1.5 hours of climb you'll reach a resting point. From here the view starts to be amazig. From the resting point to the mountain top is about 1 hour or less. Just before the mountain top (which was closed and you could only see it from the first pond) there is a hut. The first pond was not that beutiful. Looked like a muddy construction site. Unfortunatley for us, we started the climb around noon so we did not have sufficient time to see the other ponds. Make sure to start the climb around 8AM so you'll sufficient time for the entire journey, as the cable car closes around 4PM. The scenery is amazig once you leave the forest. Absolutley recommended.

I pray for the souls of the people who died by the eruption. Mountain climbing is prohibited as of January 2019. Since there is no forest from the hilly side, the view while climbing is good, but summer it is hot in the sunlight. My recommendation is the snowfall period. In the morning, you can climb the large slope of tight snow freely. It is an independent peak and there are no forests, so there is no place to avoid avoiding blowing in the wind. I want to climb the sunny and calm day. If you climb up from Ropeway Top station you can go and back in one day. More preferably, if you wear skiing, or if you climb taking it, When descending the mountain you can skiing freely on a wonderful large slope. It is a very long course of about 3 km to the top of the station and more than 4 km in total to the foot station. It is unthinkable to walk down this course during the snowfall period. Skiing climbing is the best.

Sacred mountain. Little bit scary because it is active volcano, But hicking was really great experience. Different. Just being there above 8th station, that feeling I will remember all my life. On 2014. there was eruption where 35 people died, we climbed on 3rd anniversary without knowing that. Must be there around 8AM if want to hike in the mountain, to see the lakes. Can't get to the top,it is closed,but can go till 2nd lake, just little bit under. Fir climb it is open trail from the ropeway only. Other trails are closed. Ropeway is working from 8-16:30 so must take care about timing. There are not so many people what is good, because it is really the place where should clean the mind. Quiet, calm, wind, smoke from vulcano, many shrines, statues, offerings on the way. Will go again. View is great, it is around 3000m -9000ft, breathtaking. Lakes are really beautiful. 2nd lake had shrunk little bit,it was in september. End of september, it was really fresh in the morning and evening. It was just a start of autumn colors. I went there one more time around 10th october and it was beautiful autumn time.There are few huts there on the trail, 8th and 9th station huts were working, could order tea,buy water, snacks. But should prepare everything before because of timing. Down at the ropeway can buy everything. In the ropeway building, next to the ticket place there is paper where you should write name,mobile phone,route- if you do that you will get free coffee( it is good one, drink on a way up while climbing on a rope way) Dont forget waterfall! It is really amazing.

It’s a super nice mountain for hiking!!!

Nice. Place

Very nice

Great

A truly beautiful spot with vivid green-ish blue water and dramatic granite formations. Parking is available next to the entrance gate. We paid a small admission fee of 200 yen per adult at the wooden archway. To reach the best vantage point you have to scramble over the granite bedrock. Some sections are steep enough that you’ll use your hands for balance, so sturdy, grippy shoes are essential. Just before the rocky stretch there’s a short section of very shallow stream crossing that can slightly wet your shoes, so be prepared for that too. I didn’t do much research and showed up in a long skirt, which made the scramble more challenging, luckily my skirt is wide enough and I managed. The effort is well rewarded by standing directly on the granite and looking down into the gorge’s vivid blue pools. There’s another high up temple on top of the granite in addition to the one at the entrance. Allow around an hour for scrambling, photos, and a safe return trip. It was scorching hot during my visit in mid July, especially at the rocky part. I visited around 4pm and use an umbrella.

A rather popular site for visiting, you must be relatively physically fit in order to get around since there is tons of rock jumping involved. The water was rather polluted. Individuals are not allowed to swim in the water not it seems like a good idea to do so. Just be careful and not to fall off the cliff then you may enjoy the site safely

Beautiful place. We stopped after visiting Magome. Lovely elderly lady in the ticketing booth. Have to pay 200 Yen to enter. You will pass by a railway track otw down. About 10mins walk down to see the Gorge. Just be careful not to slip. U have to walk/hop through the rocks. They have some place to rest and sit. They also have toilet. Amazing view☺️

A really nice place to take photos. Entrance is 200 yen. The walk is pretty short, but to take a photo on the rocks takes some climbing and is not suitable for everyone. Still worth even if not climbing rocks.

Read the other reviews about how you do not need to pay to access the gorge. Absolutely stunning. Wear appropriate shoes for climbing over large boulders.

The views of the gorge were beautiful, at different vantage points, you get a different sense of it. Like many others said, the best viewpoints involve scrambling on the rocks, but I saw a lady do it in heels so hey, anything is possible! After scrambling, it’s nice to sit on the benches and watch the sun go down ⭐️ There is a short path involving steps to go down to the gorge, not wheelchair friendly unfortunately 😭

If only I was younger, I would love to view it from the centre of the gorge, it incredibly stunning 🤩

Wonderful museum with a lot to explore. The village contains a beautiful lake, trees with autumn leaves, small rice farms, and several torii gates and shrines (including one with beautiful ceiling paintings), which add to the scenic atmosphere. Similar to Shirakawago, there are a number of thatched houses in the gassho-zukuri style. I personally preferred this museum as there are much fewer tourists than Shirakawago (especially those in big tour groups) and it feels quainter and more serene. Apart from the beautiful scenery, the museum is also highly educational. There are exhibits about numerous aspects of village life in the past, ranging from architecture, to traditional industries (e.g. straw & silk weaving, wooden sleds used for transportation, farming tools), food (types of crops eaten, miso fermentation), children's toys, and even ceremonies such as wedding rituals. The information panels generally have high-quality English translations and offer very detailed insights into village life. It was clear that a lot of effort and heart went into collating the exhibits and documenting their history, ensuring that such knowledge is not lost amidst modern technological advancement. You can either walk to the museum from Takayama, or take the Sarubobo bus from Takayama Nohi bus centre (bus ride is less than 20 mins). As IC cards are not allowed on the Sarubobo bus, you can buy a ticket from the bus centre for 210 yen (one-way).

The museum is an exceptional representation of Gasshozukuri architecture. The village exudes a serene and picturesque ambiance during our morning visit. The tranquil atmosphere is further enhanced by the harmonious sounds of birdsong and the gentle movement of fish in the lake. This destination has been firmly added to my list of must-visit places.

This is a nice historical museum that stands in for thevreal thing outside of Kanazawa. What makes this a five is I visited in 2nd week November making for stunning colors within the museum. Ad to that the view of the mountains and this is a place not to miss in autumn. Walk back to area of station is not that hard and provides continuous views of the mountains (even on the main road back). Very inexpensive for what you get.

Very beautiful small village. It was especially beautiful when we were there in Autumn with the autumn leaves changing colors. Got to see some traditional thatched houses and learnt about the living conditions in the olden days. Think ticket was about ¥700 and parking of ¥300.

