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The charming historical areas of Hida Furukawa and Takayama (Hida Takayama) in Gifu Prefecture are two destinations where you can truly experience the traditional culture of Japan. Both places also provide easy access to the famous snow-capped village of Shirakawa-go.
It takes about 2.5 to 3 hours by train from Nagoya to Takayama Station, or about 3 hours from Nagoya to Hida-Furukawa Station. Looking out the train window during the journey gives you a view of splendid natural landscapes, especially in autumn, when beautiful foliage colors the terrain.
Through the Hida Takayama Food Barrier-free Association, the city is making an effort to meet the dietary needs of Muslim travelers.
Hida Furukawa, a peaceful town with historical charm
A 5-minute walk from Hida-Furukawa Station will bring you to the canal district of Shirakabe Dozogai Street. With the tranquil Seto River flowing through it, the district is a picturesque example of a traditional Japanese town. It’s the perfect environment for wearing a kimono while admiring the many beautiful carp swimming in the quaint old waterways. You can rent a kimono from one of several stores nearby and stroll to Shinshu-ji Temple, a popular photo spot, just a 10-minute walk from the station.At the nearby Hida Furukawa Sakura Gift Shop, you can try hands-on traditional experiences such as making cord bracelets. The gift shop also has a prayer space.
Muslim-friendly restaurants and souvenir shops in Hida Furukawa
Fukuzenji Soba and Ajidokoro Furukawa are both restaurants within walking distance from Hida-Furukawa Station that offer Muslim-friendly food and prayer spaces, so you can take your meals there with peace of mind. It helps to notify establishments in advance of dietary and prayer needs just in case they need the time to prepare.
Fukuzenji Soba
Address: 10-1 Furukawa-cho, Ichino-machi, Hida-shi, Gifu-ken
TEL: +81- 577-73-3340
Access: From Hida-Furukawa Station, approximately 6 minutes by foot
Fukuzenji Soba
Ajidokoro Furukawa
Address: 11-3 Furukawa-cho, Ichino-machi, Hida-shi, Gifu-ken
TEL: +81-577-73-7100
Access: From Hida-Furukawa Station, approximately 7 minutes by foot
Ajidokoro Furukawa
Prayer Facility Details
Visitor Information Center
Address: 8-32 Furukawa-cho, Kanamori-cho, Hida-shi, Gifu-ken
TEL: +81-577-73-3180
Open: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Access: From Hida-Furukawa Station, approximately 1 minute by foot
Capacity: 1 person
Visitor Information Center
Hida Furukawa Sakura Gift Shop
Address: 2-20, Furukawa-cho, Sanno-machi, Hida-shi, Gifu-ken
TEL: +81-577-73-7770
Open: 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m (April to November)
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m (December to March)
Closed: Thursdays (excluding public holidays) (Closed New Year holiday)
Access: From Hida-Furukawa Station, approximately 7 minutes by foot
Capacity of prayer space: 10 people. It is recommended to notify the shop in advance if you want to use the prayer space.
Hida Furukawa Sakura Gift Shop
Accommodations in the area
Yatsusankan Ryokan embodies the atmosphere of the old town of Hida Furukawa. The inn can prepare Muslim-friendly meals with at least 1 week’s notice. The Hida Hotel Plaza can also prepare Muslim-friendly meals with 1 week’s notice.
Yatsusankan Ryokan
Address: 1-8-27 Furukawacho, Mukaimachi, Hida-shi, Gifu-ken
TEL: +81-577-73-2121
Access: From Hida-Furukawa Station, approximately 7 minutes by foot
Yatsusuankan Ryokan
Hida Hotel Plaza
Address: 2-60 Hanaoka-cho, Takayama-shi, Gifu-ken
TEL: +81-577-33-4600
Access: From Takayama Station, approximately 5 minutes by foot
Hida Hotel Plaza
Experience the traditional atmosphere of Takayama
One of the best-known sightseeing spots in Takayama is the Miyagawa Morning Market, with its impressive line-up of agricultural produce. This destination is also famous for the Autumn Takayama Festival (Hachiman Matsuri), one of Japan’s most beautiful festivals. Ornate floats with gold decorations are carried through the streets; certainly a sight worth seeing. Slow down and enjoy the unhurried pace at Hida Folk Village, an open-air museum of traditional houses, where you can experience rural Japan.
Where to eat in Takayama
At the restaurant Kyoushi, you can try dishes made with Halal-certified Hida beef. While they can usually accommodate Muslim-friendly meal requests without a reservation, advanced notice is recommended for peace of mind.
Kyoushi
Address: 2-82 Hon-machi, Takayama-shi, Gifu-ken
TEL: +81-577-37-2039
Open: 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. (Last order 6:00 p.m.)
Closed: Wednesdays (excluding public holidays)
(The restaurant may close early if the ingredients are sold out)
Access: From Takayama Station, approximately 8 minutes by foot
Visit these charming towns to experience rich culture and a warm welcome. Takayama along with Hida Furukawa are affectionately nicknamed “Little Kyoto” for their traditional appearance. These destinations strive to provide a comfortable experience for Muslim travelers.
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