gifu road trip

• Skip to main content

Dessert Highway

Six Day Gifu Road Trip

Shannon · 13th May 2019 · 1 Comment

Gifu, a mountainous region west of Tokyo, isn’t high up on many travellers lists. If it is, it’s usually the historic village of Shirakawagō and the preserved merchant houses of Hida-Takayama that are the biggest draws. I’ve been to both these places and they are well worth a visit, but if you want to get even further off the beaten track, Gifu has some real hidden gems that give you an insight into rural life in Japan. Richard and I did this trip with my parents who were keen to get away from the Tokyo crowds and see some of the Japanese countryside. 

It’s honestly quite hard to find much information about this area of Japan online, even my Japanese friends asked me why I was going to Gifu and none of them had heard of Iwamura-chō, the sleepy town we based ourselves in for our 6-day trip. Although I was confident that some of the places I planned to visit would be really interesting, I had no idea what the drive would be like or what it would be like staying in tiny Iwamura-chō. Fortunately, I was pleasantly surprised by both - the drive was incredibly scenic and Iwamura-chō was a charming town, the perfect place to return to after a day of exploring.

This area of Gifu is ideal for a road trip as not everywhere is easily accessible by public transport. The windy mountain roads also make for some very scenic driving. For detailed information on renting a car in Japan, check out this Japan Guide article and this Matcha guide . 

This itinerary can be done in any order, just be sure to check opening days/times.

Pin it and steal my itinerary!

the itinerary

Day 1 - tokyo to iwamura via iyashino sato.

Instead of driving straight to Iwamura-chō, we decided to break up the journey with a visit to Iyashino Sato , a reconstructed Japanese village close to Mount Fuji. If you're as lucky as we were with the weather, you'll be able to enjoy views of Japan's highest mountain most of the way there. 

Iyashino Sato is made up of around 20 traditional thatched-roof houses, most of which have been converted into shops, cafes and galleries. Most shops focus on a specific craft, such as pottery, incense or calligraphy. There are English maps available at the entrance.

As well as the cafes, there are a few food stalls before you enter the village and a coffee stand which also sells taiyaki , a fish-shaped pastry usually filled with azuki beans or custard. My sweet tooth couldn't let me walk away from one of these! 

Don't Miss!

Miharashi-ya (見晴らし屋, number 11 on the map) - Spectacular views of Mount Fuji from the second floor.

Now it's on to Iwamura-chō. If you take the route that goes through Iida and you're in need of a break, I highly recommend stopping at the Ogurogawa services, about 1 hour 45 into the drive. Not only do these small services have all the amenities you would expect - toilets, vending machines, a small shop and cafe, there's also a giant frame you can pose in outside. Only in Japan! 

day 2 - Naegi castle ruins and nakatsugawa-juku

You could drive most of the way to Naegi castle ruins but you would be missing out on a lovely walk from Nakatsugawa. We parked near Nakatsugawa train station and picked up a map from the tourist information office which is right next to the station. There are also markers along the route to the ruins so you should be fine even without a map. The starting point is the underpass which goes under the train tracks. 

The walk takes you across the Kiso river, past some lovely traditional houses and ends with a fairly steep climb through some woods. 

Naegi castle ruins are known as the "Machu Picchu of the East." While I've yet to go to Machu Picchu, I'm pretty sure Naegi castle ruins aren't quite as impressive! That's not to say that I didn't love it here, the views were amazing, it wasn't at all crowded and it was the perfect picnic spot.

After enjoying the mostly downhill walk back to Nakatsugawa, you could spend some time exploring Nakatsugawa-juku. Nakatsugawa-juku, the historic centre of Nakatsugawa, was the 45th station on the Nakasendō (more on this later) and is a nice place for an afternoon stroll. The streets are lined with historic buildings, there is a museum about the history of the area and there are shops selling traditional Japanese sweets. 

Hazama sake brewery - You can’t visit the brewery itself but you can have a free tasting and purchase sake here. We tried five different kinds of sake and although the staff didn’t speak English, they do have a leaflet explaining the sake making process. Look out for the sake barrels in front of the shop in Nakatsugawa-juku. 

Note: Japan has zero tolerance drink driving laws!

day 3 - Mino

Mino is most famous for washi (decorative paper) and udatsu roofed houses. Udatsu were originally designed as a form of fire prevention but were also a way for merchants to show off their wealth.

Admire the udatsu roofed houses in Mino's historic district, which is also home to several sights worth exploring.

• Mino Washi Lantern Art Gallery - Every October there is a lantern festival which sees the streets of the historic district lined with washi paper lanterns in all kinds of shapes and designs. The art gallery displays some of the past winning lanterns and is laid out in a way that effectively recreates the atmosphere of the festival. I was amazed by the intricacy of some of the lanterns and we practically had the whole gallery to ourselves.
• Former Imai Family Residence - Around the corner from the lantern art gallery is a beautiful house that was once home to a merchant family who dealt in washi paper. The tatami rooms show you what the kitchen and office would have been like and there are displays of ikebana and calligraphy. The highlight for me was the traditional garden, complete with a suikinkutsu . A suikinkutsu is a garden ornament which makes a musical sound when you pour water over stones. I had never seen one before and loved trying it out. 
• Ogura Park  - A short walk from the historic district, this park is great for a picnic or for admiring the cherry blossom in spring. 

Worth a Detour

Oyada-jinja - Tucked away in a forest, this atmospheric shrine is a 15 minute drive from the historic district. We went in the late afternoon and the only sound that broke the silence was some chirping frogs. Most of the trees surrounding the shrine are Japanese maple, making this a popular spot in the autumn.

Happa Stand - I loved how this teashop perfectly blends the traditional with the modern. The menu includes sets of matcha paired with seasonal wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets) and tea-flavoured tofu chocolates. The matcha and hōjicha lattes can be made with soy milk. They also have tea leaves and beautiful pottery for sale.

day 4 - tsukechi gorge and sunset over iwamura

Tuskechi gorge (付知峡) is probably the least well-known place in this itinerary. With waterfalls, suspension bridges and picnic areas, it makes for a relaxing day out. It's a relatively small area so you won't be walking for miles, meaning you can rest your legs a bit before the long Nakasendō walk on day 5.

Once back in Iwamura-chō, you could use this evening to stroll up to Iwamura castle gate (岩村城 表御門) to watch the sunset. It's an easy walk up the main street around the corner from Yanagiya Guesthouse and you could even walk all the way up to the castle ruins (although lots of people seem to get lost doing this). You can look down on the whole of Iwamura-chō from the open space next to the castle gate and the sunset certainly didn't disappoint. 

day 5 - walking the nakasendō -  nakatsugawa-juku, ochiai-juku and magome-juku

The Nakasendō was a route used during the Edo period (1603 - 1868) to connect Edo, which is now Tokyo, and Kyoto. As it took days to travel between the two cities, post towns known as j uku sprang up along the route offering weary travellers a much-needed place to rest. You can still walk some of the route and it's a wonderful way to see a different side of Japan.

Magome-juku to Tsumago-juku is probably the most popular section of the Nakasendō and Magome-juku was definitely the biggest and busiest post town we went to. Seeing as we were staying so close to Nakatsugawa, we decided to start in Nakatsugawa-juku, walk to Ochiai-juku and finish in Magome-juku.

The walk was full of surprises - we were invited to join a hanami party by a group of elderly Japanese men (who were already quite merry by late morning), we were shown how ninjas protected their masters in the Ochiai-juku Honjin and we discovered a small forest shrine that Totoro would have felt right at home in. 

There is a sign for the start of the walk to Ochiai-juku on the main road that leads from Nakatsugawa station to Nakatsugawa-juku. From here you follow the Nakasendō trail markers. The markers are mostly in Japanese, so it's definitely worth trying to remember the following kanji 中山道. Another thing to look out for is the kind of speckled paving that marks most of this part of the Nakasendō. 

Almost all of the walk is paved but there are some fairly steep hills, especially between Nakatsugawa-juku and Ochiai-juku.

The Ochiai-juku Honjin, a house that noble men and women would stay in as they travelled the Nakasendō, is well worth a look. It is run by volunteers who will happily show you around, although English is limited. Note: it is only open on Sundays.

Follow the speckled road!

Ochiai-juku Honjin

Magome-juku has plenty of souvenir shops and cafes. We took a well-deserved rest in Hillbilly Coffee Company , a hipster cafe where coffee making is taken very seriously. As we walked further up the hill, we came across an amazing shop selling gorgeous wooden products. Some of the products were made out of a special kind of Japanese cypress which only grows in that part of the country and smells incredible.

Beautiful wooden souvenirs in Magome-juku

After exploring Magome-juku, you can take the bus all the way back to Nakatsugawa, which is also a good place to grab some dinner. We ate at Toriaezu Gohei (とりあえず吾平), opposite Nakatsugawa train station. It's a standard chain izakaya but did the job in restoring some energy after a long day of walking. 

day 6 - back to tokyo

Depending on your plans, you could drive straight back to Tokyo, or you could break up the journey with a stop in Kōfu or nearby Shōsenkyō gorge.

Central Kōfu doesn't have that many points of interest besides the castle ruins but Takeda-jinja is a lovely place to stop, with cherry blossom trees in the spring and cute souvenir shops across the street.

If you're up for some more walking, head to Shōsenkyō (昇仙峡), which is known as one of Japan's most beautiful gorges. The hiking route follows the Arakawa river and ends at Sengataki waterfall.

There you have it! A 6-day road trip itinerary in beautiful Gifu. If you want to experience both rural and city life in Japan, this trip would work great before or after a stay in Tokyo.

Have you ever been to Gifu? If not, would you like to explore this part of Japan? 

Japan Travel Tips

Getting around

If you're planning to travel around Japan, I highly recommend buying a JR Pass . The train pass can be used on all JR trains (including most bullet trains), JR buses and the JR ferry to Miyajima. Both nationwide and regional passes are available. 

I use Jorudan to check train times and plan train journeys. The website is easy to use and shows you lots of options including the fastest and cheapest routes.

If you're going to be in Japan for more than a few days, I recommend getting a rechargeable IC card such as Suica or Pasmo. Due to the global semiconductor shortage, the only IC cards currently available for tourists are Pasmo Passport and Welcome Suica . The cards can be used on public transport, at vending machines and in some shops and restaurants. 

Weather and natural disasters

I use the Japan Meteorological Agency's website to check weather forecasts and to get information and warnings about extreme weather and earthquakes.    

Learning the language

Duolingo is a useful app for learning some basic words and phrases. If you're planning a longer trip to Japan, there are more than 500 Japanese teachers offering affordable online lessons on italki .