This museum was absolutely stunning. Having done Shirakawago the day before, I will say while this was smaller, it was far more beautiful and also highly educational and less people around. Most houses you can go inside and there are various displays or stamps to collect. We were there in early Nov and they were doing their Illuminations event at night, and my pictures don't capture full beauty. I wish I would have come an hour earlier to see more of the museum before it got dark. Key advice: we left around 6pm (I think?) after the last bus, assuming we could use GoTaxi app to get a ride back into town, but no taxis were available. So we ended up with a several mile walk to our dinner reservations for the night. It was a nice, safe walk but something to anticipate if you're there late. Maybe there would have been a different way to call a taxi but we didn't look into it that closely

One of the highlights of our visit to Takayama. There are other villages with the large A frame homes, but this is just a short 15 minute trip from downtown Takayama. Perfect for families as walking around the village is easy, educational and a great way to understand more about the history and daily lifestyle. Give yourself at least 2 hours to visit. As a “bonus” there is also a small viewing area where you can see the Japanese Alps.

Parking fee ¥300 plus entrance fee. Autumn colours started to fade. 80% of the red leaves shed. Yet, the village worth visiting. Full of history and scenic views.

I enjoyed the experience and found the historical building really interesting—it gives you a great glimpse into Japan’s Edo-period government life. However, I do wish there had been more explanations in English. Most of the signs and information were in Japanese, so it was a bit hard to fully understand the context without a guide. Still, a beautiful place worth visiting if you appreciate history and architecture!

Takayama's Jinya is a very interesting example of civilian architecture before the Meiji Period. It offers valuable perspective against the long list of temples, shrines, and a dozen of casltes that survived to the modern day. The building is well kept, sports a sober but pretty garden, with some of the rooms filled with origian furniture. More importantly, it is the sole example of a government office from the Edo Period. Don't miss it when you are in Takayama

The exposition at Takayama Jinya was bigger than we expected and offered a really interesting glimpse into traditional Japanese interior and architecture. All visitors are asked to remove their shoes at the entrance, place them in a plastic bag, and carry them throughout the visit — something to keep in mind before entering. There’s no rush inside, and several peaceful spots let you sit on tatami mats and enjoy views of the surrounding nature. A calm and enriching experience overall.

I would highly recommend a visit here! We did a guided visit our tour guide, Yoshi (through Japan Guide Agency), and loved it. There really is a lot to see here. It was also a great activity to do in the rain.

Nice building and good to get some history. The joinery and structure of the building is phenomenal, something I really appreciated looking at. Educational on the buildings use and different methods of roofing.

The provincial governor dispatched by the Shogunate performed the official duties involved in ruling over Hida (e.g., the administration, policing and judicial functions). Takayama Jinya is the only such site of a provincial governor / magistrate’s office – of around 60 across Japan where the main building still remains today. Popular place with tourists and locals. Easy terrain, lot of easy walking. Wear comfy shoes, take water, mostly under cover. Great place for photography.

The explanations in the rooms could be a bit more detailed (there’s just one or two sentences per room), but seeing the beautiful garden during sunset is worth the small price of admission alone.

Sanmachi Suji @ Takayama 🇯🇵 – Golden Yatai, Sake & Festival Charm 🎏🍶🛍️ We visited Sanmachi Suji on 15 April during the Takayama Spring Festival, and it was an incredible experience. The historic alley was full of life, with yatai (festival floats) on display—the golden yatai was absolutely amazing, shining with intricate craftsmanship and traditional elegance. The street was lined with traditional costume shops, paper umbrellas (和傘), local crafts, and souvenirs—perfect for festival-goers. We also enjoyed sake tasting at one of the local breweries, adding a rich cultural flavor to our walk. With the backdrop of cherry blossoms and Edo-style buildings, it was a perfect blend of heritage and celebration. A must-visit during the spring festival! 🌸🍶✨

Visited on a Sunday evening and it was still quite crowded, but the atmosphere was lively and full of character. The old wooden buildings, traditional shops, and narrow streets made it feel like stepping back in time. Lots of little stores selling local crafts, snacks, and sake. Despite the crowd, it was still enjoyable to walk around and take in the historic charm of the area. Worth a visit if you're in Takayama.

Sanmachi Suji in Takayama on a rainy day, and it was absolutely beautiful in its own quiet way. The old wooden houses glistened under the raindrops, and the reflections on the wet stone streets made the whole town feel timeless. The rain added a calm and romantic charm — fewer tourists, soft sounds of rain, and the smell of fresh wood and coffee from nearby cafés. Walking through those narrow lanes with an umbrella felt like stepping back in time. If you ever visit Takayama, don’t skip Sanmachi Suji, even if it’s raining. In fact, that’s when it feels the most magical.

A quaint stretch lined with traditional wooden Japanese houses. Once private houses, they are now cafes/ restaurants or shops selling all kinds of Japanese products. A nice place to visit in Takayama

Sanmachi Suji in Takayama swept us into a living memory — a street where spring, tradition, and joy collide. During Sanno Matsuri, the charming wooden houses opened their hearts — and sometimes their doors — offering travelers & tourists a taste of local sake and hospitality. The streets overflowed with energy as twelve yatai (festival floats), adorned with intricate details and adorable dolls, paraded through the crowds in synchronized celebration. It was crowded, yes — but in the best kind of way. The kind of atmosphere that makes you feel part of something old, grand, and beautifully alive. A walk through Sanmachi Suji during spring isn’t just a visit. It’s a traditional festival of the senses before leaving to Shirakawa-go two days later.

Very nice place, rich of old authentic Japanese culture, Tourist Friendly... A lot of good food arround that place

A lovely old style street in Takayama with some really nice shops. A must see is the sake brewery and the miso brewery.

The Miyagawa Morning Market is one of the most well-known morning markets in Japan and a popular stop for visitors to Takayama. It’s located along the scenic Miyagawa River, creating a pleasant atmosphere for a morning stroll. While the market is charming, it does feel more catered to tourists than locals, with many stalls selling souvenirs, snacks, and street food rather than everyday produce. The market street itself is relatively short, so you can easily walk through it in about 15–20 minutes. That said, it’s still worth a visit for the lively atmosphere, friendly vendors, and the chance to sample local specialties like Hida beef skewers, fresh fruit, and traditional sweets while enjoying views of the river.

Miyagawa Morning Market is a wonderful place to explore local culture and flavours. The vendors are incredibly friendly, and you can find a wide variety of local foods, drinks, and souvenirs all in one place. Everything feels authentic and warmly welcoming. It is highly recommended to visit before 12 PM, especially during colder weather. The cool, fresh air combined with the riverside setting creates a very peaceful atmosphere. You can enjoy the view of fish and ducks along the river while strolling through the market, which makes the experience even more delightful. The food here is delicious — so good that you’ll probably feel full even before lunchtime arrives. Visiting during November and December is especially beautiful, as the autumn leaves display stunning colours that add to the charm of the market. A must-visit spot if you want to experience local life, great food, and beautiful scenery in Takayama.

