Things To Do
in Isa
Isa is a charming city located in the Gifu Prefecture of Japan. Known for its historical landmarks, Isa Castle is a popular tourist destination offering stunning views of the surrounding area. The city is also famous for its hot springs, providing visitors with a relaxing and rejuvenating experience.
Isa is a culturally vibrant city with traditional festivals and events throughout the year, offering a glimpse into Japan's rich heritage.
- "Arigatou" - Thank you
- "Sumimasen" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
- "Konnichiwa" - Hello / Good afternoon
- "Eigo o hanasemasu ka?" - Do you speak English?
- "Oishii" - Delicious
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $50 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $6
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $70
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $40 - $100
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a scenic drive to Mount Fuji. Enjoy breathtaking views and take photos at the iconic Five Lakes area.
Hike one of the trails or visit the Fuji-Q Highland amusement park for thrilling rides. Try local delicacies at nearby restaurants.
Return to your accommodation and unwind. If you have time, relax in an onsen with a view of the mountain.
Take an early train to Kyoto and visit the stunning Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion. Stroll through its beautiful gardens.
Explore the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and take a boat ride on the Hozu River. Stop for lunch at a traditional tea house.
Visit Gion, the famous Geisha district, to see traditional architecture. Enjoy a kaiseki dinner for a taste of fine Japanese cuisine.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage and history with numerous temples, shrines, and traditional festivals.
- Beautiful natural scenery, including mountains, gardens, and coastal views.
- Safe and clean environment with low crime rates.
- Excellent public transportation system making it easy to travel around.
- Delicious and diverse cuisine, including local specialties.
- High cost of living, particularly in urban areas.
- Language barrier for non-Japanese speakers as English is not widely spoken.
- Limited space and high population density in cities can lead to overcrowding.
- Natural disasters such as earthquakes and typhoons are a risk in certain areas.
- Work culture can be demanding, often with long hours and little vacation time.
Best Activities in Isa
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Enjoy hiking trails with beautiful views of the surrounding landscape and, if the conditions are right, you might even spot some fumaroles.
Explore the picturesque scenery around Lake Kizakiko with a leisurely bike ride, taking in the natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere.
Relax and rejuvenate in the outdoor hot springs while surrounded by the serenity of nature at Takaragawa Onsen.
Tours
Uncover the best of Isa with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Isa
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers stunning views of ancient cedar trees and landscapes.
Known for its beautiful walking trails and picturesque scenery, especially during autumn foliage.
A popular hiking spot with panoramic views of the surrounding area, including Mount Miyanoura.
Food in Isa
Isa Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Seared bonito fish known for its smoky flavor, often served with soy sauce and garlic. Can be found at local izakayas like Izakaya Dai or Izumiya.
Must-Try!
Thick noodles served in a savory broth, often topped with green onions and tempura. A popular spot to try this dish is Marugame Seimen Isa branch.
Tempura made with small sakura shrimp, eaten as a snack or paired with rice. Look for this dish at Tempura Kurokawa.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Isa better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling market offering a variety of fresh seafood, sushi, and sashimi. Visitors can enjoy street food like grilled squid and seafood skewers from local vendors around the market.
This vibrant area is home to numerous street food stalls offering a wide array of dishes such as takoyaki, yakitori, and taiyaki, providing a delightful culinary adventure for visitors.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Isa, Japan, it is important to understand and practice the appropriate etiquette for bowing, as it is a common form of greeting and showing respect. The angle and duration of the bow can convey different levels of respect and formality.
When entering someone's home, certain traditional Japanese customs dictate that shoes should be removed at the genkan (foyer) to avoid bringing dirt and outdoor impurities into the living spaces. It is essential to respect this custom when visiting a Japanese household in Isa.
Respect for elders is a fundamental aspect of Japanese culture. In Isa, it is important to demonstrate deference and attentiveness when elders are speaking, showing polite interest in their opinions and seeking to learn from their wisdom and experience.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Isa with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Isa
Ensure a smooth experience
In Japan, tipping is not a common practice and can even be considered rude in some situations. It is generally not expected or required in restaurants, hotels, or other service industries.
In Japan, cash is the predominant method of payment, and credit cards are widely accepted particularly in urban areas. Mobile payments and e-wallets are also increasingly popular, especially in convenience stores and retail establishments.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Isa.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit Isa, Japan for cherry blossoms and pleasant weather.
Expect hot and humid weather, but a great time for festivals and outdoor activities.
Ideal for leaf-peeping and enjoying cooler temperatures.
Experience snowfall, winter sports, and beautiful winter landscapes.
Isa at Night
Hiking in Isa
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic area offering various trails, stunning views, and diverse flora and fauna.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring ancient pilgrimage routes through beautiful landscapes.
A popular hiking destination known for its challenging trails and breathtaking vistas.
Features extensive hiking trails amidst a variety of ecosystems, rich wildlife, and cultural heritage sites.
Pair of famous rocks offering scenic views and a short hiking trail, ideal for families.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Isa through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Isa by plane.
Located approximately 84 km from Isa, Kumamoto Airport serves both domestic and international flights.
Fukuoka Airport is around 150 km from Isa and is the busiest airport in the Kyushu region, with numerous international connections.
Situated about 175 km from Isa, Nagasaki Airport provides flights to both domestic and international destinations.
Located approximately 105 km from Isa, Oita Airport offers limited international flights and primarily services domestic routes.
Kagoshima Airport is about 150 km from Isa and serves various domestic and a few international destinations.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority demographic group, comprising citizens of Japan with a rich cultural history and heritage.
This group consists of non-Japanese individuals living in Isa, including expatriates from various countries.
Individuals under the age of 18, representing a significant portion of the population.
Senior citizens, typically aged 65 and over, an increasingly prominent demographic due to aging trends.
Visitors from other regions and countries, although fluctuating in numbers based on seasons and events.
The Soul of Isa
Discover the essence of Isa through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Baseball is one of the most popular sports in Japan, with a strong following and competitive league systems.
Soccer, or football, has gained immense popularity in Japan, including professional leagues and national team participation in international competitions.
Various forms of martial arts, such as Judo, Karate, and Aikido, are widely practiced and celebrated in Japan.
Sumo is a traditional Japanese sport known for its unique culture and ceremonial aspects, as well as its competitive bouts.
Basketball has a significant following in Japan, with professional leagues and popular youth programs.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Isa.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many restaurants in Isa offer vegetarian-friendly dishes such as vegetable tempura, tofu-based meals, and fresh salads.
Visitors can find vegan-friendly options at select restaurants, with dishes like vegetable sushi rolls, vegan ramen, and rice bowls with seasoned vegetables.
While it may require some research, visitors with gluten restrictions can enjoy dishes like sashimi, grilled meats, and rice-based dishes at accommodating restaurants.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Isa with these cultural adventures.
