HOME > Japan’s Local Treasures > Hagiwara Guided Waterways Walk
Discover the freshwater springs that sustain Hagiwara’s traditional foods on a walking tour of Hagiwara, near Gero Onsen
Gero Onsen Tourism Association
The town of Hagiwara is just a short train ride from neighboring hot spring resort Gero Onsen. Originally a post town on the Hida Kaido highway, Hagiwara is a font of tasty foods, such as sake, rice, miso, traditional sweets, and beef. They all owe their flavor to the abundant spring water that flows from nearby peaks, such as Mt. Ontake and Mt. Gozen.
Follow your knowledgeable local guide as they take you to see all the best hidden spots, where the clear springs nurture the plants and landscapes that are indispensable to creating Hagiwara’s gourmet foods.
Learn about the culture and lifestyle of this small town nestled in the Hida Mountains, stopping by Kuzu Shrine and taking a tour of the magnolia tree grove from which producers harvest leaves for the local specialty of hoba miso, which involves grilling miso paste on a magnolia leaf. Quench your thirst with the fresh spring water that supports Hagiwara's delicious products and lush natural landscape.
The walk is about an 8km round trip along a well-maintained boardwalk, so it is appropriate for any visitor with a basic level of fitness.
How to get there
From Nagoya Station, take the JR Rapid Hida train to Gero Station (1 hour 45 minutes) and switch to the JR Line train for Hidahagiwara Station (about 10 minutes).
Hagiwara, Hagiwara-cho, Gero-shi, Gifu-Ken (JR Hida Hagiwara Station)