I visited the Miyagawa Morning Market around 7 a.m., but most of the shops were still closed and many vendors were just setting up their stalls. I realized it’s probably better to come a bit later, so I went back again around 8 a.m. By that time, more shops were open and the market felt livelier. There were stalls selling food, plants, and various souvenirs. It’s not a very big market, but it has a nice and relaxed atmosphere. I think it’s a good place to walk around in the morning if you’re staying in Takayama and have some free time before noon. Coming a bit later than 7 a.m. would be better if you want to see more shops open.

There is free water, sake at the lobby at specific time. Some traditional snacks are available as well. Parking space is enough and I can get a slot in front of the hotel. Two public onsen which you can use if its not occupied. The is no clear instruction to customers that there is no bath cleaning facilities in it including water and soap. I cannot imagine how many of visitors jump into it without bath, thus I did not enjoy it much. The bath facilities information can only be found in the TV bath usage information page. I take bath at room before going to onsen. It's strongly suggesting post the message in front of the onsen and brief it from the staff as well. As not enough one know this practice before going to onsen. The renewal room is large at 4th floor, you have to get 1 stair up without elevator. The room is packed with beds, tables and chair and not much free spaces. The in room onsen is wonderful and keep yourself private.

It’s an ok market, didn’t find it particularly interesting or appealing, but they sell some nice stuff along with the usual souvenirs for tourists. It’s strange because everything shuts downs at noon and the city becomes almost like a ghost town. Apparently some of the items the vendors are selling are made by the wives of local farmers, so look for handmade things and not souvenirs that seem to be made in a factory, that should help the local community better. Also, as tourists, it’s not always easy to buy fresh produces, as you’re probable going to be on a bus for a few hours with no way of preserving food, so I didn’t personally buy anything to eat here.

We loved the vibe of the market. All the locals selling their homemade goods and fresh fruits in the morning was something I wish I could see in my town every day. We tried getting small samples and sharing them so we could taste everything the market had to offer, which was the best decision. Definitely bring cash and enjoy the atmosphere and all the homemade goods.

If you're planning to visit this place, it's definitely best to go right when the market opens in the morning, as it gets busy with tourists early. If you wait until noon (around 12 PM), you'll find that many stalls are already closed, and a lot of the popular local snacks will be sold out. They also sell souvenirs here, which are perfect for gifts to take home.

Worth visit. University of Tokyo research lab.

Amazing and free. Also had a english immersive version for us.

Very rare place in Japan

(Translated by Google) I have passed by it many times, but never had a chance to stop in, so this time I stopped by as a designated roadside station for SSTR and for lunch. When you think of Kamioka, you think of the neutrino research facility "Super-Kamiokande." The building is silver, which evokes images of space? Science? In addition to snacks/restaurants and shops, the "Hida Space Science Museum Kamioka Lab" is also located here. For lunch, I was tempted by the limited 20 servings, so I ordered the Hida beef rib rice bowl and Araya char siu noodles. The Araya char siu noodles soup is a traditional soy sauce base, but it has a very complex flavor. It seems to be a combination of pork and chicken animal soup and seafood soup with seafood stock, and it has a light yet rich flavor. The noodles have a texture reminiscent of Japanese soba, which is a bit unusual. It goes well with the soup. The char siu is also soft and falls apart easily. The Hida beef rib rice bowl has a sweet and delicious fat. The sweet and spicy sauce goes great with rice. The shop has a wide selection of space science related goods. Unfortunately, I didn't have time to see KamiokaLab, but I'll definitely go next time! (Original) 度々前を通ることがあったのですが、立ち寄るチャンスがなく、今回、SSTRの指定道の駅＆昼食のため立ち寄りました。 神岡と言えばニュートリノ研究施設「スーパーカミオカンデ」ですよね。 建物は宇宙？科学？をイメージさせる銀色です。 軽食／レストラン、ショップの他に「ひだ宇宙科学館カミオカラボ」が併設されています。 ランチは限定20食につられて飛騨牛カルビ丼、あらやチャーシュー麺をお願いしました。 あらやチャーシュー麺のスープは昔ながらの醤油ベースかと思いきや、非常に複雑なお味です。豚、鶏の動物系スープと魚介スープに魚介だしを合わせているらしく、あっさりした中にしっかりとコクがあります。麺も日本そばを思わせる食感、ちょっと変わってます。スープに合ってますね。 チャーシューも柔らか、ホロホロです。 飛騨牛カルビ丼は脂の甘み旨みを感じます。タレも甘辛くでご飯に良く合います。 ショップには宇宙科学関連のグッズが揃っています。 残念ながら、時間がなくてカミオカラボを見ることができませんでしたが次回は是非！

(Translated by Google) I was driving along National Route 471 from Tokyo via Matsumoto, heading from Okuhida Onsenkyo to Tateyama Station, and passed through Kamioka Town. Speaking of Kamioka Town, I thought it was home to the famous "Super-Kamiokande." And it turned out to be true. There was a roadside station with a similar name. I didn't stop there on the way there, but I did on the way back. It was crowded because it was Obon. There were also shops and restaurants. I had Takayama ramen. Afterwards, I went to KamiokaLab, which introduces Super-Kamiokande inside the roadside station. Why is Super-Kamiokande in a place like this? Now I understand the reason. (Original) 東京から松本経由で奥飛騨温泉郷から立山駅に向かう途中国道４７１号線を走っていると、途中神岡町を通った。神岡町といえばあの「スーパーカミオカンデ」のあるところか。 やはりそうであった。それらしき名の道の駅があった。 行きは寄らなかったが、帰りに立ち寄った。 ちょうどお盆で混雑していた。 売店や飲食店もある。高山ラーメンを食べた。 その後道の駅内にあるスーパーカミオカンデを紹介するカミオカラボに行ってみた。 こんな場所になぜスーパーカミオカンデが？その理由もわかった。

(Translated by Google) As the name suggests, this is a rare roadside station with the Super-Kamiokande museum located on its premises. As well as the Super-Kamiokande museum and space-related exhibits, it also has all the facilities of a typical roadside station, such as a shop selling locally grown vegetables and souvenirs, and a restaurant. (Original) 名前の通りスーパーカミオカンデの博物館が敷地内にある珍しい宙推しの道の駅。 スーパーカミオカンデの博物館や宇宙関連の展示のほかは地場産野菜やお土産の売店、食堂等一般的な道の駅の施設も一通り揃っています。

(Translated by Google) I would recommend this visit to all space enthusiasts out there. Even if you're not an expert on science, you'll enjoy it if you can get a sense of the romance of space. And it's free! There was no admission fee, so I made a donation. (Original) 世の宇宙少年は是非行ってもらいたい。 科学に詳しくなくても宇宙のロマンとかを感じるのなら楽しめます。 しかも無料！ 入館料がいらなかったので募金しました。

In early May, during Japan’s Golden Week holidays, snow begins to melt and more mountain areas open up. With the lifting of winter restrictions, the Kamikōchi area is also coming back to life. No matter when you visit—even if the weather isn’t perfect—it’s always beautiful. On this day, our guests were very lucky to experience the forest in rich colors after rain followed by sunshine.

