Model Itineraries in Gifu

Experience the peak of Gujo Odori—Japan's most vibrant Bon Odori festival spanning 400+ years—on the first all-night dance night of 2026 (August 13). This full-day course takes you through the water town of Gujo Hachiman: preview the dance at the museum, craft traditional food samples, climb to Gujo Hachiman Castle for views of the castle town and Yoshida River, and discover the cool spring-fed lanes. At 8 PM, join the dancing circles before the former prefectural government building. In true Gujo tradition, don't watch—dance. Experience the heat and energy that flows until 5 AM.

A one-day course centered on the Nakasendo Nakatsugawa Oiden Festival Cool Summer Fireworks Grand Competition, held on August 12, 2026 (Wednesday) in the central city area of Nakatsugawa, Gifu Prefecture (around Nakatsugawa Station). In the daytime, stroll through the historic streets of Nakatsugawa-shuku (Nakatsugawa Post Town) that flourished along the Nakasendo, then visit Naegi Castle Ruins (Naegi-jo Ato), famous as a "castle in the sky." Enjoy spectacular views of the Kiso River and mountains from atop the stone walls. In the afternoon, learn about the post town's history at the Nakasendo Historical Museum, and in the early evening, enjoy dinner with the local specialty chestnut kinton at the shopping street in front of Nakatsugawa Station. As darkness falls, the central city area fills with spectators, and fireworks light up the night sky. A greedy full-day plan packed with post town exploration, castle ruins discovery, and night sky fireworks—the perfect way to cap off Nakatsugawa City's summer season.

A full-day course centered on the 'Dairyuji Lantern Festival' held at Dairyuji Temple in Gifu City starting at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. During the day, enjoy spectacular views from the ropeway at Gifu Castle perched atop Kinkazan, and stroll through the lush grounds of Gifu Park. Along the Nagara River at Kawaracho, walk through the traditional town lined with latticed buildings and enjoy an early dinner of ayu cuisine and other local specialties. As darkness falls at 7 p.m., Dairyuji Temple lights up with lanterns, and a magical summer evening unfolds amid the bustle of food stalls. It's a full day to experience both Gifu's historical heritage and the warm glow of lanterns.

A 1-day course centered on the 'Kushihara Bon Odori' festival held on August 15, 2026 (Saturday) around Kushihara Hot Spring Sasayuri no Yu in Kushihara, Ena City, Gifu Prefecture. With the mountain hot spring facility as your base, you'll relax in foot baths, visit the community center and farm-direct shop for a leisurely afternoon, then enjoy an early dinner at the facility's restaurant before the 5 PM festival begins. The parking lot transforms with bon odori dancing and food stalls featuring food vendors, bazaars, and children's activities. This is a day to slowly enjoy a warm summer festival rooted in the local community with your family.

A full-day course centered on the 'Naogi Andon Festival' held on August 14, 2026 (Friday) at Naogi Elementary School's ground in Nakatsugawa City, Gifu Prefecture. In the daytime, enjoy massive stones and stunning views at Naogi Castle Ruins, also known as the 'Castle in the Sky,' and learn about the history of the Toyama clan, castle lords, at the Naogi Toyama History Museum. After walking through the distinctive kura-zukuri architecture of Nakatsugawa-juku, a post town on the Nakasendo Road, enjoy Nakatsugawa's famous chestnut delicacies and other local specialties for a leisurely dinner. As night falls at 8:30 PM, spectacular fireworks illuminate the sky above Naogi Elementary School's ground. It's a course where you can experience both Nakatsugawa's rich history and a summer fireworks display in a single day.