Download my FREE Tokyo  PDF Guide

Reader Interactions

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Privacy Overview

• Shikoku / Chugoku
• Accommodation
• Entertainment
• Event Calendar
• Japankuru Originals

• A Roadtrip of Japan's Hidden Treasures
• Day 1: A Northbound Route Through Gifu
• Night 1: Fairfield by Marriott Gifu Takayama Shirakawa Go
• Day 2: A Winding Path Past Gero Onsen
• Night 2: Fairfield by Marriott Gifu Mino
• Back to Nagoya

Gifu Road Trip: Traditional Villages, Hot Springs, and Comfortable Hotels in Gifu's Countryside

Start with a Castle View at Gujo Hachiman Castle

Thatched Roofs & a Local Lunch at Shirakawago

Relax Among the Flowers at Hirugano Kogen

Dinner & Hot Springs at Road Station Sakura-no-Sato Shokawa

A Morning Exploring Takayama

Footbaths & Streetfood in Gero Onsen

See Art Brought to Life at “Monet's Pond”

Samurai Swords & Kitchen Knives at Seki Hamono Museum

Edo Architecture & Light Art in Mino

• I'm so bored staying home! What Japanese things can I do while I'm stuck inside? First things first: lots of zoos and aquariums in Japan are posting their cutest content on twitter right now, so don't miss it! 😄 But you can also read some manga in Japanese for free (like Bleach, Naruto, and One Piece!), watch Detective Conan on youtube for free (in Japanese), and then check out some good Japanese movies (with subtitles) all over the internet. Stay safe!
• What is your favorite thing(s) to buy at Muji? Normally I think the little things at Muji are the best - simple, appealing stationery and so on... but I recently bought some sheets on sale there, and those are pretty nice too! hahahaFor travelers looking for some souvenirs, things like bags of traditional Japanese snacks might be fun. Do you have a favorite thing from Muji?
• When will Disneyland reopen? According to the official Tokyo Disneyland website, they're closed until further notice, so there is no official date right now! Since Tokyo is currently in coronavirus lockdown, Disneyland probably won't reopen very soon. You can always check this list of closed facilities in Tokyo to see what's closed and what's open! They'll probably announce an opening date when the situation with COVID-19 calms down.
• What would you say is the best type of sushi to get in japan? Specialty rolls aren’t really a Japanese thing; fancy maki sushi (rolls) with lots of fillings and topping are pretty rare in Japan! They’re really more like American-Japanese or wherever-Japanese food. 😉   But if you love some really high quality nigiri sushi (simple sliced fish, etc on top of a nugget of rice) then you’ll find some good stuff in Japan. I think the best route is often to find a shop with a good reputation and then try their omakase, so whatever the sushi chef recommends that day! It can also be fun to try like a maguro (tuna) tasting plate, with various cuts (everything from lean “red meat” to really fatty otoro).
• What would be the best food that you would want to eat when you come back to Japan? Oh, by the way, my favourite is Soba noodles. Especially cold ones!

• About JAPANKURU
• Privacy Policy
• Global Daily Co., Ltd.

• Tours & Experiences
• Tailor-made Trips
• Bahasa Indonesia

We are happy to see you again!

Continue with

Or use email.

No Account? Create one

Create account

Already have an account? Sign in

Quickly Sign up with

I agree to Japan Travel's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . Terms of--> and acknowledge that Japan Travel's Privacy--> applies to me.-->

Email reset password link

Please check your inbox and click the link we will send to you.

Scenic Shirakawa-go and Gero's hot springs

Top attractions in gifu.

Monet's Pond

Eihoji Temple

Trip To Yoro Town, Gifu Prefecture

A Therapeutic Day in Gero Onsen

Around gifu.

Nakatsugawa

“The Kiso Road is all in the mountains.” “Spring is slow coming to my mountain home” - Toson Shimazaki wrote when describing the area around his home in the modern day Nakatsugawa in his..

Takayama is the largest city in the northern region of Hida. Though its population is only 92,000, the area is 2,177.67 km2 which is only 10 km2 smaller than Tokyo but with a fraction of the population...

This small community nestled between Gujo City and Seki City grew from a sleepy river port into a world renowned producer of Mino Washi, Japanese paper, and preserver of its old downtown are..

Located in the center of Honshu, Gifu Prefecture (岐阜県, Gifu-ken ) has the distinction of being the place that changed modern Japanese history forever - the Battle of Sekigahara took place in 1600 in the Gifu town of the same name.

Tokugawa Ieyasu emerged victorious, he and his successors ruled Japan for the next 268 years virtually unchallenged, Japan closed its doors to foreign trade, and Edo (present day Tokyo) became the major city of the country. Sekigahara aside, Gifu still has more than plenty to offer.

Shirakawa-go , a World Heritage Site, is beautiful all year round but especially breathtaking in the winter, while Gero Onsen is also a popular destination. Can’t make it to Kyoto ? Try visiting Takayama , affectionately nicknamed “Little Kyoto.” Kuri-kinton, a chestnut sweet, is the local delicacy, but if you have room to splurge definitely have some Hida beef!

• Things to Do in Gifu

Gifu Top 10

• Recommended

Finding Culinary Treasures Along the Maze River

Gero Onsen's Ryokan From Edo Period

Sakura Season at Usuzumi Park

Kusakabe Mingei-kan

Restaurant Ebisu in Takayama

The Battle of Sekigahara

Takayama’s Karakuri Museum

Tejikara Fire Festival

Furukawa Festival

Mino Festival

Fairytale Winter Tour: Shirakawa-Go

Sekigahara Battlefield

Summertime in Shirakawago

A Stay at the Kazeya Ryokan

Sunomata, The One Night Castle

Upcoming gifu events.

Slug Festival 2024

A festival in rural Nakatsugawa dedicated to a monk and a mystery of nature on the anniversary of a death connected to forbidden..

Where to eat in Gifu

Enjoy delicious Chinese, Japanese and vegetarian food at lovely Heianraku, a cozy restaurant in Takayama.

A cozy little handmade soba shop only five minutes from Nakatsugawa station by foot.

Restaurant Ebisu in Takayama - handmade soba since 1898 in a beautifully preserved building in Takayama's historical merchant..

Places to stay in Gifu

A Stay at the Kazeya Ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn in the heart of Gifu's Hida Mountain Range.

Hot Springs & Green in Hirayu Onsen

Okuhida Onsen – nature and hot springs in gorgeous Gifu

Nodaniya Gasshou-Zukuri

Nodaniya Gasshou-Zukuri-A traditional Japanese farmhouse stay at Shirakawago

Latest Gifu Reports

With deep history, unique culture, delicious food and stunning nature, Yoro is the perfect spot for a taste of “real Japan.”

With its rejuvenating qualities, it is hard to believe that Gero is only 90 minutes away from Nagoya. Gero is a treat for nature..

Hot springs are one of the most beloved spots across Japan, and there are tons of onsen facilities in a volcanically active country...

Let us know how we can help.

Gifu Road Trip Part 2: Gujo City and Shirakawa-go

August 22, 2014 - gifu road trip part 2: gujo city and shirakawa-go.

Picking up from after we left spooky cave #2, we drove to Gujo City, parked the car, and headed up the mountain to the castle. As we walked, we enjoyed the river running along side the street and were able to soak our feet multiple times. There are numerous areas with drinking water available to keep hydrated as well. It was hot and humid, and the path to the castle is up a mountain half on the same road cars pass up, and half steep stairs. The castle itself is a replica, and there isn't a lot to it, but it has a great view of the surrounding area. We were too late for it, but you can buy a combination ticket to both the castle and the city museum, where demonstrations of the Gujo Odori dances are given hourly from about 11-3. August is actually the month of the Gujo Odori, but while originally I was hoping to stay in the are and watch that night's dance, we ended up moving on to Shirakawa-go instead.

Gujo is known for its food replicas, but we decided to skip a visit and just move on to Shirakawa-go. We arrived at Shirakawa-go just as things started to close. We had hoped to grab dinner, but even the restaurants close early, presumably because anyone just visiting is gone by 5pm, and anyone staying will get dinner where they stay. Still, we were able to look around and enjoy the late sun a bit before it went behind the mountains. Shirakawa-go is probably beautiful in every season, but while winter is an idea time to visit because of the light up, summer among the rice fields is also really nice! Maybe I'll get the opportunity to see both!

Part 1 featured Gifu City and Otaki caves, and part 3 follows with Takayama. For more info on Gotochi Prefecture postcards: postacollect.wordpress.com My personal blog: travelsandtanbo.wordpress.com

Riding Japan’s ‘New Golden Route’: Mountainous Gifu, Nagano and Gunma

Feb 17, 2021 • 8 min read

A wild monkey enters a hot spring in Nagano © Kiyoshi Hijiki / Getty Images

Sponsored by

If you want to veer away from Japan’s well-worn tourist trails, head for the ‘New Golden Route’ on the Shinkansen (bullet train). This route connects the major cities of Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka with both the Joetsu and Hokuriku regions on the Sea of Japan coast and the hinterlands of central Honshu, Japan’s main island. (To make the most of this train route, consider the all-access Hokuriku Arch Pass.)  

The central, mountainous region of Honshu is often overlooked by international visitors. But to the west of Tokyo, three prefectures which form the spine of the country – Gunma, Nagano, and Gifu – are steeped in unique regional culture, from picturesque hot springs resorts to post towns on the old Nakasendo trail and World Heritage villages. 

To get the flavor of these three regions, check out our five-day central Japan itinerary (with a day six option), all a part of the New Golden Route:   

Riding Japan’s ‘New Golden Route’: The vibrant cities of Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka

Gunma (Day 1)

Kick your trip off at Daimonya in Takasaki City, a little less than an hour from central Tokyo on the Hokuriku Shinkansen. Takasaki is the home of daruma dolls – paper-mâché depictions of Bodhidharma, the founder of Zen Buddhism. At Daimonya, fourth-generation master craftsman Junichi Nakata makes around 70,000 of these good-luck talismans annually, some of which are as big as 75cm-tall. On a guided tour, watch Nakata paint daruma with lightning efficiency, and try your hand at crafting your own take-home talisman.

Another 65 minutes by local train (or 15 minutes by Shinkansen, but not via the Hokuriku Arch Pass) will bring you to Minakami, a town residing in the palm of towering peaks, and a prime location for adventure sports. Select one of the many canyoning tours to chart a course through tumbling waterfalls and up steep rock walls, or take to the gushing waters of the Tone River for some whitewater rafting .

Minakami has also been dubbed the ‘Water Shangri-La’ due to its bountiful geothermal water resources. There are 18 onsen (hot springs) in the town alone, along with ryokan (traditional inns) with private rotenburo (outdoor baths) in the rooms. Keisetsu no Yado Syoubun and MICASA are great one-night stay options. For other accommodations, including traditional ryokan inns, resorts and hotels, Visit Gunma has a list of certified “ Gunma Excellence ” choices on its web site.

Gunma (Day 2)

You’ve got two options for day two in Gunma. Both are picturesque onsen towns equidistant (in terms of travel time) from your next destination, Nagano City, though they each have their own distinct vibe.

Option 1: Kusatsu Onsen

Kusatsu Onsen consistently tops charts as Japan’s best onsen town. Situated 1,200 meters above sea level, the local springs collectively churn out a whopping 32,300 liters of water per minute. Said water has highly acidic properties, making it particularly adept at eradicating microorganisms on the skin.

Kusatsu Onsen is a few hours from Minakami, so you may want a full day to unwind here. The town loops around a giant hot water field, the yubatake , which collects and cools the superheated water and suffuses the crisp mountain air with the unique smell of sulphur and a constant babble.

Take a stroll around the yubatake, where you can find several souvenir shops and ryokans, before pausing to sink your feet into one of the public footbaths. Afterwards, check out the dining options at Yugawa Terrasse , try okkirikomi , a warm local dish made of wide, raw noodles simmered in a soy sauce or miso-based soup, or drink hot nihonshu (rice wine) from the bar at Daitokan hotel (where you can also lay your head for the evening). Other accommodation options can be found through the Gunma Excellence program.