Literally the most beautiful lake in Kamikochi area. Easily accessible using a bus, there are also several parking spaces for cars to stop temporarily. From here, it's about an hour of walking to Kappabashi bridge, with mostly flat terrain. Some people even take their baby strollers with them. I highly recommend this place for a quick visit.

We’ve had a lucky day to visit here when there was no rain. Mountain top already has snow and early morning where not a lot of people came. But the best thing was there was no black bear. You can buy the bear bell there. Taisho pond is magnificent.

Gorgeous pond on a clear day. Note that we visited at the start of the season on 19 April 2025, and I don't quite recommend as the hiking trails are mostly closed and the path is snowy, icy and muddy, making it very challenging to walk. Only possible to visit by alighting from the designated bus stop. I'm sure it will be even more beautiful during spring or autumn. Note that the only way to visit is by bus from Hirayu onsen and the bus arrives every 30mins. There is also no toilet at this stop so better go before you get on the bus.

Take a walk from taisho pond to kamikochi. View is amazing from april to June. From strava its about 6km. Sign said its 3.3km😅. These were taken on 30/4/2025.

Taisho Pond, also known as Taisho Lake, is a bend in the Azusa River that flows through Kamikochi. It's not a particularly remarkable tourist spot. However, if the timing is right, you can see distant autumn leaves, snowscapes, and rolling mountains, making it a worthwhile place to linger.

Taisho Pond is pure serenity. Visiting here felt peaceful and deeply refreshing—a true hidden gem within Kamikōchi.

This place is popular for its double deck ride ropeway, mountain view and autumn 🍁 view. Quite cold at the top with snow but have an amazing sky view. Please remember to wear something warm👍🏽. The staff are very helpful and they have places to relax, eat and obtain souvenirs 😊. NB: please stay safe and wear a mask 😷.

Here we use rope-way to roof observation deck. When we arrived, snow was still falling. It is very cold. On the roof observation deck also has restaurant by using vending machine. There also snow corridor, if the weather is fine, you will enjoy however for my is very cold, we can only stay for a moment and hurry to go inside because it is super cold.

Wooooow wonderful scenery! Love this place, Spring in snowy mountain 🫶🏻🫶🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

Great views on a sunny day, after you climb the 2nd ropeway. You can have your picture taken and have it framed. Shops (souvenirs, food and beverages) on both ropeways. You can also climb by foot (probably difficult in snow conditions). At ropeway 1 you can relax in a foot onsen. A not to miss experience when in or around Takayama.

Freezing, be prepared yourself for coming with warm cloths. Don’t forget to check timetable so don’t need to waiting so long. Very nice views. Long queue for ticket booth. Want to come back again in other Season.

I went here January 1st of 2022. The weather was sunny but it was still super cold on the top of the mountain. -16!!! Uniqlo's heat tech was not enough. Better do some layering.

Last bus to Hirayu and Takayama at 16.55. Try to avoid tour group, you get stuck in a gondola like a sardine.

(Translated by Google) It is in good condition. It's 100 yen. I paid it properly. (Original) よく整備されています。100円です。ちゃんと払いました。

(Translated by Google) It is a relatively clean toilet. You can use it with or without feeling that you can add 100 yen at a time. Kappa Bridge, the toilet in front of you. (Original) 比較的きれいなトイレです。 気持ちで1回100円を入れてようをたすか、入れなくても使用は可能です。 河童橋、目の前のトイレ。

A small but very informative museum about "firefly squid" found every spring at Toyama Bay, and also wider education about deep sea species such as the "giant isopod", "glass shrimp" etc. It's like a mini zoo with live exhibitions! A recommendation would be to focus more on the biodoversity value of these deep sea species (instead of contents on how to catch and cook them). Nonetheless, overall a surprising find!

I had a good time. I visited since Namerikawa is our town's sister city and I was interested in catching the sights. It's a museum of the firefly squid, but also sort of a tiny aquarium - they have exhibits of nearby fish found in the Toyama region. Ticket price was 620yen which was very fair, cash only. Although they have an English guide, I used my phone extensively for translation since the exhibits are all in Japanese. It's totally understandable - I wouldn't expect everything to be in English in a specialized museum either. The staff were more than happy at using translation where possible and guiding me to the live show when it was time. Immediately before that, I noticed some burly men setting up in a cordoned off part of the museum. I was like "hmm... interesting...". The live show was about 30 to 45 minutes and, although I couldn't use my phone to translate what was being said for this presentation, it ended with an exhibition of the sea fireflies glowing a vibrant blue, made possible by a tub the size of a grand piano which pumped seawater, simulating the ocean environment. Once the live show was over, the burly men were gone and it turns out they were setting up for an exhibit of fish on display in what was practically giant kiddie pool (see pictures attached) including crabs and sea urchins, and the whole thing was rather cute. The visit was a whole lot of fun. Even as a foreigner, they took care to make sure I felt included in the learning experience, and there was plenty of cool stuff to learn.

I went here mid of April to see the firefly squids and get some more info about them. Could see them during a show glowing and also in a container at daylight. Unluckily almost everything was only in Japanese, so I lost quite some info only using google translator. I think that’s still ok as I was told so at the entrance, but I was sad about the living condition for most of the animals. Some were only in a container with nothing but only themselves… please improve and put them in some bigger aquarium with some stones, plants,… inside which comes closer to their natural environment. The boats tour should be booked well in advance. Entering the museum was not an issue.

Wasn't a season to watch live fire fly squid... Currently Only picture and video thats all.. During March to june than got live firefly squid

This museum was excellent in giving information and hands-on experience about fire fly squid. The staff didn't speak English the day we went, but the video had English subtitles, and some of the placards did too. It was a great way to spend a few hours learning about this interesting species that only appear in that region. Quick train ride and walk from Toyama.

Nice small museum that you learn about what under the sea around the area

This museum is for those who want to see firefly squid (Hotaru ika) they provide the show run every hour to see how these squid emitted the light. This is amazing museum in this area that you should not be missed at all.

Seki onsen ski area is privately owned by a very nice and cool family. The runs are mostly in groomed and the food is home cooked style and it is THE BEST ski area lunch I have ever had in Japan! The onsen is also one not to be missed! The onsen is red in color and the aroma is amazingly calming! Check them out if you love ungroomed runs!

This was my favourite spot for our biggest powder day. If theres a big snow day, make sure to head here. It’s low elevation gain but it makes up for it in charm and its punk rock feel.

Epic powder heaven. Not for beginners. Be ready to hike and self rescue.

Great resort for more experienced skiers. Only two lifts and a very casual vibe to the whole thing. Have fun and be safe. Ski with friends!

Super small, only two lifts, one of them is a sketchy one-seater. But a lot of fun on a powder day, lots of tree runs available. So if the snow is good, check this place for a day..

Small family owned resort Steep, great tree runs, great pow Not a beginner field, not somewhere ski patrol will hold your hand and baby you We absolutely scored here I'll be back!

