Featured Hotels Near Sohara Natural Park

Stay at Sōgen Forest Lodge, a sustainably built retreat nestled just a 3-minute walk from Sōgen Natural Park’s main trailhead. The rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows offering uninterrupted views of ancient cedar groves and the park’s crystal-clear stream. Guests receive complimentary access to outdoor gear like hiking poles and topographic maps. Evening programs include guided night walks to spot fireflies and nocturnal birds, led by local naturalists. For best availability, book through the HopeGoo app to secure your stay during peak seasons.

Hike the Shirakawa Ravine Trail, a 1.2-kilometer path leading to the Cherry Rock Waterfall, where wild cherry trees frame a 8-meter cascade that glows ethereal in summer firefly season or transforms into a frozen crystal spectacle in winter. For a more secluded adventure, follow the lesser-known Mist Ridge Path—a 2.5-kilometer route branching eastward—offering encounters with wild deer and towering centuries-old cedars. At its summit, panoramic views stretch across the Gifu Plain and the distant Hida Mountains. All trails feature basic signage and safety markers. Bring a flashlight and insect repellent, and check real-time trail conditions via the HopeGoo platform before setting out.

Join the Sōgen Farm Workshop’s One-Day Farmer Experience, located just 800 meters west of the park, run by a local family with generations of agricultural heritage. Participants learn rice transplanting, bamboo basket weaving, and homemade sake brewing using seasonal ingredients. Enjoy a farm-to-table lunch featuring regional produce. Upon completion, guests receive a gift pack of house-grown red rice tea. Sessions occur twice monthly and require reservations at least 7 days in advance. Book a bundled package including accommodation and activity via the HopeGoo app for a seamless rural immersion.