A full-day course centered on the 'Yoro Park Bon Dance Festival' held on July 31, 2026 (Friday) in Yoro Park, Yoro Town, Gifu Prefecture (postponed to August 5 in case of rain). Spend the daytime cooling off at the magnificent Yoro Falls, one of Japan's finest waterfalls, and enjoy the unique art space of Yoro Tenmeihanten where families can embrace their inner child. Challenge rides at Yoro Land and offer prayers for the day's safety at Yoro Shrine. As evening approaches, the area around the Yoro Falls entrance parking lot transforms into a Bon Dance venue. It's a course that lets you enjoy the hustle and bustle of food stalls and the dance circle while spending the entire day in the park.

This is a 1-day course centered on the first day of the "Mizunami Mino-Genji Tanabata Festival" held on August 8-9, 2026, around JR Mizunami Station in Mizunami City, Gifu Prefecture. In the daytime, visit the Mizunami Fossil Museum, known as the fossil city, to touch memories of the ancient sea, and cool off in the Ryugin Falls ravine. At the Mizunami Pottery Museum, you can also experience the ceramic culture of Mino ware. In the evening, have an early dinner at the front of Mizunami Station, then from 5 PM, the festival begins with Tanabata decorations and food stalls bustling around the station area. A full day where families can enjoy a summer night under colorful Tanabata decorations.

A full-day course centered on the opening day of the Water Festival held from July 31 to August 2, 2026 in Ogaki City, Gifu Prefecture, known as the 'City of Water.' In the daytime, explore Ogaki Castle to touch the history of the castle town and visit the site where Matsuo Basho concluded his "Oku no Hosomichi" journey. Along the Sumon River, the Sumiyoshi Lighthouse offers views of Ogaki's unique waterside landscape in harmony with the town. In late afternoon, enjoy an early dinner on Ogaki Station Street. From 5 PM onward, Ogaki Station Street, Honmachi Street, and the Sumon River area are transformed into a festival atmosphere. With paper lanterns illuminating the waterways and the unique night scenery of Ogaki, this is a full day where families can fully experience the magic of Ogaki's summer night.

A full-day course celebrating Toki City Oribe Festival Fireworks Grand Finale (scheduled for August 2, 2026) while enjoying the pottery town of Toki from afternoon through evening. As one of Japan's leading ceramic production centers, Toki City offers facilities that pottery enthusiasts will love, plus parks with serene natural surroundings. In the afternoon, enjoy shopping at the Toki Mino Ware Wholesale Center (土岐美濃焼卸センター), one of the nation's finest ceramic destinations, then relax nearby. In the early evening, move to the Toki River (土岐川) riverbank to secure a viewing spot and grab food. At night, approximately 4,500 spectacular fireworks await, reflected on the river surface. This is the perfect course to fully experience Gifu's peak summer, enjoying the festive atmosphere unique to the pottery capital and fireworks viewed from the riverside with the whole family.

A course to enjoy Mizuho City for a full day, centered on the GIFU Mizuho Autumn Fireworks held on October 17, 2026 (Saturday). In the daytime, visit the historic Mieji Kannon temple and pray for your family's safety in its quiet grounds. In the afternoon, stop by the Michi-no-Eki Sona roadside station and enjoy a leisurely break while viewing local agricultural products. Then play and exercise at the Mizuho City Comprehensive Athletic Park and enjoy the time until the fireworks to the fullest. In the evening, secure your viewing spot while having dinner around the venue. At 7 PM, approximately 3,000 fireworks light up autumn's clear night sky, welcoming a beautiful finale that colors the changing of seasons. A definitive plan to enjoy fireworks on a cool autumn night, a different experience from summer.

A one-day course centering around the 31st Neo River Fireworks Festival, held at 7 PM on Saturday, October 10, 2026, exploring the areas around Ono Town (大野町), Ibi County. At midday, finish eating and shopping at Morela Gifu (モレラ岐阜), a large shopping mall in Motosu City, and take a break in the cool indoor environment. In the afternoon, stop by Michi-no-Eki Fuyugaki-no-Sato Itonuki (道の駅 富有柿の里いとぬき) and spend time leisurely while viewing local agricultural products. Before evening, explore the Neo River riverbank, the venue for the fireworks festival, during daytime to get a preview of the day's atmosphere. As the sun sets, secure your viewing spot while having dinner on the riverbank. At 7 PM, approximately 6,000 fireworks launch into the crisp autumn night sky, and the open riverbank becomes the stage for an impressive finale. This is the definitive plan for enjoying a relaxed fireworks experience unique to October, when summer's hustle and bustle has settled and the season offers a tranquil autumn evening.