Indeed great snow here but you'll get bored quickly with only two lifts, and one (the single pizzabox) was closed the day we came... The primary lift only accesses two runs, one groomed and one ungroomed.... Seems there is opportunity for a bit of exploration for backcountry deep powder, so snowboarders seem to love it here. We spent a half-day afternoon as a warm up to full days at the bigger resorts, not a bad option if you arrive around 12:30 and only 3000 yen. There are no crowds here but you could say that about anywhere in Myoko.... Slope-side restaurant was charming.

Good value

(Translated by Google) We visited for lunch. As it was just after opening, we sat at a table with a view of the sea. We ordered the crab set and the local fish omakase set meal with crab. The crab set came with crab tempura, crab chirashi, a small crab, and crab soup, so we were covered in crab (lol). The local fish omakase set meal came with a boat-shaped sashimi platter, a small crab, and crab soup. The local fish boat-shaped platter was quite filling. Both the taste and quantity were satisfactory, but the crab soup tasted of not only crab but also radish, so it was disappointing that it didn't really taste like crab soup. (Original) ランチで訪問。開店後すぐのため海の見える席に着席。カニづくしセットと地魚おまかせ定食カニ付を注文。 カニづくしセットはカニ天ぷらにカニちらし、カニ姿(小)、カニ汁が付き、カニまみれ(笑)。地魚おまかせ定食は舟盛り刺身にカニ(小)、カニ汁が付く。 地魚の舟盛りはかなりの食べ応えだった。味、量ともに満足レベルだったが、カニ汁はカニの味だけでなく大根の味がして、カニ汁とは思えなかった点は残念。

(Translated by Google) I thought it was a typical tourist restaurant, but it was of a very good quality. Crab flyer set (with cod soup) 2560 yen Sashimi set meal (with cod soup) 2,460 yen I received it. The sashimi set meal did not come with tuna, but consisted of local fish, and was quite good. This is also a crab flyer! It contained loosened crab meat. However, I was concerned that the vinegared rice was a little sticky because it was made immediately. (Because I like white rice) Overall, the cost performance was good and it was delicious. (Original) よくある観光レストランかと思いきや、なかなかのレベルでございました。 カニチラシセット(タラ汁付き) 2560円 刺身定食(タラ汁付き)2460円 をいただきました。 お刺身定食は、マグロなどは付いてなく、地魚で構成されていて、なかなかイケてましたよ。 カニチラシもこれでもか！というカニのほぐし身が入っていました。 ただ、酢飯が即席なので少しベトッとしていたのが気になりました。(白飯好きなので) 全体的にはコスパもいいし、美味しかったです。

(Translated by Google) First visit on Sunday, June 2025. Banya raw chirashi crab tempura set meal 3,680 yen including tax. There was quite a bit of crab meat, which was nice. The crab tempura was smaller than the menu photo. (Original) 令和７年６月日曜日初訪問。番屋生ちらしカニ天ぷら定食３，６８０円税込。蟹身はけっこう入ってて良かったです。カニの天ぷらはメニュー写真より小さかったな〜

(Translated by Google) We went for lunch during the Obon period in August. We arrived at Marine Dream around 12 o'clock and the parking lot was crowded, so we thought we wouldn't be able to get in right away, but there were plenty of seats and we were shown to a table straight away. The tempura came with tempura sauce. Not only was it delicious, but the set meal also looked really appetizing 🙏 (Original) 8月のお盆期間中にお昼ごはん食べに。 12時ぐらいにマリンドリーム着いて、マリンドリームの駐車場が混んでたから、すぐに入れないと思ったけど、席数が多くて、すぐに案内してもらえた。 天ぷらには天つゆがセット。 食べてとっても美味しかったけど、見た目もとってもおいしそうな定食でした🙏

(Translated by Google) We ordered the monkfish hotpot set for 5,040 yen. This menu is available by reservation only. The monkfish sashimi was delicious with the liver soy sauce. The monkfish liver had no strong odor and was easy to eat, and the monkfish hotpot was very tasty (the photo shows a serving for four). The set includes two pieces of monkfish sushi and white rice. We chose the porridge for the hotpot. Eggs for the porridge are sold separately for 50 yen each. The staff were cheerful and very pleasant. (Original) あんこうづくし鍋セット5040円をいただきました。予約のみのメニューです。 あんこうの刺身は肝醤油で食べるのがとてもおいしかったです。あん肝は臭みもなく食べやすく、あんこう鍋はとてもおいしかったです（写真は四人前） セットにはあんこう寿司二貫とは別に白飯がつきます。私達は鍋の雑炊にしました。雑炊用の卵は別売一つ50円です。 店員さんは朗らかでとても感じがよかったです。

(Translated by Google) I ordered the sashimi and crab tempura set meal and the crab tempura bowl. The sashimi and crab tempura were served on a boat. It looked good. The tempura was moist. The sashimi wasn't very flavorful either, which is probably because it's a tourist market. The prices are pretty good, so I wish they'd put in a bit more effort. (Original) 刺し身とカニ天麩羅定食とカニ天丼を注文。舟に乗った刺し身とカニの天麩羅。見栄えは良いです。味は天麩羅しっとり。刺し身もあまり旨味が無い感じで観光市場だからこんなもんかな?といった感じでした。そこそこ値段が良いのでもう少し頑張って欲しいですね。

It was dangerous to visit in the snow season. The path was covered with knee high snow and there are tracks with no barriers, so if anyone is visiting, do be careful. I came here more because of the Sengoku history, there was nothing much to see except the vast area.

Kasugayama castle is fantastic on several fronts. It’s free to visit and all of the explanatory signage is also in English, so as a foreign visitor I didn’t miss out on anything. However although it is a historical site, the best thing about this place was, for me, the outstanding views from the top, especially as it was during cherry blossom season. Definitely one of the best views over Joetsu, and so very peaceful.

When I came here,the road to climb Kasugayama had been closed.

Good view after easy walking up the hill.

It's a nice hike, but some areas are steep and there's nothing left of the castle to see, except some markers and explanatory signs

Heritage and historical place

My favourite

On July 28, 2025, my wife and departed here via jetfoil (11;30) to Sado Island. Signs are clear. On 30 July, 2025, we returned here after 15:15 via the car ferry (12:45). Boardings began 15 minutes before time.

Ferry no problem. But the price is way to high. I'm not rich man, please one day return with a car 35000yen are you serious wow. A flight from Tokyo to Europe cost less

It's a ferry terminal! Nothing particularly fancy, but it's simply laid out and gets the job done. I guess in that regard it deserves a "good" rating.

