HOME Back

My Favorites

${v.title}

${v.desc | trunc(25)}

${v.title}

${v.desc | trunc(25)}

View All

Use the

Planning a Trip to Japan?

Share your travel photos with us by hashtagging your images with #visitjapanjp

None

Winter Adventures in Gifu Prefecture

HOME > Japan’s Local Treasures > Winter Adventures in Gifu Prefecture

Wrap up to explore a snow-covered mountainous wonderland

Gifu Prefecture

For those who enjoy winter outdoor activities, including skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and trekking to frozen waterfalls, Gifu is perfect. This central Japan prefecture is steeped in history, with a rich culture and bountiful nature that local residents have cherished and protected for generations. Five of Japan’s 10 tallest peaks are located in Gifu. This mountainous terrain kept places in northern Gifu, such as the town of Takayama and the Unesco World Site of Shirakawa-go, isolated from the rest of Japan, allowing them to preserve their unique cultures.

Imagine being surrounded by glistening white snow and a calming silence. Local guides can lead you through snow-covered forests and rocky ravines until you come to the foot of a giant frozen waterfall, where you break for lunch and to take pictures. Next, warm up by soaking in one of the nearby onsen hot spring baths and finish with a delicious Japanese meal and locally made sake. This is just one of the possible wintertime adventures that await you in a journey to Gifu Prefecture.

Gifu's mountains and high altitude serve to create lots of snow for the full range of winter activities. Exploring the forests, mountains, and ancient wonders of Gifu Prefecture will allow you to both step back in time and get a glimpse of a more sustainable future.

One recommended activity is a frozen waterfall trekking tour in Hida-Osaka, which takes place in a silent, snow-covered forest. The scenery of the blue ice pillars around the waterfall in such a place is scenery that you will long remember.