Option 2: Shima Onsen

Shima Onsen, is a quiet mountain town around two hours from Minakami via public transport. For the crowd-weary traveler, Shima is likely to be less crowded than Kusatsu, making it perfect for a full-day of R&R.

Go for a stroll around the town and along the river admiring its old-world aesthetic. The wood and tile buildings sit amid the forest, casting their gaze from the high banks of the Shima River’s upper reaches. For accommodation, a kaiseki meal (traditional Japanese cuisine), and a hot spring soak, Sekizenkan is one of the best options. First constructed in the late 17th century, the ryokan is now famous for its red-bridged entrance that resembles the setting of Studio Ghibli’s classic animated film, Spirited Away . 

Riding Japan’s ‘New Golden Route’: Traditional Niigata, Shiga and Saitama

Nagano (Day 3)

Head for Nagano City in the morning, approximately three hours from Kusatsu and Shima Onsens respectively via public transport – both routes will take you through Takasaki Station, from where you can hop on the Hokuriku Shinkansen direct to Nagano Station which helps to streamline the second half of the journey. 

Make a beeline for Zenko-ji , a gold-trimmed Buddhist temple perched regally atop the city. The temple is famous for its founder, Yoshimitsu Honda, a pioneer of women’s rights to worship, who supposedly carried a bust of Buddha from Osaka to this location in the 7th century.

Walk along Zenko-ji’s old flagstone high street and into the temple courtyard where the smell of burning incense drifts with the breeze. Make sure you head into the main hall to gawk at its lofty ceiling inscribed with artwork and tapestries carved into the walls. Keeping to the theme for lunch, consider Fuchinobo near the temple precinct which serves shojin ryori (plant-based Zen monk cuisine).  

Make the two-hour journey via local train to Azumino, a town of wasabi farms, rice paddies and toothy mountain backdrops. Rent a bicycle from Shinano-an and head for Hotaka Shrine , hidden within a grove of giant pines and cedars and home to roaming bands of wild chickens. Next pop over to the sprawling Daio Wasabi Farm , for freshly-plucked wasabi root or wasabi-based ice cream. On the other side of town, you can cycle to a hot spring footbath looking down over Azumino from the foot of the Northern Alps.

Staying in Matsumoto, a 30-minute train ride away, is recommended. Ryokan Sugimoto and Onsen Hotel Omoto are hip Japanese-Western fusion hotels with outdoor onsens.

Nagano/Gifu (Day 4)

Matsumoto is a small yet lively city sitting in a valley under gaze of the Northern Alps. In the morning, rent a public bike for free at Sui Sui Town near Matsumoto Station to get a real flavor of the city’s diverse cultural landscape.

Matsumoto Castle , constructed toward the end of the Sengoku, or Warring States, era (1467 – 1615) should be your first stop. Park your bike and head to the top of the main keep – one of only 12 original keeps left in Japan – for views of the city unfurling towards the mountains.

Next head to the Matsumoto City Museum of Art , making a brief detour through the charming former merchant district, Nakamachi . The museum is unmissable: splattered in polka dots and fronted by huge psychedelic flower sculptures, both of which bear the unmistakable artistic signature of Yayoi Kusama . The nonagenarian artist was born in Matsumoto in 1929 and the City Art Museum is a homage to her life’s work.

Stop at the six-generations old Ishii Miso Brewery for a miso soup lunch before returning your bike and hopping on the 90-minute train to Narai-juku, an old post town on the Nakasendo trail which connected Tokyo and Kyoto during the Edo Period (1603 – 1868).  

Admire the ancient buildings of the town dubbed ‘Narai of a Thousand Houses’, and the autumnal colors blazing across the hillsides if the season is right, then make tracks for Takayama in Gifu Prefecture. This journey could take up to four hours, so book yourself into Takayama Green Hotel , where you can enjoy a kaiseki meal (traditional multi-course cuisine) and a late-night onsen.

Riding Japan’s ‘New Golden Route’: The artisans of Toyama, Ishikawa and Fukui

Gifu (Day 5)

Start your day in Takayama at the Miyagawa Morning Market , where stalls known for their locally produced vegetables and fruits, traditional crafts, and ichigo daifuku (strawberries covered in mochi , sticky rice) line the river. Don’t forget to sample the delectable hida beef nigiri sushi. Furthermore, several shops in the area offer kimono rental services, if you want to eat your way through the old town market dressed like the samurai of yore. 

Hop on the one-hour bus from central Takayama to Shirakawa-go, a picture-book village of gassho-zukuri (thatched roof) houses high up in the Ryohaku Mountains. A village plaque states, ‘To live in the steep mountains is to live in Paradise on Earth,’ which indicates how prepossessing this UNESCO World Heritage village can be.

Stroll through the fairy-tale townscape, stopping at the Gasshozukuri Minkaen Folk Museum where you can sip sweet zenzai soup, made from adzuki beans and mochi, in front of a crackling brazier. For something more substantial, Coffee House Sato, offers make-your-own rice ball cooking classes. 

Finish the day at Onyado Yuinosho , an elegant ryokan on the outskirts of Shirakawa-go. A kaiseki dinner and breakfast is included, as is a complimentary supper of ramen once you've had a few beers and regained your ‘second stomach’.  

Day 6 Option

If you have time the following day consider heading to the Shinhotaka Ropeway, two and a half hours by bus from Shirakawa-go. This gondola system carries visitors up to 6,500 feet above sea level, offering sprawling views of the Northern Alps, which earned it two stars in the Michelin Green Guide to Japan. The closest city to Shirakawa-go and Shinhotaka Ropeway on the New Golden Route is Takayama, which is directly connected to Toyama, Gifu and other Shinkansen cities via local trains.

For more information on the New Golden Route, check out a downloadable brochure .

Sponsored by Hokuriku-Shin’etsu District Transport Bureau, JR West and JR East

As a travel entertainment and inspirational media outlet, we sometimes incorporate brand sponsors into our efforts. This activity is clearly labeled across our platforms.

This story was crafted collaboratively between Hokuriku-Shin’etsu District Transport Bureau, JR West and JR East and Lonely Planet. Both parties provided research and curated content to produce this story. We disclose when information isn’t ours.

With sponsored content, both Lonely Planet and our brand partners have specific responsibilities:

Brand partner

Determines the concept, provides briefing, research material, and may provide feedback.

Lonely Planet

We provide expertise, firsthand insights, and verify with third-party sources when needed.

Explore related stories

Tips & Advice

Mar 4, 2023 • 8 min read

John Walton winds his way through the mountainous Japanese countryside on the charming Hida train.

Mar 16, 2021 • 6 min read

Jul 11, 2017 • 6 min read

May 10, 2017 • 6 min read

Dec 10, 2013 • 5 min read

Feb 17, 2021 • 7 min read

May 14, 2012 • 4 min read

34 Best Stops Between Gifu and Toyama

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

How long is the drive from Gifu to Toyama?

The direct drive from Gifu to Toyama is 122 mi (197 km) , and should have a drive time of 2 hrs 36 mins in normal traffic.

If you’re going on a road trip from Gifu to Toyama, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with Takayama , Shirakawa-mura , Inuyama , and Tateyama-machi , as well as top places to visit like Inuyama Castle and Little World, or the ever-popular Inuyamajomae Information Centre.

Top cities between Gifu and Toyama

Shirakawa-go.

Best stops along Gifu to Toyama drive

Inuyamajomae information centre.

Inuyama Castle

Little world, toki premium outlets, roadside station obaachan-ichi yamaoka.

Track your travel spending and split costs with friends

Plan your trip. Keep your budget organized. Split the cost between tripmates. Wanderlog does it all.

Ena Valley Cruise

Minoshirakawa golf club, gujo hachiman castle town plaza, gujo hachiman castle, gero onsen gassho-mura, pascal kiyomi auto camping ground, mount ontake, hida no sato open air museum.

Takayama Jinya

Don’t forget to pack anything

Stay organized with a to-do list, packing list, shopping list, any kind of list.

Sanmachi Suji

Miyagawa morning markets, takayama matsuri yatai kaikan, road station sky dome kamioka, taisho ike pond, kappabashi public toilet (tips toilet), myōjin first pond, shinhotaka ropeway, ushidake onsen ski resort, arimine dam.

All travel reservations in 1 place

Never dig through your emails again — access all your flights, lodging, and any reservations in 1 place.

Chihiro Art Museum Azumino

Takaoka great buddha, toyama city local history museum (toyama castle), toyama city hall observation tower, amaharashi station, other popular road trips from gifu, explore nearby places.

• Funahashi-mura
• Kamiichi-machi
• Tateyama-machi
• Nyuzen-machi
• Tsubata-machi
• Hodatsushimizu-cho
• Nakanoto-machi
• Asahi-machi
• Uchinada-machi
• Chubu-Sangaku National Park
• Shika-machi
• Hakuba-mura
• Shirakawa-mura

All related maps of Toyama

• Map of Toyama
• Map of Funahashi-mura
• Map of Kamiichi-machi
• Map of Namerikawa
• Map of Imizu
• Map of Takaoka
• Map of Uozu
• Map of Tonami
• Map of Himi
• Map of Kurobe
• Map of Tateyama-machi
• Map of Oyabe
• Map of Nanto
• Map of Nyuzen-machi
• Map of Tsubata-machi
• Map of Hodatsushimizu-cho
• Map of Nakanoto-machi
• Map of Asahi-machi
• Map of Hakui
• Map of Nanao
• Map of Kahoku
• Map of Uchinada-machi
• Map of Hida
• Map of Chubu-Sangaku National Park
• Map of Kanazawa
• Map of Shika-machi
• Map of Hakuba-mura
• Map of Nonoichi
• Map of Hakusan
• Map of Shirakawa-mura
• Map of Omachi

Toyama throughout the year

• Toyama in January
• Toyama in February
• Toyama in March
• Toyama in April
• Toyama in May
• Toyama in June
• Toyama in July
• Toyama in August
• Toyama in September
• Toyama in October
• Toyama in November
• Toyama in December

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Toyama?

Get inspired for your trip to Toyama with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

• 1-Day Toyama Itinerary
• 2-Day Toyama Itinerary
• 3-Day Toyama Itinerary
• 4-Day Toyama Itinerary
• 5-Day Toyama Itinerary

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i drive from gifu to toyama.

Yes! You can drive from Gifu to Toyama.

How far is Toyama from Gifu by car?

The drive from Gifu to Toyama is 122 miles (197 km).

How long does it take to drive from Gifu to Toyama?

Driving from Gifu to Toyama should take you 2 hrs 36 mins in normal traffic.

How much would gas cost from Gifu to Toyama?

Gas from Gifu to Toyama would cost around $11 to $25 , depending on your vehicle's fuel efficiency.

Where should I stop on the way from Gifu to Toyama?

You could check out Inuyama Castle and Little World, or the always popular Inuyamajomae Information Centre!

What are the best cities to visit between Gifu and Toyama?

People love visiting Takayama, Shirakawa-mura, and Inuyama, among others.

What's the weather like in Gifu?

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Gifu in January
• Weather in Gifu in February
• Weather in Gifu in March
• Weather in Gifu in April
• Weather in Gifu in May
• Weather in Gifu in June
• Weather in Gifu in July
• Weather in Gifu in August
• Weather in Gifu in September
• Weather in Gifu in October
• Weather in Gifu in November
• Weather in Gifu in December

What are some other road trips from Gifu?