(Translated by Google) Ferry connecting Naoetsu and Sado Ogi⛴️ Connects Naoetsu through Sado and Niigata Even though the road is on the sea, it is actually National Route 350🛣️ This Koganemaru is the fourth generation. 150 passenger cars or 35 medium-sized buses Passenger capacity is 584 people🙍🙍‍♀️ It has a total length of 116.5m and weighs 2483t❗️ The front and rear parts open and close to allow you to get on and off. It's impressive when it opens and closes 😁 A pet room where pets can also ride There is a 2nd class sleeping room in the 1st class private room ☝️ While going fishing with friends on sea fishing🎣 in Sado If you are a Sado resident, you will get a discount😄 Previously, you could eat and drink on board the ship. Currently with cup ramen Because there is only a snack vending machine for bread. The 2 hour and 40 minute journey to Sado I recommend buying it❗️ If the weather is nice and not stormy You can go out to the deck or outside passage. It's also nice to kill time by looking at the sea breeze and waves 🌊 Kanayama and Toki, which have just become world heritage sites 🪽 Delicious seafood 🐟 and leisure 🏕️⛷️🎣⛳️🏊🤿 Sado is great after all✨🌊😁 Lets everyone❗️ Sad Venture 🏝️ (Original) 直江津〜佐渡小木を結ぶフェリー⛴️ 直江津から佐渡内を通り新潟を結ぶ 道は海の上なのに実は国道350号線🛣️ 4代目になるこのこがね丸は 乗用車150台または中型バス35台を 集積出来て旅客定員は584人🙍🙍‍♀️ 全長116.5ｍで2483tもある❗️ 前方後方部が開閉して乗り降り出来、 開閉時は圧巻の迫力がある😁 ペットも乗せられるペットルームや 1等の個室部屋に2等の雑魚寝ルーム有☝️ 佐渡へ海釣り🎣に友人と釣行時に 利用するが佐渡民なら割引になるよ😄 以前は船内で飲食も出来たが 現在はカップラーメンと パンの軽食自販機しか無いため 佐渡まで2時間40分の渡航では 買っておくことをオススメします❗️ 天気が良くて荒れていなければ 甲板や外通路へ出れるので 潮風や波を眺めて時間を潰すのも良い🌊 世界遺産になったばかりの金山やトキ🪽 美味い海産物🐟やレジャー🏕️⛷️🎣⛳️🏊🤿 やっぱ佐渡っていいぜっ✨🌊😁 みんなもlets❗️サドベンチャー🏝️

(Translated by Google) I had booked a vehicle transport from Fukui to Joetsu on the Naoetsu route. The Naoetsu route was canceled both the day before and the day itself due to rough weather. I think this is unavoidable, as the ship is small. I called the Sadomaru Club app I had booked and changed my destination to the Okesa Maru on the Niigata route. I had no choice but to leave early and head to Niigata Port, an hour and a half away. I took my vehicle inspection certificate and paid at the ticket counter. I booked accommodation in advance and got a discount through Sadomaru Club, but unlike usual, the driver's fee was not included, so the round-trip fare for a minicar, two adults, a dog, and second class was about 36,000 yen. If you don't have a dog, it would be cheaper to rent a car in Sado. The pet area on the Okesa Maru is inside the ship, so it's heated, but you'll have to sit on a hard chair the whole time. If you leave your dog in a cage, the room itself will be locked and you won't be able to see your dog until we arrive. On the way back, I took the Kogane Maru from Ogi to Naoetsu. This ship is about one-third smaller than the Okesa Maru. The pet area is outside and exposed to the wind. Spending two and a half hours outside at this time of year is a punishment for both dog and human. I had no choice but to leave my dog ​​in a cage. If they're going to charge a pet fee, I think they could be a little more considerate. Also, even though the sailing was canceled due to bad weather, they didn't cancel it, and we spent gas, tolls, and time to get to the distant Niigata Port, so surely they could have given us some first-class service or something? (Original) 福井より上越の直江津航路にて車両搬送で予約していました。 前日当日共に直江津航路は時化のため欠航。船事態が小さいため仕方ないと思います。 予約していたさどまる倶楽部アプリに電話して行きを新潟航路おけさ丸に変更。 仕方なく早く出て1時間半先の新潟港へ。 車検証を持って切符売り場でお金を払います。 先に宿を予約してさどまる倶楽部経由で割引のプランですが、通常と違い運転者の料金は含まれてないため軽自動車、大人2人、犬、2等、往復で36,000円ほど。 犬が居なければ佐渡でレンタカー借りた方が安くつきます。 おけさ丸のペットスペースは船内なので暖房も効いていますがずっと硬い椅子に座ることになります。ケージに預けると部屋自体に鍵をかけられ到着まで犬に会うことはできません。 帰りは小木からこがね丸にて直江津へ。 こちらはおけさ丸より1／3ほど船が小さくなります。ペットスペースは船外で吹きっさらしです。この時期2時間半を外で過ごすのは犬、人共に罰ゲーム。仕方なくケージに預けました。 ペット料金を取るならもう少し考慮してもらっても良いと思います。 あと、天候不良のため欠航とはいえキャンセルせずに遠い新潟港までガソリン、高速代、時間をかけているので1等サービスとか少しくらいなんかしてくれてもいいのでは？

(Translated by Google) Due to the cancellation of the morning flight, there were very few passengers, about 10 vehicles, but the terminal was well equipped. I regret not having explored more. There was also a photo exhibition of Sado, which gave me a good idea of ​​the places I was about to visit, and I was feeling excited. There were also places to eat, so I ordered ramen, which was delicious. (Original) 午前便欠航で乗客はとても少ない車両10台程度、ターミナルは設備が整っている、もっと探索すれば良かったと反省、佐渡の写真展も開催されていてこれから訪れる所がよく分かり気持ちが高揚して来る、食事出来る所も有りラーメンを注文美味しかった。

(Translated by Google) Everyone was very kind. I just dropped in, but the staff and receptionists around me took care of everything from booking to issuing my ticket. I'd like to use this service again. (Original) みなさんとても親切でした。 飛び入りで行きましたが周りの係員や受付の人が予約からチケットの発行まで面倒を見てくれました。 また利用したいです。

Beautiful terraced rice fields This place is famous for its beautiful terraced rice fields. From web site Terraced fields are a form of rice field mainly used in mountainous areas. They are built to allow farming on steep slopes and to control water flow. It is also a popular tourist destination due to its scenic and cultural value. They are also important for preserving regional specialties and traditional agricultural methods.

I think it must be incredibly beautiful during summer, unfortunately right now as you can see on the picture we don’t see everything due to the snow ! Still a nice little walk to do :)

100% worth coming here, the view of the rice terraces and surrounding hills/mountains is absolutely amazing. I recommend renting an e-bike from Matsudai station and biking here. It's a quick 30-40 minute ride and you can see some nice scenery on the way as well.

My first terraced rice field… I went in summer but would love to see it too on fall or winter (with snow).

One more bucket list completed. I am in love with this beautiful place, what a view of stacked rice fields and mountains just amazing. This please is good to visit in Summer for lush green view to cool your eyes, and in winter for autumn colours.

Has been my favourite place to come to and photograph the rice terraces. The sunrise here is absolutely magical. However I must say that I am absolutely appalled by how loud and unmannered many japanese are. It's understandable that children are yet to learn to control their voice, but a grown person should be fully capable of doing so. Is it really necessary to shout the obvious to each other over and over disrupting the peaceful moments? Getting in front of the your camera with blatant disregard and then prancing about is seriously obnoxious. Doesn't matter if you token apologise and slightly bow - it doesn't make you well mannered, rather quite the opposite. I see many reviewes of landmarks always mentioning foreigners being loud, however it's japanese who has bad manners themselves in the first place! Shame!!

