Gujō(Japan) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

For authentic Japanese culture immersion, Kumakura House near Kumagawa Castle is a top choice. This century-old inn preserves wooden architecture and tatami rooms, offering tea ceremonies, kimono rentals, and local craft workshops. Located in the well-preserved Kumagawa Juku district, it’s ideal for experiencing Edo-period atmosphere. Many rooms face serene gardens, perfect for morning tea rituals with views of misty mountains in Gifu Prefecture.

The best area for staying is around Kumagawa Juku Town, adjacent to Kumagawa Castle. This historic post town features preserved old machiya houses converted into guesthouses and restaurants. You can easily walk to the castle, town square, and seasonal events like the Kumagawa Dance Festival. The area is also just 1 hour from Takayama, making it ideal for day trips or overnight stays.

For stunning views of the Hida Mountains, stay at Hida no Mori Resort, located north of Kumagawa. This boutique hotel blends modern design with Zen aesthetics, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking forests and rivers. Morning fog rolls over distant peaks, creating a poetic atmosphere. On-site activities include forest walks, woodcraft workshops, and nature photography sessions—perfect for connecting with the region’s natural beauty.

Yes, Kumakura Kids House is specifically designed for families, offering connecting rooms and a dedicated kids’ playroom. The property includes a mini farm where children can feed sheep and chickens, plus hands-on workshops like tofu-making and bamboo weaving. Weekends feature "Family Kumagawa Dance" sessions, letting parents and kids learn local folk dances together, deeply immersing them in Gifu Prefecture's traditions.

Must-do experiences include joining public rehearsals of the Kumagawa Dance, a vibrant Edo-era folk dance performed annually in August; visiting local workshops to try washi papermaking or wood carving; and strolling through illuminated Juku Town at night. Don’t miss the Yama no Yu hot spring, renowned for its mineral-rich waters that soothe tired muscles after exploring the countryside.

Hida no Yu Hot Spring Resort is the premier onsen destination in Kameyama. With natural hot springs sourced directly from underground aquifers, the water is clear and rich in sulfur and bicarbonate minerals. The resort offers both indoor and outdoor baths, including private tubs in select rooms. Dinner features local specialties like Hida beef, wild mountain vegetables, and sake, all served in a traditional setting. Book early, especially during festival season.

Absolutely. The Kumagawa Castle Night Illumination (July–September) transforms the entire site into a golden glow, with lantern-lit streets and historic buildings. Many inns, like Senbon-ya Ryokan, offer guided night tours through the illuminated alleys, sharing stories of samurai history and folklore. Staying nearby allows you to enjoy quiet rural evenings under starlit skies and avoid late-night travel.

Try Kumakura Sunset Inn, a unique lodging-dining hybrid. Each day, guests enjoy meals made with fresh ingredients from local farms: Hida beef bowls, Kumagawa tofu, and mountain vegetable tempura. The chef changes the menu seasonally and even hosts cooking classes in the open kitchen. Rooms come equipped with small refrigerators and cooking tools, enabling guests to prepare their own meals. Savor sunset views from the terrace while enjoying a slow-paced lifestyle.

Yes, most central inns provide kimono rentals. Kumakura House and Senbon-ya Ryokan offer a wide range of styles—including men’s, women’s, and children’s kimonos—and include hairstyling and photo sessions. Prices range from ¥500 to ¥2,000. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak festivals like the Kumagawa Dance Festival, when demand surges.

Despite being rural, Kameyama is well-connected. Take the JR Tokaido Main Line to Mino-Ota Station, then transfer to a local bus (30 minutes). Alternatively, take a highway bus from Nagoya Station, which takes about 2 hours. Most attractions center around Kumagawa Castle and Juku Town, easily walkable. Many inns offer free shuttle services, and ample parking is available for self-drive travelers.