There are plenty! Below you'll find links to all the road trips we've assembled for Gifu.

• Gifu to Kyoto drive
• Gifu to Tokyo drive
• Gifu to Osaka drive
• Gifu to Kanazawa drive
• Gifu to Seoul drive
• Gifu to Hakone-machi drive
• Gifu to Hiroshima drive
• Gifu to Takayama drive
• Gifu to Matsumoto drive
• Gifu to Kamakura drive
• Gifu to Ise drive
• Gifu to Himeji drive
• Gifu to Fukuoka drive
• Gifu to Sapporo drive
• Gifu to Fujikawaguchiko-machi drive
• Gifu to Kobe drive
• Gifu to Taito drive
• Gifu to Nikko drive
• Gifu to Busan drive
• Gifu to Hamamatsu drive
• Gifu to Shizuoka drive
• Gifu to Nagasaki drive
• Gifu to Karuizawa-machi drive
• Gifu to Koya-cho drive
• Gifu to Nagano drive
• Gifu to Okayama drive
• Gifu to Toyama drive
• Gifu to Hakodate drive
• Gifu to Takamatsu drive
• Gifu to Matsuyama drive

• Itinerary + map in one view
• Live collaboration
• Auto-import hotels and reservations
• Optimize your route
• Offline access on mobile
• See time and distance between all your places

• Plan a Road Trip
• Plan a Flight
• Find an Airport
• Where to Stay
• All Questions

Osaka to Gifu drive

Osaka to gifu road trip planner.

Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from Osaka to Gifu. If you're planning a road trip to Gifu, you can research locations to stop along the way. Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. Find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions based on the most talked about places recommended by Trippy members.

10:00 am  start in Osaka drive for about 51 minutes

10:51 am   Kyoto stay for about 1.5 hours and leave at 12:21 pm drive for about 53 minutes

1:14 pm   Hikone stay for about 1 hour and leave at 2:14 pm drive for about 53 minutes

3:07 pm   Nagoya stay for about 1 hour and leave at 4:07 pm drive for about 46 minutes

4:52 pm   Mino stay for about 1 hour and leave at 5:52 pm drive for about 44 minutes

6:36 pm  arrive in Gifu

driving ≈ 4 hours

Where should I stop along the way?

Kyoto   (121 answers)     Kinkaku-ji   (18 mentions)     Kiyomizu-Dera   (10 mentions)     Fushimi Inari Taisha   (10 mentions)     Kiyomizu-dera Temple   (6 mentions)     Arashiyama   (6 mentions)     restaurants around Kyoto:         Unchikuya Nuku     questions about Kyoto:         What area should we stay in Kyoto for 2/3 nights?         Weird things to do?         One week in Kyoto enough?         In Kyoto for Two Days: what to do & where to eat?         Best season to visit Fushimi Inari at night? Hikone Nagoya   (9 answers)     questions about Nagoya:         Where to find real local food in and around Nagoya?         Internet (sim or portable wi-fi) Mino

What are some things to do in Gifu?

This section could be endless, so rather than trying to suggest every local activity or attraction, we'll leave it open-ended.

Of course, Trippy is the perfect place to ask questions because there's an entire community of travelers talking to each other and sharing tips and advice. Trippy is where you can get answers personalized for your tastes, budgets, trip dates & more!

Click the button below to explore more questions and answers related to Gifu.

Do I really have to go back home?

Yes, even this step is optional, because if you're on vacation who wants the trip to end? It's okay, you can start planning your next trip!

Want to plan the trip back? Get the reverse directions for a Gifu to Osaka drive , or go to the main page to plan a new road trip .

Looking for ideas for more destinations within driving distance of Osaka? Try searching for places within 2.5 hours of Osaka .

You can also compare the travel time if you're flying or driving by calculating the distance from Osaka to Gifu . Or get a full Osaka to Gifu flight plan .

Don't forget about exploring your own hometown with a staycation. You can also find some cool day trips or get away for a weekend.

And if you know Osaka well, please help your fellow travelers and answer their questions about Osaka!

More info on this route:

road conditions from Osaka to Gifu

places to eat

alternate routes

Google driving directions

• Destinations
• Travel Tips
• Travel With Us
• Paid Travel Internship
• TTIFridays (Community Events)
• SG Travel Insider (Telegram Grp)

Day Trips from Nagoya — Gateway to the Hidden Gems of Mie and Gifu Prefectures

These exciting day trips from Nagoya are full of must-go adventures !

Meoto Iwa (Wedded rocks) in the south of Nagoya. Photo credit: Mie Prefectural Government

Japan always excites me. There’s so much to check out: Fascinating culture, intricate buildings, and amazing food everywhere! But while I enjoy wandering around the city, the neon signs and high-rise buildings can get repetitive.

Don’t miss the illumination show at Nabana no Sato! Photo credit: Nagashima Resort

If you find yourself feeling the same in Nagoya, it’s time to get out! Luckily, the city is a gateway for invigorating experiences within Central Japan. In the south, you’ll find Japan’s most worshipped shrine in Ise. Meanwhile, the north is home to dreamy snow villages in Shirakawa-go.

No matter where you go, these day trips from Nagoya will surely bring fresh experiences.

A bridge at the Ise Grand Shrine in the south of Nagoya. Photo credit: Mie Prefectural Government

Mie Prefecture (South of Nagoya)

For culture and history, swing by the charming Mie Prefecture! It’s home to Japan’s most revered shrine. It’s also where the Iga-style  ninja  was birthed, so your childhood dream of being a ninja  can finally come true! 🤩

1) Kuwana 

Hours from Nagoya: Less than 1 Train: Kintetsu Railway Line or JR Line to Nagashima Station or Kuwana Station.

Explore: Nabana no Sato

Nabana no Sato is perfect for nature lovers. The flower park is one of the largest botanical gardens in the region, with an abundance of seasonal flora and fauna.

Illumination tunnel at Nabana no Sato. Photo credit: Nagashima Resort

If you’re visiting between mid-October to May, check out the park’s illumination displays ! The millions of LED lights are a breathtaking sight that’ll surely brighten your night.

Entrance Fee: From ¥2,300 Opening Hours: 9AM – 9PM, closes 10PM on weekends and PH How to get there: Take Kintetsu Line to Kuwana station. Then, take a local bus bound for Nabana no Sato. A one-way journey costs ¥250. Service changes during the illumination period

Eat: Hamaguri Clams

Hamaguri clams. Photo credit: Mie Prefectural Government

Kuwana is especially famous for hamaguri (oriental clams). It’s a type of seawater clam with a soft texture and rich, salty flavour. It can be found everywhere in Kuwana, but one of the best places to try this speciality is at Kakiyasu Ryotei Honten .

Do: Dive into Nagashima Spa Land 

Steel Dragon 2000 rollercoaster. Photo credit: Nagashima Resort

Trading the city for thrills and shrills is always a good idea! Nagashima Spa Land is a huge amusement park with rides and attractions for all ages. It’s not as famous as Fuji-Q , but it packs a hefty punch.

Rollercoaster fanatics shouldn’t miss Steel Dragon 2000, the world’s longest rollercoaster. Riders can look forward to four minutes of adrenaline highs and near-100m drops!

Another must-ride is Hakugei (White Whale). Opened in March 2019, it’s Japan’s first hybrid rollercoaster that’s made up of wood and steel. You’re in for a whale of a time as the rollercoaster speeds through steep 80º slopes and twisted tracks!

Cost: ¥5,200 for unlimited amusement park rides Opening Hours: Varies How to get there: Take Kintetsu Line to Kuwana station. Then, take the shuttle bus to Nagashima Spa Land. A one-way journey costs ¥500

2) Matsusaka

Hours from Nagoya: 1.5 Train: Kintetsu Yamada Line or JR Line to Matsusaka Station.

Eat: Premium Matsusaka Beef 

Matusaka beef is one of Japan’s finest beef! Photo credit: ©Matsusaka City/©JNTO

Everyone knows about Kobe, but the Mie Prefecture holds something equally amazing: Matsusaka Beef .

This high-grade brand of beef is often said to be Japan’s best — praised for its delicate marbling and superior taste. The cattle are raised in the city, fed beer(!), and have to meet strict standards. Basically, quality. 👌

Explore: Matsusaka Castle Ruins

Stroll around the Matsusaka Castle Ruins. Photo credit: Chris Ryall

The Matsusaka Castle Ruins is a great place to visit to understand the city’s past. Roaming around the park, you’ll find towering stone walls and its remaining samurai residences.

There’s also an onsite museum that features photos of the castle’s complete structure.

Entrance Fee: Free (museum entry costs ¥100) Opening Hours: 24 hours (museum opens 9AM – 4PM) How to get there: From Matsusaka Station, walk 15 minutes

Do: Cotton Weaving at Matsusaka Cotton Centre

Weave cotton with a traditional loom at the Matsusaka Cotton Centre. Photo credit: ©Matsusaka City/©JNTO

Matsusaka is also well-known for its indigo cotton . During the Edo period (about 200 – 300 years ago), the material was a popular fabric for kimonos due to its softness and intricate patterns.

At the Matsusaka Cotton Centre , try your hand at the age-old craft. Sign up for a short workshop, where you’ll learn how to use a traditional loom to weave cotton. Bookings must be made three days in advance .

Cost: ¥1,300 (one-hour course) How to get there: From Matsusaka station, walk 10 minutes

Hours from Nagoya: 2 Train: Kintetsu Railway Line to Ujiyamada/Isuzugawa Station, or JR Line to Iseshi Station.

See: The Romantic Meoto Iwa

The Meoto Iwa rocks are still a better story than Twilight. Photo credit: ©JNTO

Meoto Iwa is a famous landmark in Japan. Located near the coastline, the “wedded rocks” consist of a large and small rock, representing husband and wife. The two are connected by a shimenawa (sacred rope), estimated to weigh at least a ton.

It’s a popular photo-taking spot for couples as the rocks represent marriage.

How to get there: From Iseshi Station, take the JR Sangu Line to Futaminoura Station. Then, walk 20 minutes

Explore: Ise Grand Shrine

The Ise Shrine. Photo credit: Mie Prefectural Government

The Ise Shrine is considered as one of Japan’s most revered Shinto shrines. The complex houses over 100 shrines, including an inner and outer shrine that are dedicated to two goddesses.

It’s a peaceful and spiritual sanctuary, perfect for prayers and relaxing strolls.

Entrance Fee: Free Opening Hours: 5AM, closing time varies How to get there: From JR Iseshi station, walk 10 minutes to the outer shrine. To get to the inner shrine, walk for 40 minutes from Isuzugawa Station or take a bus from Ujiyamada/Isuzugawa Station. The fare costs ¥180 – ¥430

Do: Shop around Oharai-machi and Okage Yokocho

Oharai-machi Street. Photo credit: Allabout-japan.com

Located next to the inner shrine, Oharai-machi and Okage Yokocho are famous shopping streets. Shops sell local cuisine, snacks, and handmade crafts, and are housed in traditional buildings from the 19th Century or earlier.

Eat: Local Ise Specialities

Ise udon . Photo credit: Wikimedia.org

Complete your Nagoya day trips with some local specialities! Tuck into delicious Ise udon — thick wheat noodles served in a sauce made from tamari soy sauce and sweet sake . There are also succulent Ise-Ebi lobsters (Japanese spiny lobsters) for seafood lovers.