The snow was quite deep, even with our boots on. We got to the edge and we’re rewarded with a great view. I’d like to visit again with slightly less snow and at night to see the night sky reflect!

Night ski was fun. In Yuzawa, I prefer playing snowboard at this snow mountain. The ski track is pretty fun, but needed to go up high to the top. Beautiful view. The snow here isn’t powdery though. It’s quite hard. But overall, I had a good time here.

I would say this is the go-to-resort when you are in Yuzawa. Especially if you are advancing from a beginner to intermediate level. The runs here are diverse, fun and easily accessible. It feels like a neighborhood ski resort and perhaps that’s one of the many charms it has. The family and I enjoyed the various FnB venues it has and there’s sufficient signage (and maps) around to keep you informed. It is also relatively inexpensive and there are also options of different rentals to choose from. I think this is the best ski resort in the Yuzawa area.

Always a favourite, shuttle bus really easy to follow and get to & fro echigo-yuzawa, routes are fun, view is spectacular especially during sunset. Not a huge range of routes, but should keep you busy for a day or two. Loads of rental options. Lots of food options on the slopes Get your passes before hand via kkday e.g. to save quite abit.

I had mixed feelings for this ski resort, some staff were good but some were the worst among Japan in my eyes. It was especially bad when we took a shuttle to the guesthouse near the Hatsukaishi area. When we got off, the shuttle driver stopped us from leaving and said it's the wrong station. Despite being a foreigner, my Japanese level is well enough for all the communication to be in Japanese. I tried to show him the location of our accommodation by using Google map, the driver said "there are so many hotels around the area and I DON'T CARE where you stay" in a really rude way and refused to look at my phone. I was convinced by the driver, what else could you do if a local insisted that you are going the wrong way? So the 9 of us moved our baggage back onto the bus. Later we found out it's the wrong station the driver brought us to, I tried to ask the driver to take us back to the station we initially got off, which was just 5 mins drive away. And he refused to talk to me anymore by saying "I don't understand you" (but I had been talking to him in Japanese like for 5 mins). He just told us to talk to the staff inside the resort centre and ran away with the shuttle. The staff inside told us that we initially got off at the correct stop. And it took us almost another hour to get back to the right place for the waiting time of another shuttle etc. This happened on Jan 23, 2025. Have to say other shuttle drivers and the centre staff were good. But that particular shuttle driver was awful. There are some additional problems with the staff controlling the ski lift. I stayed mostly around the Hatsukaishi area. Most of the time when I or friends fell from the lift while getting off, unlike other Japanese ski resorts, almost all the staff was indifferent to stop or slow down the lift and it was really dangerous. They just made gestures or yelled at you to leave ASAP.

A very nice place to ski for intermediate or above levels, not many ski-in ski-out hotel can choose

Very nice and beautiful ski resort nearby Gala Yuzawa station. There are so many free shuttle bus to take in every station. You can take the Shinkansen from Tokyo here. Very convenient for transportation. The ski course are so wonderful and huge. People here are not as many as in Gala. And restaurants serves great dishes. So come here and enjoy it!

It is very big ski resort and has many shops and hotels inside or along the line of ski lanes. The lough it self is modern but not as please as Gala. For advance skier is recommend because it more variety and good for tourists as they have many restuarants too.

We stayed three nights in January. The room is spacious but a bit old and required renovation. Dinner, bkf and lift pass are included. Food variety is limited (no sushi) but when considering the price, it is as expected. The major problem are the ski ground. There is insufficient signage to show direction, and you dont know what level of slope the liftchair will take you to. There are insufficient chairs for you to change boots. Three persons share one locker with only one key. Overall, the hotel is okay for the price charged but the ski facilities needs some improvement.

90% of the time spent on ski lifts than actually skiing. Not worth it. Our legs and knees hurt because none of the ski lifts have footrest like in Europe. If you’re gonna make people sit on ski lifts all day at least have footrest. Most of the ski lifts also don’t have safety bar. It’s a beautiful resort but it has the strangest layout where to get somewhere you need 2 even 3 connecting ski lifts. Worst part other than the non existent footrest is the fact that the ski lifts are extremely slow. Slowest ski lifts in the world. Better to ski somewhere else.

Too many ski lifts, felt like a lift resort than a ski resort. Should be renamed to Joetsu Mendokusai. Have to pay for parking and also not many food options even though there are tons of resting cabins.

I really liked this huge ski with fantastic view. But the signs were not good enough.

A good resort for beginners and strong intermediate skiers. Very old school. Lifts tend to be a bit slow, and the layout is quite annoying, with a long transition from the front part of the resort and the rather nice hinterland. Scenery is very pretty, the broad layout providing beautiful views. Showing its age but definitely worth a visit.

Nice ski resort with many slopes which are interconnected to the other resort too. They have night skiing too but only for 2 slopes.

I'm going to be honest. The resort itself is outdated and in need of a remodel. If that does not bother you, it is a nice stay. The buffets are okay. The snow itself was beautiful and the family had a great time sledding and skiing. The beginner hills kind of lead to advanced ones. Hard to learn if it's busy. Overall a fun trip.

Very interesting history and most amazing carving. Worth a look!

A nice temple in the mountains. Its collection of works of Ishikawa Uncho is very impressive. Highly recommend to stop in when you’re in the area.

We wanted to see the Kaisando created by Ishikawa Uncho, but The main hall also has several points of interest, and the wood inlays depicting leaves and other motifs applied by Uncho during repairs draw visitors back to their childhood. An elderly couple, who appeared to be well past sixty, searched for driftwood with eyes like children's. I expect Uncho is also happy in heaven too. Photography is prohibited inside Kaisando. So, please refer to the temple's website. But honestly, that website doesn't convey its overwhelming power. Both my wife and I were so stunned by its sheer power and intricate craftsmanship that we were not only speechless for a while, but couldn't even breathe or move. After viewing the Kaisando, we looked out into the courtyard. And discovered that the outside of the Kaisando was also decorated with sculptures. Photography is prohibited inside Kaisando, but you can get close to take pictures outside. Since it's not painted, it lacks vibrancy, but the increased sense of depth actually makes it feel more imposing. The expressions of the men, especially the monk in the background, are particularly vivid. The woman below seems somehow alluring, while the old man above appears drunk and in high spirits. As a characteristic of Uncho's style, he places supporting characters who seem to tease the protagonist beside or behind them, creating a unique sense of space. If you ever have the chance to come to this area, I highly recommend to visit Saifukuji Temple.

Amazing wood carvings and I am sure these are important treasures for the country ranging from old styles to newer lattice structures. 500 yen entry and the final last hut has the craziest (in a good way) interior I have seen in Japan. It's not a big exhibit and can be completed in 20 minutes even if you go slow.