A full-day course enjoying Ena City's Meisatsu Town, which exudes Taisho romance, centered around the 36th Meisatsu Town Cool Summer Fireworks Festival held on Friday, August 14, 2026. During the day, stroll through Nippon Taisho-mura, which recreates the streetscape of the Taisho era, visiting retro Western buildings and museums. Take commemorative photos at the wooden station building of Meisatsu Station, the terminal station of the Meisatsu Railway, then head to Senjo-shiki Park on the high plateau for panoramic views of Meisatsu Town's streets and mountains. In the evening, have dinner around Taisho Village, leisurely enjoying the Taisho romance streetscape as daylight fades. At 7 PM, approximately 1,000 fireworks light up the basin-shaped terrain surrounded by mountains, with sound echoing dramatically around the area. A summer plan unique to Meisatsu Town that combines a Taisho-era streetscape stroll with fireworks nestled in the mountains.

A full-day course celebrating the 33rd Gujo Nagara River Dream Fireworks on August 14, 2026 (Friday), featuring the castle town of Gujo Hachiman, known as a "water town." In the morning, enjoy a panoramic view of the castle town, Nagara River, and surrounding mountains from the main tower of Gujo Hachiman Castle towering on Hachimanzan Mountain. In the afternoon, stroll through the old town streets of the craftsmen's and blacksmith's districts where irrigation canals flow, enjoying local food specialties, and visit Sogyosui, ranked 1st among Japan's 100 Famous Waters, to cool off with its refreshing spring water. At the Gujo Hachiman Museum, watch live performances of Gujo Odori dancing and get a taste of the festival atmosphere. In the early evening, pick up dinner from food stalls at the Nagara River's riverbed and spread out a picnic mat to secure your viewing spot. At 7 PM, approximately 1,000 fireworks burst into the mountain sky one after another, with the sound echoing off the surrounding peaks. This is the definitive summer plan for Gujo Hachiman, packed with both castle town strolling and mountain fireworks without compromise.

On August 8, 2026 (Saturday), held on the banks of the Toki River in Mizunami City, Gifu Prefecture, this is a full-day course featuring the 67th Mizunami Minogen-ji Tanabata Festival Mizunami Prayer Grand Fireworks Display as the main attraction. In the morning, visit the Mizunami Fossil Museum, known as the town of fossils, followed by the Mizunami Pottery and Porcelain Museum to experience the traditions of Mino ware. In the afternoon, walk through the remnants of Oike Station, a former post station on the Nakasendo, and in the evening enjoy dinner at the shopping street in front of Mizunami Station with the atmosphere of the Tanabata festival. As dusk falls, the area around the Toki River is filled with spectators, and approximately 4,000 fireworks light up the night sky. A greedy full-day plan worthy of a summer finale in Mizunami City, packed with fossil viewing, pottery, historical exploration of the post station town, and fireworks lighting up the night sky.

Centered around the Ijira Summer Festival held on August 2, 2026 (Sunday), this is a course to enjoy nature in Yamagata City, Gifu Prefecture throughout the day. At noon, enjoy local flavors at Michi no Eki Ijira, and in the afternoon, stroll along the quiet shores of Ijira Lake. At the verdant Gifu Centennial Park, spend time freely on the expansive lawns. In the evening, have dinner around the venue while waiting for the fireworks, and from 7:45 p.m., approximately 170 fireworks will illuminate the mountain valley night sky. This plan allows you to greedily enjoy the nature of the lake and park, along with the atmosphere of a small community summer festival. Recommended for families seeking to enjoy a relaxed experience away from crowds.