Tea with akafuku mochi . Photo credit: Mie Prefectural Government

Desserts-wise, grab some akafuku mochi . This “inside out” confectionery is unique to the region, with smooth red azuki bean paste encasing the soft mochi . It’s a simple yet delightful treat that’s popular with the Japanese.

Hours from Nagoya: 2 Train: Kintetsu Railway Line to Toba Station.

Explore: Toba Aquarium 

The Toba Aquarium is the only one in Japan where you can see a dugong. Photo credit: Iseshima-kanko.jp

One of the largest aquariums in Japan, the Toba Aquarium houses many different types of sea creatures like sea lions, otters, and walruses. It also houses the mysterious dugong — a creature said to inspire mermaid legends!

Entrance Fee: ¥2,500 Opening Hours: Varies How to get there: From Toba Station, walk for 10 minutes. Alternatively, take Kintetsu-Shima Line to Nakanogo Station, then walk for 2 minutes

See: The Ama in Action

No, they’re not just someone’s grandmother. The ama are actually Japanese women who free-dive to hunt for shellfish like abalone, or pearls. It’s an impressive tradition that’s over 2000 years old, and still alive and kicking!

To watch the ama in action, head to Mikimoto Pearl Island . The island’s museum showcases the ama ‘s history and pearl cultivation. There, you can also watch the ama perform hourly free-dives to harvest oysters and other seafood. There’s also a wide variety of pearl jewellery for sale.

Alternatively, meet the Ama in person! Hachiman Kamado is a rustic Ama hut-turned-restaurant. Dine on fresh seafood , cooked by the Ama , and listen to their stories. Occasionally, an English translator will be present to answer your questions.

Eat: Fresh All-You-Can-Eat Grilled Oysters

Maruzen Oyster farm offers the ultimate seafood lover’s dream: All-you-can-eat grilled oysters. There’s an 80-minute time limit, but you get to dig into as many oysters as you want. You can also to grill it to your preferred doneness. Slurp’s up! 😛

Make reservations here .

Cost: ¥2,600/pax Buffet Timings: 11AM – 12:20PM, 12:40PM – 2PM on weekdays, varies on weekends and public holidays Address: 1229-67 Uramurachō Kaki Yoko-machi, Toba, Mie 517-0025, Japan

Photo credits: Mie Prefectural Government

5) Iga and Nabari

Hours from Nagoya: 2 – 3 Train: JR Kansai Line to Iga-Ueno Station (and transit for destinations beyond).

Explore: Iga Ueno Castle

Iga Ueno Castle. Photo credit: Mieinfo.com

With massive stone walls standing 30m tall, the Iga Ueno Castle is a sight to behold.

It’s known as the “White Phoenix ( Hakuho ) castle” — thanks to its elegant, all-white exterior. Inside this museum, learn more about fascinating Samurai history.

Entrance Fee: ¥600 Opening Hours: 9AM – 4:45PM How to get there: At Iga-Ueno station, take Iga Railway to Uenoshi station. Then, walk 10 minutes

Do: Experience the Secret Life of Ninjas

Ninjas-in-training throwing shurikens at a target. Photo credit: Japan-magazine.com

If you’ve ever had a childhood dream of being a ninja , you’re in luck! Located near the Ueno Castle, the Iga-Ryu Ninja Museum teaches visitors about Iga-style ninja culture and tradition. This ranges from deception techniques, to secret codes and strategies.

There’s also an exciting ninja show that features actual weapons and moves. The best part is that you get the chance to throw real shuriken s!

Entrance Fee: ¥800 (show costs ¥500, shuriken -throwing costs ¥200) Opening Hours: 9AM – 5PM (Last entry 4:30PM, show varies ) How to get there: At Iga-Ueno station, take the Iga Railway to Uenoshi station. Then, walk ~10 minutes

See: Akame 48 Waterfalls

Akame 48 Waterfalls in Nabari. Photo credit: Japanbyjapan.com

The Akame 48 Waterfalls is the perfect respite for outdoorsy adventure-seekers. It’s located in Nabari, about 1.5 hours from Iga.

You’ll need to hike 4km to get there, but it’s worth the effort. The falls are surrounded by untouched forests, and houses wildlife such as giant salamanders.

Photo credit: Mie Prefectural Government

Interestingly, the forest is also used by ninja s for training. Keep your eyes peeled for them!

Entrance Fee: ¥400 (incl. entry to Salamander Museum ) Opening Hours: 9AM – 5PM, closes 4:30PM from Dec – Mar How to get there: From Iga-Ueno Station, take the Iga Line to Iga-Kambe Station. Change to the Kintetsu Line to Akameguchi Station. Then, head to the Akameguchi Ekimae bus stop and take bus no. 11 bound for the falls

Gifu Prefecture (North of Nagoya)

The Gifu Prefecture is best known for its scenic natural environments. It houses famous attractions, such as Shirakawa-go and Gero Hot Springs. Most travellers usually flock there in the winter, but it’s just as beautiful anytime.

Hours from Nagoya: 2 Train: JR Central Limited Express Hida to Gero Station.

Do: Soak in Gero Hot Springs

Gero is an onsen town that offers high-quality hot springs for locals and travellers alike. You’ll be spoilt for choice with the many onsen s and traditional inns ( ryokan ) scattered all over town.

To enjoy multiple onsen experiences, purchase a yumeguri tegata (spa pass) from convenience stores or the tourist office . Each pass costs ¥1,300, and grants access to three bathhouses.

There are also loads of public onsen footbaths that are free for use. Remember to bring towels to dry off after!

Photo credits: ©JNTO

Eat: Ayu (Sweetfish)

Photo credit: ©Yasufumi Nishi/©JNTO

Ayu (sweetfish) is a popular delicacy in the Gifu prefecture. It’s first covered in salt, before being roasted over an open flame. The result is a salty, crispy skin that complements the fish’s tender and sweet flesh.

Drop by Yamabiko in Gero to enjoy fresh ayu . It’s just an eight-minute walk from Gero Station, and you can stroll along a picturesque river after your meal.

7) Takayama and Around

Hours from Nagoya: 2 – 3 Train: JR Central Limited Express Hida or JR Takayama Main Line to Takayama Station.

Eat: Hida Beef Nigiri Sushi

Takayama is well-known for Hida beef . Many places sell it all over town, but one of the best ways to enjoy this treat is to have it as sushi !

Eateries like Hida Kotte Ushi and Sakaguchiya sell Hida beef nigiri sushi . You’ll get lightly-blowtorched beef and sushi rice served atop a crispy rice cracker. It’s delicate and delicious — well worth the price!

Cost: ¥500 – ¥900

Do: Shop around the Morning Markets

The Takayama Morning Market is one of Japan’s biggest. The market sprawls over two areas: Beside Miyagawa River, and in front of the Takayama Jinya (Historical Government House).

It’s a great place to shop for fresh produce, dried foods, or traditional snacks like rice crackers. There are also unique souvenirs like folk crafts and wasabi chocolate.

Opening Hours: 7AM – 12PM, opens 8AM from Dec – Mar How to get there: From Takayama Station, walk for 10 minutes towards Miyagawa River

Explore: Shirakawa-go

A UNESCO world heritage site, Shirakawa-go is an incredibly scenic mountain village. It’s famous for traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, which are built to withstand severe weather.

The best time to visit is during winter, as the village experiences a high level of snowfall. Thick blankets of snow cover the thatched roofs and floor of the village — perfectly magical 😍

How to get there: From Nagoya, take the Shirakawa-go Express Line bus from Meitetsu Bus Centre. The journey takes three hours, and costs up to ¥4,000 (booking highly recommended).

From Takayama, take a direct bus from Takayama Nohi Bus Station. The journey takes 50 minutes, and costs ¥2,000 – ¥2,600

Read also: 8-Day Japan Winter Itinerary For Less Than S$1.2k — Fox Village, Snow Monkey Park, Gassho Houses

Exploring Central Japan via Nagoya

Nagoya may not be as famous as Tokyo and Osaka , but it’d be a mistake to skip it! The city is a gateway to tons of lesser-explored gems in Central Japan.

Both the south and north of Nagoya hold plenty of wondrous Japanese cities to explore. This includes premium Matsusaka beef and badass ama in the Mie Prefecture, and the fabulous onsens in Gifu.

These spots make great day trips from Nagoya, as they’re reasonably accessible by the Kintetsu Railway Line and JR Line .

The most convenient way to get to Nagoya is to fly direct on Singapore Airlines ! It provides one of the shortest flight times from Singapore. Passengers are also in for a luxe time as they can enjoy a tranquil flight with cleaner air.

Singapore Airlines’ in-flight entertainment system will also keep you busy. KrisWorld has over 1,800 on-demand entertainment options, from blockbuster films to music. Choose wisely, because the flight time to Nagoya isn’t enough to cover them all!

Featured image photo credit: © JNTO Plane and in-flight entertainment photo credit : Singapore Airlines

Have you visited any of the locations we mentioned above? Tell us which day trips from Nagoya you enjoyed most below!

This post was brought to you by  Singapore Airlines in collaboration with Japan National Tourism Organization Singapore .

Like what you see? Follow us on  Facebook ,  Instagram , Telegram , and  YouTube  for more travel updates!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Travel Intern (@thetravelintern) on Feb 25, 2019 at 4:56am PST

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

31 New Deals and Attractions in Singapore this April 2024

Top 11 Stunning Yet Budget-Friendly Tokyo Capsule Hotels (from ~S$40/night)

Tokyo Vs Osaka: Why Are These Two Popular Japanese Cities so Different — Cultures Explained

Hiroshima and San’in Guide — Going Beyond Tokyo/Osaka to Find Japan’s Best Hidden Gems

Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea Guide (2024) — Maximise your Tokyo Disney Day with these 12 Tips and Tricks

Ultimate 2024 Cherry Blossom Japan Guide — Everything You Need to Know

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

11 Unique Things to Do in South Australia — Quirky Wineries,...

7 Boutique Hotels in Singapore For an “Out of the Country”...

How to Pay in China Without WeChat or Alipay — New...

11 Things to do in Clark, Philippines — A Quiet Adventure...

20 Things to Eat-See-Do in Sabah’s Capital Besides Climbing Mount Kinabalu

• Terms Of Use
• Privacy Policy

Day trip: A farm-inspired brunch in Stuart. A Tuscan wine shop in Hobe Sound.

When I lived in Miami, I’d drive to the upper Keys sometimes for lunch. My parents and I loved to do this, spur of the moment, drawn by the promise of fresh fish and key lime pie. For me, it was about the drive, particularly the stretch of road that ran between the ocean and the bay. That first sight of water was a much-needed segue into a more relaxed dimension.

I always remember this when I drive north on U.S. Highway 1, past Tequesta and toward Hobe Sound. The segue to chill is not a water view but the blur of preserve land that’s part of Jonathan Dickinson State Park. For a few soothing miles, there are no strip plazas or other signs of big-city life. By the time you’ve reached the first glimmers of Hobe Sound, you’ve shifted into island mode. For me, this alone is worth a day trip. 

On a recent Saturday, I took such a trip. Here are my three favorite experiences from my Palm Beach Gardens to Stuart drive.

