Hida Furukawa — The question “Where does Your Name take place?” lingers in my head after watching the famous film. And Hida Furukawa is where you’ll find some of the inspirations as drawn in the hit film – so if you’re planning to go to Hida Furukawa, I highly suggest you watch the anime for a more exciting trip!
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Hida Furukawa things to do
I’m sure not many recognize Hida City, Gifu Prefecture, especially if you’re new to traveling to Japan. You’d probably heard more about Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Nagoya, but if you want to go relax while touring, Hida Furukawa is that one place you should add to your Japan itinerary.
Want to know why?
Below are some of the best things to do in Hida Furukawa, and it’s not just eating, drinking, and going to temples!
Visit Your Name locations
So, you’ve watched the famous anime film and now you wonder, where is Your Name spot located in Hida Furukawa?
I was very excited, just like my so,n to find out the places where Your Name locations were inspired. So, even as I was just making our travel itinerary, I couldn’t help but try to remember where I can find them so as not to miss them when we’re already there.
And voila, even while the train was arriving at Hida Furukawa Station, my heart already skipped a beat.
Because the station itself was very reminiscent of the station when Taki was looking for Mitsuha.
And then, at the station, you can easily find the cow standee – AKA Hida beef mascot before leaving the station.
And right after going out, we immediately saw the taxi stand plus the tourist information center. So, make sure to catch them all before going around Hida Furukawa!
What I missed to find are the library – which is located in Hida Furukawa Library and the local shrine in Mitsuha’s village – which you can find in Keta Wakamiya Shrine. So, if you’re going there, make sure to find them for me!
Want a hassle-free tour at Your Name locations? Why not book this tour and let the tour guide do all the talking and ensure that your anime pilgrimage is complete?
Did you know?
You can book a tour to Lake Suwa – which is where Your Name was inspired with the Lake Itomori. In this tour, you can even watch the Lake Suwa Fireworks Festival to cap off the night!
Try sake for FREE!
Do you like freebies? If yes, then, you’re in the right place!
Because in Hida Furukawa, you can easily spot stores that offer free sake tasting. How? Find cedar balls outside of the stores, and you’re sure to find small cups, just ask the staff inside. You can score great tasting sake you won’t find in other stores, so find the one that suits your taste without breaking your bank by trying them out first!
Feed fish at Setogawa
One of the famous tourist spots in Hida Furukawa Japan is the Setogawa – where big carps swim against the flow. And you can feed them by just buying the feeds in posts along the Seto River.
In Japan, they believe that people are honest enough to let them get and pay for the goods – which is what you’re going to do to get the fish snacks. Just leave the money, and get the right amount of food for your enjoyment!
Enjoy cycling at Kamioka Railway
If you feel like cycling with a view, then it’s a must that you consider Kamioka Railway Cycling! With the electricity-assisted bikes, you can enjoy the view even more because you don’t have to worry about losing track.
Eat midarashi dango
After all that walking (and exercising!), you should replenish your energy, and try that famous midarashi dango – coincidentally also found in Your Name! The sweet and savory topping on the rice cake would surely delight your senses making you want to walk some more!
Watch Furukawa Festival
If you’re visiting Hida Furukawa on April 19 and 20 and want to watch a cultural festival, then head on to Hida Furukawa Festival Hall. You’ll find festive floats, same as that of Takayama Festival, decorated beautifully.
But if your travel dates don’t fall on those 2 days, you can still go there and learn more about the festival of Hida Furukawa.
Visit Hida Crafts Museum
One of the features of Hida Furukwa old town you shouldn’t miss is the craft museum tucked somewhere in the middle. I didn’t know about it at first since there weren’t many visitors around, but upon reading some instructions outside and checking Google maps, I learned about Hida Crafts Museum.
And while the museum might be small, inside are some nice wooden things you might want to bring home. The staff also demonstrates some wood crafts that they used in Nijo Castle – woods interlocking one another without nails, how cool is that?!
Watch candle-making demo
Want to see candles being made in front of you?
Mishima Candle Shop is the place to go if you want to see a traditional way of making candles. The best part about these candles is that it’s different from the typical candles you see nowadays – the flame is resistant to wind.
Buy Your Name memorabilia
Before leaving Hida Furukuwa, we passed by this shop and it looked familiar. And I was very happy to see it, because inside, I saw the same space as Your Name! The bracelet braiding experience is surely one-of-a-kind!
But apart from that, you can also many other craft souvenirs you can take home for yourself or your loved ones, so make sure to drop by before you leave!
Pay respects at Honkoji and Enkoji Temple
Of course, part of the Japanese culture is paying respects at temples, and Hida Furukawa also offers 2 temples for you to visit: Honkoji Temple and Enkoji Temple. Both have their own charm, and the relaxing feel would make you want to stay and just enjoy the view!
Hida Furukawa from Takayama
Going to Hida City Japan from Takayama is fairly easy. You just have to ride the Takayama Line and no transfers needed, in less than 30 minutes, you’re already looking at the Hida Furukawa Station, and taking lots of pictures, so ready your cameras ahead of time!
Hida Furukawa reviews conclusion
I may not have captured the best part of Hida Furukawa map, but all I can say is that it’s a serene place where you can unwind. Since it’s not very crowded, you’d be able to enjoy the quiet place and not bump into visitors.
Hida Furukawa Your Name locations are a must-visit if you watched and enjoyed the anime film, because it will bring you back to the show! Of course, I couldn’t go home without bringing home a memorabilia from the Sakura Gift Shop – especially since the braided bracelet has so much charm in it!
If you’re here for the first time, I’d like to invite you to follow me on my socials – Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok so you’re updated on our recent food, hotel, and travel reviews!
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Hida Furukawa tours
Want to enjoy a whole day at Hida Furukawa without thinking about getting lost? Then, you should check out some of the best tours below!
Visiting Your Name Locations
I can’t believe we missed out on this tour!! If I had seen it, we would’ve booked it, especially since the tour will bring you to all the Your Name places that you watched on the anime film! This is the best way to not miss out on the important spots.
Learn more here.
Hida Furukawa walking tour
Visit all the best spots in Hida Furukawa by booking this tour! Places included are Shirakabe Dozogai Street, Hida Furukawa Festival Hall, Santera pilgrimage, crafts and cultural traditions to know more about Hida Furukawa.
Get your tickets here!