I was glad we visited and the ceiling carvings were truly beautiful. I’ve never seen anything like them; it felt like the dragon was jumping out at me. There is a 10 minute description of what all the different scenes are, but it’s only in Japanese. I believe they had a QR code to scan for English guidance as well, but we didn’t use it. It doesn’t take long to go through this place, I think 20-30 minutes is plenty. And it seems most easily accessible by car. Entrance fee is 500 yen and goshuin are also 500 yen. There are no pictures allowed, which I completely understand, but I do wish that there was at least a postcard or something else available besides the 2000 yen book and a DVD. It would have been nice to have something more affordable and small for people who want to remember their visit by. The closest thing is that the goshuin price includes a small clear file with some of the ceiling carvings on the back, which was a nice touch.

Recommend to come here!!!! Entrance fee= 500 yen. Inside you can see very gorgeous roof from wood and picture of “Romance of the Three Kingdoms” in Japanese style. At right side after entrance at second floor has cafe nice place to spend you time with original green tea with red bean snack.

The place is so solemn,very peaceful. The arts are so wonderful and very creative. Very interesting and artistic.

We went there last weekend ; it’s snow covered and offers a divine view! そり遊び　or sledding is also possible along with Ski. You can rent sledding boards ( or you can get your own). I have added a map too to show the courses the park offers. Ski for kids and for adults ; sledding for kids and adults are definitely possible! It’s a very clean park with an indoor kids space and a small restaurant. 😊Enjoy!!

Decided to drop by the park on route from Tokamachi to Niigata City. Glad we did it as Echigo hillside Park was a really beautiful and spacious park, you can easily spend half a day there. Many variants, including award winning roses. Caught a water show and was pleasantly surprised with sound track used.

It's a very nice and spacious park. June is when they have roses; the flowers they have change...I think last April-May it was tulips~~

I enjoyed it best in summer because my son loves the water play area, the bounce cloud, the childrens play area, the indoor play area..... Soooo much to do for children! And beautiful gardens too! We can spend the whole day and not get bored. We can take our own food or easily buy food there. Winter is fun too but not so much to do but it's nice to play in the snow and then go to the indoor play area.

It is very big park and I can see lot of people. Good place for kids and many children are playing in the lark. At this time april 2021 people can see hundreds of different Tulip flowers . Big parking space .Entry tickets are available for 1 or 2 or 3 days .I bought 2 days ticket which cost 500 Yen whereas one day ticket also almost same price 450Yen.I Plan to go again tomorrow. You can relax by spending time from 9.30 to 5pm.

Best park in the city. Big play ground & lots of stuffs for kids. Greenary all around. Bicycle ride is fun. Bungee trampoline is fun for kids. Entrance fee is minimal. Vehicle parking fee is also cheap. Highly recommended.

Great park if you coming from the JR station in nagaoka is the last stop of the line 6 bus ( there are 2 line 6 bosses one of each size of the station so ask on the turist information center or the driver) is the last stop and were you get off you get on the bus back

The pogada is pretty but I visit many shrines all over Japan and collect Goshuīn. I am a foreigner and I was denied a goshuīn here. 😭💔

Good temple and pagoda. There is a "through the woods" way to go from one temple to the other.

(Translated by Google) The only five-story pagoda in Sado, and indeed Niigata Prefecture. Its structure is a culmination of the wisdom of its ancestors, and it's amazing that it has stood for so long. It is truly an Important Cultural Property. The thatched-roof shrine office is wonderful, and the trees and gardens are all carefully maintained and relaxing. A tip is required to receive the temple seal, but a reasonable 300 yen or more is all that is needed. The entire Sado Island is a sacred place, and many people visit this temple, but this temple is sure to soothe all who visit. (Original) 佐渡唯一、いや新潟県唯一の五重塔。 よくぞ長きにわたり建立していると思うほど先人の知恵が集結された構造。 さすが重要文化財だけある。 茅葺き屋根の社務所も素晴らしく、庭木や庭園全てが丁寧に手入れされていて落ち着く。 御朱印は心付けを奉納くださいというが300円以上で良心的。 佐渡島全体が霊場で巡る人が多いが、このお寺は訪れる人を間違いなく癒やしてくれる。

(Translated by Google) Myosenji. It is the head temple of the Nichiren sect and has a large and impressive grounds. The staff at the temple are very kind and welcoming. Unfortunately, the chief priest was away so we were unable to receive the Goshudai. It seems they do not provide written copies either. There is no entrance fee and free parking. (Original) みょうせんじ。日蓮宗の本山で、境内も広くて立派です。庫裡の対応も親切で、とても感じかいいです。あいにく、貫首さまがお留守で御首題は頂けませんでした。紙渡しの対応もされていないそうです。 入山料無料、無料駐車場あります。

(Translated by Google) The atmosphere was also amazing in the season of fresh greenery. I'm sure it would be nice in spring too. As I wrote in my review of the five-story pagoda, this is a famous temple that you should definitely visit, including the very rare five-story pagoda. (Original) 新緑の時季も最高の雰囲気でした。きっと春もいいんだろうな。 五重塔の口コミにも書きましたが、大変珍しい五重の塔含めて、ぜひ行ってみて欲しい名刹です。

(Translated by Google) There were many other things that caught my eye besides the five-story pagoda. A wonderful temple. The work of the sculptors was eye-catching. (Original) 五重塔だけでなく色々目を引くところがあった。 素晴らしいお寺さん 彫刻師の仕事が目お引く

(Translated by Google) This temple, one of the three main temples of the Nichiren sect in Sado, is home to the only five-story pagoda in Niigata Prefecture, modeled after the pagoda at Nikko Toshogu Shrine, as well as the grave of Hino Suketomo. This five-story pagoda is a nationally designated Important Cultural Property (architecture) and is always featured in Sado travel guidebooks, so it's definitely worth a visit. ✨ The pagoda's beauty and size are impressive even from a distance, but a closer look from directly below reveals intricate carvings such as dragons, making it truly magnificent. 😊 You must remove your shoes before entering the temple. Photography is prohibited, but the temple is a truly sacred and sacred site, so be sure to check it out. Next door, in a magnificent building with a thick thatched roof built about 200 years ago, you can purchase goshuin stamps and amulets. The lady there was very kind. ☺️ She gave me a detailed explanation about Sado's unique red pine pillars. ♪ Thank you very much. 🙏 (Original) 日蓮宗佐渡三本山の一つで、日光東照宮の塔を模した、新潟県唯一の五重塔や日野資朝の墓があります。 この五重塔は国指定重要文化財（建造物）であり、佐渡の旅ガイドブックには必ず掲載されているので、訪れる価値はあります✨ 遠目からでも五重塔の造形美と大きさに圧巻されますが、真下からよ〜く眺めてみると龍などの緻密な細工も施されていて、大変素晴らしいです😊 寺内は靴を脱いであがれます。写真撮影は禁止ですが、とても神々しく有り難いものを拝めるので、是非寺内もご覧ください。 お隣の約200年前に建てられた立派で厚みのある茅葺き屋根の建物で、御朱印や御守りを購入できます。 そちらのおばさまが大変親切☺️ 佐渡随一である赤松大黒柱にまつわる説明を詳細にしてくれました♪ ありがとうございました🙏