Bridge Road: the ‘establishing shot’

Driving north on U.S. 1/Federal Highway, I wanted to double-down on the island feel. So I made a right turn on Bridge Road and took the scenic drive that is always my Hobe Sound establishing shot. In filmmaker terms, it means the shot that captures your setting and sometimes mood. Southeast Bridge Road always does just that.

Drive slowly beneath the canopy of intertwined banyan tree branches, and you’ve reached the enchanted-forest part of your day trip. Cross the Bridge Road Bridge and you’ll find another tree-lined stretch before you reach Hobe Sound Martin County Beach Park, where you can park and access the public beach. Even if you haven’t planned a beach day, you can soak up the salt air, the sun and surf. 

On this recent day trip, we only paused at the beach for a look-and-see. We had brunch plans in Stuart.

Brunch at the Colab Kitchen

You can only follow a cool spot on Instagram for so long before the food photos and funky al fresco views beckon you to visit. Stuart’s Colab Kitchen restaurant and market has been calling my name for a while now. And when I heard the farm-inspired restaurant and market had a new brunch menu, I headed north.

When I got there, I realized Colab Kitchen’s concept goes beyond the farm inspiration. It is as “farm-to-table” as you get. As you step into the spacious and modern building in downtown Stuart, you’re greeted by a kind of farmers market. You can buy freshly harvested greens from Indiantown’s Colab Farms, produce, farm eggs, fresh bread, bakery items, prepared sauces, natural toiletries and other items.

The main dining room and bar area follows in a sweep of clean lines and modern lighting over more rustic wood floors. It’s a welcoming space, both in decor and hospitality. Even though we arrived less than an hour before the end of brunch, we were greeted warmly and led to a sunny indoor table that offered terrific views of Colab Kitchen’s large dining patio and sprawling lawn.

The brunch menu proved to be a problem, but only because I wanted to order everything on it. It’s one of those rare menus on which the “healthy” items — the salads and bowls — are as tempting as the comfort-food items, such as the smoked brisket hash with poached eggs, sweet potato, onions and sourdough toast ($19), the lemon-ricotta pancakes ($17) and the egg-topped tomato pie ($19). 

I ordered a small-plates type of brunch because I couldn’t decide on one big dish. It offered me a good introduction to Colab Kitchen’s talents.

We started with house-made sourdough bread ($14), a deliciously crusty half-loaf served on a wood board with salt-sprinkled cultured butter, roasted garlic and a good dollop of the best pimento cheese I’ve had in a while.

Our deviled eggs appetizer ($9) was almost too lovely to eat: Four boiled egg halves, topped with a tall swirl of deviled filling and crowned with a bit of tomato jam and pickled mustard seed, were served atop a mix of farm greens. 

I had to have some crispy, thick-cut bacon on the side ($5), and it did not disappoint. Ditto for the loaded hash browns side dish ($8), a perfectly crispy smash topped with melting cheeses and snipped chives — put an egg on top and you’ve got a yummy entree. 

We got a sweet kick from one of the daily dessert specials, a warm peach bread pudding topped with caramel and vanilla ice cream ($12). 

As much as I wanted to try the lemon-ricotta pancakes, I had to leave those for the next time. (Because I’m hoping there will be a next time!)

Colab Kitchen: 100 S. Martin Luther King Blvd., Stuart, 772-872-6243, ColabKitchenFl.com

A Tuscan wine shop visit

Heading back south, I made an obligatory stop at my favorite area wine shop, Casa del Vino. This cozy shop is where proprietors Silvia and Franco Mininni have welcomed wine lovers, wine novices and the community at large since opening seven years ago. 

They furnished the place with decorative touches from their native Tuscany, a few comfy chairs and a long wooden table they hand-built and covered with a tapestry of wine crates. Inspired by the eclectic variety of wine crates they had amassed during years of working with Italian wineries, they built the table inside their warehouse a good two years before opening the shop. 

“There was no particular reason why we built it, but we thought that maybe one day we would know why,” says Silvia. “Two years later, we opened this place, and this table is now a major part of it.”

It didn’t take long for her to realize the why of the table. It brought together a new wine-appreciating community, sparked conversation and new friendships over generous pours of wine and cheese and salumi boards topped with cured meats and cheeses imported from Italy.

Now Silvia and Franco have given their shop a new focus. While they continue to sell imported wine and goods at Casa del Vino, they are serving multi-course dinners just about every night. The dinners, intimate affairs that tend to sell out quickly, are offered at the wine-crate table.

During my recent visit to the shop, Silvia told me she and Franco plan to expand into the space next door in the plaza. The new space will be for wine tastings, classes and other events, she said.

I could not leave without buying some of my Casa del Vino Italian favorites: pecorino studded with pistachios, mortadella from Bologna, Italian crackers, a bottle of Ad Astra Super Tuscan, a sippable pinot bianco from Trentino and a fiano wine from Campania.

Back home later, I thought about my day’s adventures — and of the Italy I’ve found in Hobe Sound — as I enjoyed bites of the pecorino and mortadella.

Casa del Vino: 11330 SE U.S. Hwy 1, Hobe Sound, 772-675-2228, on Instagram @casadelvinolifestyle

Read recent columns by Liz Balmaseda

◾ A fresh batch of places to eat and locally made treats

◾ New West Palm steakhouse restaurant kicks off Sunday brunch

◾ A favorite seafood restaurant gets a glow-up in the Gardens

◾ New oceanfront bar opens, 2 others named ‘best’ in The South

◾ 3 new pizzerias to put on your radar

◾ Where to find the best meatballs in town? Some favorites!

Liz Balmaseda is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist for  The Palm Beach Post , part of the USA Today Network. She covers the local food and dining beat. Follow her on  Instagram and  Post on Food Facebook . She can be reached by email at  [email protected] . 

Pope Francis meets prisoners and artists in first visit to Venice

• Medium Text

PONTOON BRIDGE

Sign up here.

Writing by Crispian Balmer Editing by Gavin Jones and Frances Kerry

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. New Tab , opens new tab

World Chevron

As tourists move in, Italians are squeezed out on holiday island of Capri

Famed for its blue seas, breathtaking views and cove-studded coastline, the Mediterranean island of Capri has been a tourist haven since the early years of the Roman empire.

• International edition
• Australia edition
• Europe edition

‘Ahead lay cypress-lined Tuscan roads waiting to be discovered’: readers’ best road trips

Our tipsters navigate Alpine passes, serene backcountry and dramatic coastlines across Europe, stopping off for the odd hike, cycle or dip in the sea

Slow roads in Tuscany’s sunny back country

Driving through the Tuscan hills, the sun beginning its slow descent in the hazy, glowing heat on an August evening was one of the most exquisite experiences I have ever had. Travelling slowly along small, winding roads near Siena in our old Polo, we settled in to the rhythm the locals live by. The peaceful embrace of the Tuscan way of life was felt at every turn, with every smile we saw and every vineyard we gazed across. The cypress trees lining other, yet-to-be-discovered roads in the distance added to our awe at our surroundings. Lotta

Riding the flats and peaks of Slovenia

A week in western Slovenia offers everything you could want from a European road trip – breathtaking mountain views, easy hops between stops and, maybe most importantly, scenic but well-maintained roads. Pick up a car in Ljubljana, head north to the lakes of Bled and Bohinj, then wind slowly south, via the vinicultural Vipava valley, to the caves and cliffside castles of Postojna . Finally, end your trip in the coastal town of Piran for an open-air spa day on the salt flats of the Sečovlje Salina nature park , and a view of the glittering Adriatic sea, with a glass of Slovenian wine in hand. Holly R

Readers' tips: send a tip for a chance to win a £200 voucher for a Coolstays break

Guardian Travel readers' tips

Every week we ask our readers for recommendations from their travels. A selection of tips will be featured online and may appear in print. To enter the latest competition visit the readers' tips homepage

Hairpin bends from Como to Constance

My trip by motorcycle from Lake Como in Italy to Lake Constance (Bodensee) in Germany over the wonderfully twisty Splügen Pass was fantastic. Setting off in bright sunlight with the scent of wisteria in the air, up and over the pass with its road signs beginning with Tornante (hairpin bend) moving on to Due tornanti (two hairpin bends) and finally warning you of M olti Tornanti as the winding road up the steep mountainside comes fearfully into view. Down into Switzerland along sweeping curves, through the micro state of Liechtenstein in just 30 minutes or so, clipping a corner of Austria and on into Germany. A late afternoon arrival in Immenstaad on the shores of Lake Constance and an opportunity to sample the local wine in celebration of a great bike ride was perfection. Five countries in five hours. Stephen Shaw

A true story from the Troodos mountains, Cyprus

In Cyprus’s Troodos mountains, after driving on the scary mountain roads, we ran out of petrol in the middle of a village on a Sunday morning. The villagers knocked on doors to wake up the man who operated the petrol pump, while we were served cheese snacks and black coffees. They wouldn’t accept our offers of money, so we bought literally all of their tomatoes! Piled into the back I remember tears of laughter as to what we were going to do with them all. Best trip ever. Zoe

On a roll in Bosnia-Herzegovina

After navigating the Montenegrin coastal roads, we decided to cycle inland into mountainous Bosnia-Herzegovina. After a border crossing at almost 1,000 metres above sea level, we descended into a beautiful country with wide plains and empty roads. Enjoying a section of the Ćiro Trail , a former railway route converted into a bicycle path – we enjoyed the spectacular 100-mile journey on the mountain-hugging paved roads into Mostar. The nine-day road trip through Bosnia-Herzegovina was memorable – a juxtaposition of beauty and war – a diverse landscape dotted with a scarred past evident with its landmine signs, gun-shelled houses and verdant valleys. Gwen Sim

Alpine highs on a circular trip from Munich

After a day’s sightseeing in Munich we headed south to Ötztal in Austria. Here we stayed at Hotel Stern for the night then hiked up to Farst at 1,450 metres to take in the views. After that we relaxed at Aqua Dome , floating in its heavenly outdoor pools as the moon peeked behind the mountains. On the next leg, we took the Timmelsjoch high alpine road (May-Oct) and crossed into Italy at nearly 2,500 metres, staying overnight at Albergo Hochfirst , high in the mountains with stunning views. The following day we headed west and entered Switzerland in Müstair , admiring the wonderful Unesco-listed Benedictine Abbey of St John. At Davos, 50 miles further west, we took the Schatzalpbahn funicular railway to 1,800 metres and enjoyed a breathtaking panorama and an invigorating walk. Then we drove along the shores of Walensee and Zürichsee into Zurich, where we visited museums and strolled around taking in Swiss culture, history and architecture. Our final stop before heading back to Munich was at Lindau on Lake Constance, where we sat in a quaint beer garden under chestnut trees, gazing at the soaring Alps on the other side of the lake. Marei

after newsletter promotion

Rivers and waterfalls, Zagreb to Dubrovnik

Our road trip started in Zagreb, which is great value and still has amazing foodie finds. Our next port of call was the stunning Plitvice Lakes national park, with its waterfalls and forests, before a beautiful 120-mile stretch of road to Skradin, a hidden sailing town gem, and a perfect base for heading out to Krka national park to enjoy more rivers and waterfalls. Next up was Split, where we took in views of the old town from the 12th-century bell tower of St Domnius Cathedral. We also took a relaxing boat trip to Hvar from Split. Back in the hire car we headed 150 miles south to crowded but utterly beautiful Dubrovnik – also a great place for eating out. Sophie