Experience the 68th Toki City Oribe Festival - Flame Festival 2026, taking place on August 2 (Sunday) at 7:40 PM on the Toki River riverbank (Asano Kawahara), combined with exploring the pottery town of Toki City in one day. Spend the morning shopping at a major outlet mall, and in the afternoon visit the pottery museum affiliated with Oribe ware and Oribe no Sato Park, which inspired the festival's name, to experience the pottery culture unique to the pottery town. In the evening, enjoy street food at the riverbank while waiting for the show to begin. Approximately 3,000 fireworks will illuminate the Toki River surface - a summer finale befitting the heart of Mino pottery country. A perfect one-day plan for families who want to fully enjoy both shopping and pottery culture.

A full-day course featuring the Fukuoka Furusato Fireworks Festival on August 2, 2026, to enjoy the nature and history of Nakatsugawa City's Fukuoka district. Visit Naegi Castle ruins perched atop giant rocks at noon, savor local cuisine at Michi no Eki Shitao in the afternoon, and enjoy water play in the clear stream of Roman Valley in the evening. At night, about 800 fireworks illuminate the valley's night sky. After enjoying the mountains and valleys unique to Nakatsugawa, this plan concludes your summer day at the community-rooted Furusato Fireworks Festival.

A full-day course to enjoy the mountain town in the Hida region, featuring the Nyukawa Summer Festival held on August 1, 2026 (Saturday) at Niigawa Branch Office Square in Takayama City. In the daytime, experience the quiet air of the mountain temple at Senko-ji Temple, known for its Enku Buddhist statues, and imagine Jomon life from the reconstructed pit dwellings at the Dono-no-ue Ruins. After browsing local specialties at Michi-no-Eki Mondeues Hida Kuraizan, head to Niigawa Branch Office Square in the evening. Enjoy the summer festival filled with food stalls and bon odori dancing while waiting for the performance to begin, and approximately 600 fireworks will light up the mountain valley night sky for 15 minutes. This is the definitive summer plan for Niigawa, combining Hida's historical exploration with spectacular fireworks.

Centered around the Hida Takayama Citizen Fireworks Festival held on August 1, 2026 (Saturday), this is a full day course to fully enjoy the historic town of Takayama in Gifu Prefecture. At noon, visit Takayama Jinya, where Edo-period magistrate buildings remain, and stroll through the old town with white-walled storehouses and traditional shops. After crossing the Nakabashi Bridge to feel the charm of the Miyagawa River, visit the Kusakabe Mingei-kan to experience the lifestyle of wealthy merchants and gaze up at the great Ginkgo tree at Hida Kokubunji Temple. In the evening, enjoy the tastes of Hida on Honmachi Street while waiting for dusk, then head to the venue at Alpes Observation Park Sky Park. At 7:30 p.m., fireworks launch into the night sky from the high-elevation observation park and light up Takayama's summer night until 8:20 p.m. Viewing fireworks from a high vantage point overlooking the Hida Mountains offers the spectacular scale unique to a castle town nestled in the mountains. This full-day plan ambitiously combines historical exploration with impressive fireworks, representing Takayama's summer at its best.

A one-day course circling the high mountains of Nagawa District, Matsumoto City, with the 2026 Nagawa Summer Festival held on July 25, 2026 (Saturday) as the centerpiece. At noon, gaze at the majestic mountain ranges from Nomui Pass exceeding 1,600 meters elevation, and at Nomui Pass Chayaya Honin learn about the history known as 'Ah, Nomui Pass.' In the afternoon, rest at Nagawa Hot Spring while enjoying local specialty toujisoba noodles for a meal. In the evening, secure a spot around the venue and wait for the opening. At 7:30 PM, fireworks light up the mountain night sky one after another, coloring the regional summer festival. Exploring the historic pass road, hot springs, and local cuisine—this is a unique one-day summer plan only Nagawa can offer. Due to the high elevation of this area, you can feel the cool mountain air even in midsummer.

