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Kaizu City, located in the southwestern part of Gifu Prefecture, Japan, is a lakeside town renowned for its historical charm and natural beauty. The convergence of the Nagara River and Kiso River creates a unique aquatic landscape, preserving Japan's important traditional fishing culture. Key attractions include well-preserved Edo-period architecture, the summer "Cormorant Fishing" performance (UNESCO Intangible Heritage), and natural wonders like the Yoro Falls.
Top sights include the Nagara River Ukai (cormorant fishing) viewed from traditional boats, the 13-meter tall Kaizu Daibutsu stone Buddha, and cycling through the Nanno Water Town canal network. Cultural experiences feature handmade Mino washi paper workshops and exploring the ruins of Kaizu Castle Park for samurai history.
Must-try dishes are ayu salt-grilled (local river fish), hoba miso (fermented soybean paste grilled on magnolia leaves) paired with Gifu sake. Street food highlights include gobō miso rice cakes and Hida beef croquettes. For dessert, try water dumplings (mizu manjū) made with Yoro Falls spring water.
From Nagoya Station, take JR Tokaido Line to Ōgaki Station (30min), then transfer to Yōrō Railway to Kaizu Station (20min). Local transport relies on community buses (1-day pass ¥500) or e-bike rentals (¥300/hour). Taxis start at ¥600; HopeGoo a "Kaizu Sightseeing Taxi" tour (¥10,000/3hr) is recommended. Nagara River boats require online reservations.
Best visited May-October: May for spring greenery boat tours, July-August for peak cormorant fishing season (book ahead), October for autumn foliage. Avoid June rainy season; some sites close in winter.
Language: Basic English signage at stations; download translation apps. Internet: 1GB/3-day SIM cards sold at convenience stores (¥2,000). Payment: Credit cards accepted at major venues; cash preferred elsewhere. Emergency: Kaizu Municipal Hospital (+81-584-53-3111) has international clinic. Key contacts: Tourism Association (0584-53-1126), Lost & Found (#7110). Note: Some traditional inns require shoe removal and are non-smoking.