A precipitous drive in Provence

La Garde-Freinet is a well-preserved medieval village with a fascinating history about 10 miles inland from Saint-Tropez. The hairy roads and mountainous terrain have helped the area avoid the tourist saturation of the coast. When I was a teenager, we drove these mountain roads, eyeing the beautiful scenery and trusting my parents’ driving ability to navigate cliff edges and dust tracks. The village is absolutely worth the edgy drive. The beautiful stone houses, the deep chestnut and cork forests and the distant outline of the Alpes-Maritimes will capture any heart. Sarah

South of Naples on the road to Aspromonte

An Italian ice-cream seller told me a less crowded, equally spectacular road trip alternative to the Amalfi coast last summer: the evocatively named Violet Coast road in Calabria. Inspired by his praise, we headed south 260 miles from Naples in our camper – to the Capo Vaticano peninsula on a road of dramatic cliffs on one side tumbling down to soft sandy beaches and sensual cerulean sunsets on the other. I had to concentrate on keeping my eyes on the road so I stopped at the town of Tropea for an energising coffee. I carried on along narrow streets zigzagging their way past ancient castles and villas with the mountains of the Aspromonte national park in the distance until another break at the pretty village of Pizzo. More coffee and a view of the volcanoes of Stromboli (from Tropea) and Etna (from Lazzaro) drew me ever farther south before heading back to Naples via Siderno and Catanzaro. Will

Winning tip: A change of gear, Roscoff to San Sebastián

As one of a group of surfers I took the ferry from Plymouth to Roscoff and drove down the west coast of France to San Sebastián, just over the Spanish border, stopping along the way to surf the amazing breaks and eat some fantastic food. Highlights include the awe-inspiring Dune du Pilat (Europe’s biggest sand dune), eating fresh moules-frites by the port in Hossegor , and chipirons à la plancha (tiny fried squid from the Basque region) with a cold beer watching the sun go down in Guéthary . San Sebastián proved as wonderful as its reputation suggested: a beautiful city full of more gastronomic and architectural delights. Sarah D The last tip was amended on 26 April 2024. The ferry was from Plymouth to Roscoff, not Saint-Malo, as a previous version said.

• Readers' travel tips
• Europe holidays

Comments (…)

Most viewed.

• FanNation FanNation FanNation
• SI.COM SI.COM SI.COM
• SI Swimsuit SI Swimsuit SI Swimsuit
• SI Sportsbook SI Sportsbook SI Sportsbook
• SI Tickets SI Tickets SI Tickets
• SI Showcase SI Showcase SI Showcase
• SI Resorts SI Resorts SI Resorts

Carlos Correa to return from injury on upcoming road trip?

Correa was hitting the ball well before he suffered an injury on April 12.

• Author: Joe Nelson

In this story:

After three straight wins – and possibly reaching four straight if they beat the White Sox on Thursday afternoon – the Minnesota Twins are finally heading in the right direction and more good news could come in the form of a healthy Carlos Correa.

According to Twins beat reporters Do-Hyoung Park and Dan Hayes, Correa did some glove work on Wednesday and he's swinging a bat. Both suggested that if Correa continues to feel well he could be back in the lineup at some point on Minnesota's upcoming road trip.

"Sounds like there's some possibility that he could come off the IL on the coming road trip without a rehab assignment if things keep trending well," Park reported Wednesday.

Hayes added: "This would be a positive development for the [Twins] if Carlos Correa returns sometime during the road trip. Team starts in Anaheim on Friday and then travels to Chicago. Either way, good."

Correa has been out with a right intercostal (ribs) strain since April 12. Before the injury, the 29-year-old shortstop was slashing .306/.432/.444 with a homer, two doubles and four RBI in 11 games.

The Twins got a boost earlier this week when Max Kepler (knee) returned from the injured list. Getting Correa back would put the Twins one step closer to the roster that the front office envisioned before a rash of injuries thumped the club over the head in the spring and first part of the season.

Royce Lewis, the star third baseman who suffered a serious quad strain in the season opener, continues to make progress but doesn't have a timeline for a return just yet. And star closer Jhoan Duran (oblique) is feeling good after a rehab outing at Triple-A St. Paul and he could be back in the bullpen any day now.

Latest Inside the Twins News

Twins' Anthony DeSclafani to undergo further testing for injury

Jose Miranda among three Twins spring cuts Monday

Minnesota Twins Dealing with Multiple Serious Injuries, Including to Star Closer

Three Twins pitchers, including Jhoan Duran, to start season on injured list

Byron Buxton scratched from lineup with back tightness

Travel | A road trip to Oklahoma, the path of totality,…

Share this:.

• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)

• Food and Drink
• TV & Streaming
• Family Friendly

Things To Do

Travel | a road trip to oklahoma, the path of totality, and making family memories.

We had expected that seeing a total solar eclipse in the path of totality would be the highlight of our trip. In hindsight, it was also the perfect excuse to be together, three generations on a simple road trip through five states.

On April 6, three of us set out from Lakewood — me, my 23-year-old son Ryan and 85-year-old mother, Mary — toward Oklahoma, near the Texas and Arkansas borders. We hoped to be in the path of totality, but were fully aware that the weather could thwart our goal. We were willing to risk it. We had other reasons for the trip.

Mom grew up in Healdton, Okla., a small town just west of the path that, incidentally, is the birthplace of the late “Golden Girls” TV star Rue McClanahan (who, also incidentally, lost a baby beauty contest to my Aunt Susie in the 1930s). Mom hadn’t been to this part of her home state in 60 years or so and has fond memories of Girl Scout camp near the Red River as a young tomboy nicknamed Missy.

Who knew if we’d ever have this chance again?

En route to the eclipse, we were chasing nostalgia, looking to experience Oklahoma through mom’s eyes, prompting her to reminisce, and determined to have our fill of Arbuckle Mountain’s Original Fried Pies. (They can now be found in Arkansas, Kansas and Texas as well, but we were aiming for the flagship shop in Davis, Okla.)

We were keeping the itinerary “loose,” travel-speak for “we didn’t plan the specifics of our trip well enough in advance.” The only hotel room we had booked was 96 miles west of our eclipse-watching destination of Idabel, Okla. We couldn’t find anything closer, but didn’t much care.

After all, committing to a five-day, 1,900-mile round-trip through Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas and New Mexico for a four-minute experience that won’t happen again within the United States for another 20 years is an act of optimism, and perhaps faith. Especially if the clouds refused to cooperate on April 8.

Let the adventure begin.

High hopes from the get-go

My car — a bright yellow Kia with license plates that by chance begin with the letters ECLP — was stocked with snacks (including four flavors of Moon Pies), our eclipse-viewing sunglasses, and a pack of toilet paper. (I had seen all the doomsday predictions about limited port-o-potties and local restaurants and gas stations running out as the roving millions invaded the path of totality like so many locusts.)

We weren’t even out of Colorado before we stopped, finding a charming coffee shop in Ordway, The Sand Cherry, along Main Street. I went a little tourist crazy, buying pastries, coffee, locally made jars of jam and homemade salsa, and some earrings.

It was starting to feel like a vacation.

Not long after, billboards began to sprout up along US 50 in Kansas: large, hand-written messages with “Jesus” and “God Is Real” on them. Here, the eclipse felt more like a wink from the Creator than an event scientifically studied and brought live to a television audience by NASA cameras and commentators.

Traveling Gen Z-style

Eschewing the finicky Google maps, Ryan brought an oversized Rand McNally road atlas to chart our journey and find routes other than the interstates we feared would be packed with eclipse-chasers and semi-trucks. This throwback approach rewarded us with well-paved but sparsely populated country roads from town to town showcasing gorgeous agricultural vistas and flocks of starlings moving in murmuration.

He also provided the soundtrack of eclectic music from the 1940s to the 1980s, contemporary alt, and upbeat Mexican pop music. Mom and I approved.

The occasional remains of an armadillo or raccoon that failed to make it across the road alive made us sad but also reassured us that those wild creatures are still out there. Ryan longed to see a pronghorn and I hoped to spot a fox or two.

When we reached Dodge City, Kan., we decided to stay at the Best Western North Edge Inn, where metal palm trees adorned a small swimming pool out front. We were delighted to discover the real trees surrounding the parking lot were a bird haven. Ryan’s Merlin Bird ID app recorded the chorus singing outside our room and came up with a list of nine: American goldfinch, blue jay, Eurasian collared-dove, European starling, great-tailed grackle, house finch, Mississippi kite, mourning dove and Western meadowlark.

We later spotted bright red cardinals whistling their distinctive calls, circling vultures, and white cattle-egrets living the dream near a fetching pond in a wildflower-speckled meadow that was spotted with cows.

The next morning, we headed for Oklahoma City and arrived just in time for burgers, beers and big screens streaming the NCAA Women’s College Basketball Finals. Watching Caitlin Clark’s dream of leading Iowa to a win over undefeated South Carolina slip away somehow seemed a bad omen for our hopes of a win over April showers. So irrational.

Nearly there

We arrived in Choctaw Nation on the eve of the eclipse just after sunset, content from a stop for a dozen fried pies with sweet fillings like cherry and pumpkin. A casino lit our way to a rather dismal hotel in Durant, but we toughed it out. We planned to check out early anyway, fearing a traffic jam of eclipse watchers would prevent us from reaching our goal.

The increase in humidity was noticeable the next morning as we rolled onto US-70 East. The slowdown we expected never developed, and we were treated to a lovely sunrise. Ninety minutes later, we found ourselves in Idabel, ahead of schedule and with six hours to kill before the eclipse. Clouds were building; we were willing them to take their time.

To my disappointment, the Museum of the Red River was closed. (I had hoped to see the Acrocanthosaurus exhibit and learn about Oklahoma’s state dinosaur.) We stopped at Accent Coffee Company, where baristas said they had served visitors from as far away as Hawaii in recent days. At a nearby T-shirt stand selling eclipse-themed merchandise, the excited proprietors mentioned meeting a guy from Germany who was a global eclipse chaser.

We looked up at the gray skies and hoped the German knew something we didn’t.

A nature hike seemed a good way to pass the time so off we went to Beavers Bend, a state park that skirts the shores of nearby Broken Bow Lake. I saw my first loblolly pine with its shingled bark; Ryan spotted a dead crayfish in a clear brook, which caused him to slip on a mossy rock into the water; and Mom took a minor tumble on the trail but luckily got back up unscathed.

By 11:30, about an hour before the eclipse would begin, we were feeling antsy so headed back toward Idabel and stopped for a quick lunch at The Oaks Steakhouse in Broken Bow. Several tables were filled with uniformed state police and local sheriffs’ officers. They were in good humor but wearing bulletproof jackets and checking their watches.

With the celestial event near, we decided the field behind the restaurant seemed an ideal place for viewing. As the minutes passed, the clouds thinned and thickened, teasing us with momentary glimpses of blue sky.

Family members in Colorado and Washington state began texting updates from their televised views starting in Mexico and moving up through Texas. We were about three minutes behind Dallas by this measure and the few clusters of people who had also parked and pulled out picnic blankets and unfolded camping chairs nearby began to settle down, don protective glasses and look up.

The big event

I fidgeted with my iPhone and attempted to use a device made to simultaneously look through one lens and take photos and videos through another side-by-side. I couldn’t get it to work and soon abandoned the clumsy thing.