A full-day course to enjoy Minami Town (美並町) in Gujo City (郡上市) along the pristine Nagara River, centered around the Atago Mountain Fireworks Festival held on Thursday, July 23, 2026. At noon, experience local flavors at the Minami Roadside Station. In the afternoon, bathe at the uniquely named Minami Kodakara Onsen and refresh yourself. In the evening, take a walk along the Nagara River's riverbed, then secure your spot at the surrounding food stalls while waiting for the performance. From 8:30 PM to 8:45 PM, approximately 200 fireworks light up the night sky. A perfect one-day plan unique to Minami, where you can fully enjoy the blessings of clear water, hot springs, and a charmingly modest local fireworks display.

This is a full-day course centered around Kakamigahara Citizens Pool (Outdoor Pool), which operates from June 27 (Saturday) to September 6 (Sunday), 2026. In the morning, visit the Gifu Kakamigahara Aerospace Museum to experience actual aircraft and space development exhibits, then head to Aqua Toto Gifu (World Freshwater Fish Garden Aquarium) to observe river and ocean creatures up close. After spending time in the cool indoors, head to Kakamigahara Citizens Pool from midday. The facility features an outdoor flow pool, 25-meter pool, and wading pool—all perfect for families to enjoy water at their own pace. Admission is affordable at ¥800 for adults, ¥500 for seniors/high school students/guardians, and ¥300 for elementary and middle school students, with a casual, approachable atmosphere typical of municipal pools. This is a popular local getaway course where you can enjoy a relatively calm summer day even during school holidays. Play plenty until evening and conclude your hot summer day. Please note: Closed on weekdays until 7/17 and 9/1 (Tue) to 9/4 (Fri). Water slide is currently closed. Admission until 5:00 PM, open until 6:00 PM.

A one-day course centered around Gifu City Northern Municipal Pool, which operates from July 11 (Saturday) to September 13 (Sunday), 2026 (open daily from July 18 to August 31; weekends only during other periods). In the morning, take a leisurely stroll through Gifu Park (岐阜公園), the symbol of Gifu, and enjoy the greenery of Mt. Kinkazan and the clear waters of the Nagara River. Next, walk through the old townscape of Kawara Town and enjoy summer vacation detours along streets lined with latticed merchant houses and small Japanese confectionery shops. From lunch onward, head to Gifu City Northern Municipal Pool. It features a full-scale 25m×17m pool and a children's pool, with reasonable admission prices (adults ¥240, elementary and middle school students ¥120) where you can enjoy water activities until evening. With its calm atmosphere typical of a municipal pool, it's safe even for families with small children. This course lets you experience a local-flavored summer day combining historical exploration and water play.

A full-day course centered on Ogaki Municipal Pool (大垣市民プール), an outdoor leisure pool in Ogaki City, Gifu Prefecture, which operates from July 17 (Friday) to August 30 (Sunday), 2026 (closed August 3 for cleaning). In the morning, enjoy the view from the top of Ogaki Castle (大垣城), the symbol of Ogaki known as the "City of Water," and take a break in Ogaki Park (大垣公園) with its moat and grassy plaza. From noon, enter the pool and swim properly in the 50m and 25m pools, float along in the lazy river, and cheer on the two water slides—a full day of water play until evening. With an infant pool available, families with small children can enjoy themselves with peace of mind. Admission fees vary depending on residency status within the city, with affordable pricing for both adults and elementary/junior high school students, which is easy on the household budget. Operating hours are 10:00–18:00, allowing for a well-paced plan from morning sightseeing to evening water play. It's a classic summer outing where you can enjoy both local historical exploration and pool activities in one day.