Mercifully, the clouds continued to blow by. Car traffic stopped, a few airplanes buzzed overhead, and all birds but one obnoxious blue jay stopped singing. The temperature dropped and the sunlight dimmed, street lights came on, and we oohed and aahed and felt fortunate and amazed and suddenly so clearly aware of sitting atop the crust of a spinning planet with an orbiting moon that miraculously appears to be the same size as the much larger star beaming at us from 93 million miles away.

Unlike partial solar eclipses where the moon scoops a semicircle out of the sun’s shape like two flat plates, it became visible as a dark, three-dimensional sphere. As it traveled right to left, we marveled at the “diamond ring effect” before the last piece of sunlight beamed outward, and then — BLINK! — a solitary speck of bright light burning at the bottom, possibly a solar flare, was visible. The rest was the sun’s radiant corona framing the dark moon.

Spontaneous applause and shouts went up around us, with one woman repeating “Oh my God!” over and over. We removed our glasses (it was now safe to do so) and observed two tiny red lights race past, one after the other: satellites in Earth’s orbit. We could see Jupiter and Venus glowing in the middle of the afternoon. It was astonishing how dark it became in the moon’s shadow.

We stared at that moon until the diamond ring reappeared, and rather than replacing our glasses and watching the rest of the eclipse, strangely felt that that was enough. We noted the return of the sun’s heat and saw the dimness lift, the street lights blink off, the birds start up again. Car engines signaled our collective pause had passed.

We three looked at each other with mutual awe and happiness and agreed the effect had been better than expected. That full solar eclipse, despite all the anticipation and explanation, was a sight that will live on in our memories.

It also left us with gratitude for each other, and the willingness we each had to give in to the adventure of it all.

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter, The Adventurist, to get outdoors news sent straight to your inbox.

• Report an Error
• Submit a News Tip

More in Travel

Outdoors | Pikes Peak is getting “trashed” by overuse and blatant disregard for the environment

Travel | Eight Colorado hotels get new Michelin Keys

Restaurants, Food and Drink | Will DIA’s on-site brewery ever make beer again? The answer is up in the air.

Outdoors | Try these hiker-only Colorado trails to avoid mountain bikers

• Herald Editorials
• Local Guest Opinions
• High School Sports
• National Sports
• Local Business
• Sunday Drive
• Home And Garden
• Sanpete County
• Today’s Paper
• Manage Your Subscription
• Submit News
• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Service
• Statement of Values
• Browse Notices
• Place Notice

BYU Basketball update: Cougars bring two players back, take road trip to Phoenix

By darnell dickson - | apr 26, 2024.

Nothing brings a bunch of college students together better than a road trip.

New BYU coach Kevin Young flew his Cougar players to Phoenix on Friday for an NBA playoff game between the Suns (the team Young is still an assistant coach with) and Minnesota.

In his introductory news conference, Young said he wanted his players to watch film on what the Suns are currently running to get an idea of what they might see in practice.

They’re getting a closeup view in Game 3 of the NBA Playoffs.

Young also said retaining the current talent on the team was his No. 1 priority and the 2024-25 roster grew by two over the past 36 hours with recommitments from sophomore guards Dallin Hall and Richie Saunders.

Hall was getting looks from some pretty serious basketball programs (Duke, Creighton, Virginia, Clemson, among others) after entering the transfer portal a couple of weeks ago before ultimately deciding to return to Provo.

Hall’s social media post said, “Run It Back,” which is what the kids say when they are opting to stay with their original school.

Hall has started 51 games over the past two seasons. In BYU’s first year in the Big 12, Hall averaged 9.0 points and 5.1 assists per game at the point guard spot. Those numbers and his experience brought a lot of attention his way in the transfer portal, but he was convinced by Young to come back.

Saunders entered the portal after Mark Pope left to take the Kentucky job and made a trip to Lexington to check out opportunities with his former coach. Saunders let Cougar Nation know he was returning with a social media post that read simply, “I’m in.”

Saunders has played in 68 games, 65 of them off the bench, in two seasons. He averaged 9.6 points per game in 2023-24 and shot 36% from the 3-point line, but his real value is his energy and intensity on both ends of the court.

Both players were rated 4-star transfers by 24/7 Sports.

The BYU roster for next season is expected to include seven returning scholarship players (Hall, Saunders, Trey Stewart, Dawson Baker, Trevin Knell, Noah Waterman and Fousseyni Traore) along with incoming freshmen Isaac Davis and Brody Kozlowski.

Kozlowski was officially announced as a signee on Friday.

“We are thrilled to add Brody to our program,” Young said. “He is a high character and high achieving student-athlete on and off the court, evidenced by winning back-to-back Player of the Year honors in the state of Utah. He will bring size, versatility, shooting and toughness to our program. It’s a great time for BYU basketball and we are excited Brody and his family are joining with us.”

Young and his coaching staff are making contacts in the transfer portal, including guards Pop Isaacs (Texas Tech), Mike Sharavjamts (San Francisco) and Jalen Blackmon (Stetson) and forward TJ Power (Duke). Young also recently offered four-star guard JJ Mandiquit (Class of 2025).

Hudgins signs with BYU women’s hoops

Cougar coach Amber Whiting announced on Friday the addition of Marya Hudgins to the 2024-25 roster.

Hudgins comes to BYU after playing the first two years of her collegiate career at Santa Clara where she appeared in 63 games, starting 13 during her freshman and sophomore seasons.

“Marya [Hudgins] is a two-way, competitive player who wants to win,” said Whiting “She is a scoring threat on offense and a menace on the defensive end. Her length and athleticism will help us on the perimeter. She is a great perimeter shooter but can also take defenders off the bounce and has an incredibly high ceiling. She and I connected instantly and she will be a great fit for the team and culture we are building at BYU.”

The incoming junior scored 7.6 points per game on 39 percent shooting from the field and a 33.3 percent clip from three over two seasons with the Broncos. Hudgins also pulled down 5.1 rebounds, dished 0.9 assists and recorded nearly a steal per game.

Whiting’s roster for 2024-25 is coming together with seven returning players: Her daughter, sophomore Amari, along with seniors Emma Calvert, Heather Hamson, Kylie Krebs and Lauren Davenport, redshirt junior Arielle Mackey-Williams (who missed last season due to injury) and sophomore Marina Mata.

Incoming freshmen include Canadian star Delaney Gibb, Lone Peak’s Sarah Bartholomew and Idaho standouts Brinley Cannon and Kambree Barber.

In addition to Hudgins, the Cougars have also obtained a commitment from 6-foot-3 Buffalo transfer Hattie Ogden.

Join thousands already receiving our daily newsletter.

• Daily Newsletter
• Breaking News
• Deals, Offers & Events

BYU 1-on-1: Are the Cougar men’s hoops changes positive overall?

BYU baseball gets walk-off win vs. Utes

Gifu: The Complete Travel Guide – Plan Your Next Trip to Gifu!

In the middle of planning that perfect getaway to Gifu, but wondering where to start? Well look no further!!!

Our guidebook features almost every location in Gifu Prefecture from the mountain hamlet of Shirakawa-go to the cascading townhouses of Magome-juku and canal-filled castle town of Gujo.

It includes each area’s:

• Background history
• Major places to see
• Interesting facts
• Recommended hotels and restaurants
• Information on public transportation

Perfect for those thinking of making a trip or would like to know more about this green heart of Japan!

Find the PDF on our official website via the link below.

There are also other brochures in multiple languages, as well as one featuring Nakasendo Cycling & Walking Sample Courses available in the following link.

Happy planning!!

• Back to the List

This website uses cookies to improve convenience. By continuing to browse this site, you agree to our use of cookies. You can also disable cookies by configuring your browser. Please see our cookie policy for more details.

Miami Heat | After notching win in Boston, Heat look to deny…

Share this:.

• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on X (Opens in new window)

Daily e-Edition

Evening e-Edition

• Miami Dolphins
• Florida Panthers
• Miami Marlins
• Inter Miami
• UM Hurricanes
• High School Sports

SUBSCRIBER ONLY

Miami heat | after notching win in boston, heat look to deny celtics road-trip advantage.

MIAMI — Conventional wisdom is that the home team has an advantage. Conventional wisdom does not apply to the Celtics in the playoffs.

Boston is 14-7 in its last 21 road playoff games, including five of seven games in Miami, with one being a victory in Game 7 of the 2022 Eastern Conference finals.

So, coming off a needed road win over their own on Wednesday, the Heat will try to flip the scrip t on the top-seeded Celtics and take a lead in the series in Game 3 (Saturday at 6 p.m.) and increase the advantage in Game 4 (Monday at 7 or 7:30 p.m.).

“We know what Boston’s going to come in here with,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. “Even knowing that, it’s hard to create that edge, that urgency, all that. We had an unbelievable sense of urgency after Game 1 of getting absolutely embarrassed and feeling a certain way about that. And having that extra day to sit with that was horrible. And that can be motivating.

“I’m sure Boston feels the same way. We’re going to have to beat them, I’m sure, at their best version of what they bring.”

The Heat have not been bad on the road in crucial games, either. Last year, they went 7-6 in road playoff games. They picked up a series-clinching, overtime win against the Bucks in the opening round as well as two series-opening wins and a Game 7 against the Celtics in the TD Garden. In this opening series against the Celtics, they split the first two games on the road.

“I think just staying steady,” said forward Caleb Martin, who scored 21 points and drained five 3-pointers in Miami’s win on Wednesday. I think a lot of it (is) you know what type of environment it’s going to be. It’s going to be a lot of runs, especially in that building. The basket can get 8 feet wide sometimes for them. I think just staying steady, just knowing they’re going to have those runs and knowing it’s going to be explosive. As long as we just stay steady, mentally, we’ll be alright.”

Although the Celtics are favored to win the series, the Heat’s victory in Game 2 threw a wrench in Boston’s coronation. Miami and Boston have faced off six previous times in the postseason since 2010. The Heat have won four series to the Celtics’ two, and the last four playoff series have gone six or seven games.

“That goes back to, obviously, when the Big 3 was here,” center Bam Adebayo said. “It just is what it is. It’s a great rivalry. You know it’s going to be a dogfight series every time.”

If the Heat are going to win this series, they will need to go back to Boston at least once.

“You’ve got to come in there with that mentality that whoever gets on that bus, that’s who’s got your back,” Adebayo said. “That’s how you’ve got to look at it: going into the lion’s den.”

But before that, the Heat know they will get the Celtics’ best punch in Miami.

“It goes both ways,” Martin said. “Just like you feed off your home crowd, one of the best feelings in the game is to go into somebody else’s place, especially a hostile environment, and leave with a win. They’re going to try to do the same.”

Wright questionable for Game 3

Heat guard Delon Wright may miss Game 3 against the Celtics. Miami listed the guard as questionable due to personal reasons on its injury report Friday night.

Duncan Robinson (back), Kevin Love (arm) and Haywood Highsmith (arm) are all listed as available.

Star Jimmy Butler (knee) and guard Terry Rozier (neck) are both still listed as out for Game 3 with their lingering injuries.

More in Miami Heat

Miami Heat | ASK IRA: Are the shorthanded Heat out of their league against the Celtics?

Miami Heat | Winderman’s view: Celtics flex and Heat find themselves out of counterpunches

Miami Heat | Celtics reassert superiority in series with 104-84 pasting of Heat for 2-1 lead

Miami Heat | For Heat’s Herro, shift of Celtics series to Kaseya Center a fresh start; Wright out Saturday