Things To Do
in Nakatsugawa
Nakatsugawa is a historic town located in the Gifu Prefecture of Japan. It is known for its picturesque setting surrounded by mountains and lush forests. The town is home to several traditional wooden buildings that have been well-preserved, offering visitors a glimpse into Japan's past.
Nakatsugawa also serves as a popular starting point for hikers looking to explore the nearby Magome and Tsumago post towns along the ancient Nakasendo trail.
- "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: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $80
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $70
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day at the Nakatsugawa Park and enjoy a peaceful stroll surrounded by nature. Don't forget to grab a snack from a local vendor to fuel your adventures.
Visit the Nakatsugawa Onsen area for a relaxing soak in the hot springs. Afterward, explore the shops selling traditional crafts and souvenirs.
Enjoy dinner at a local izakaya, where you can savor authentic Japanese cuisine. Take a walk along the riverbank to witness the sunset.
Set out early to hike the nearby mountains such as Ena or Nakasendo. The trails offer scenic views and a chance to connect with nature.
Return to Nakatsugawa and have lunch at a local café. Spend the afternoon visiting historical sites like the Sakamoto School.
Relax at your accommodation and enjoy some evening tea. If you're up for it, take a night walk to admire the starry sky.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful natural scenery, including mountains and rivers, perfect for outdoor activities.
- Rich cultural heritage, with historical sites and traditional festivals.
- Access to hot springs (onsen) for relaxation and wellness.
- Friendly and welcoming local community.
- Excellent food options with local specialties, such as traditional Japanese cuisine.
- Limited public transportation options compared to larger cities.
- Fewer job opportunities, particularly in specialized fields.
- Potential language barrier for non-Japanese speakers.
- Less entertainment and nightlife compared to urban areas.
- Risk of natural disasters such as earthquakes given its location in Japan.
Best Activities in Nakatsugawa
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Enjoy a scenic 8-km hike along the historic Nakasendo trail, passing through picturesque villages and beautiful countryside.
Explore the ruins of Naegi Castle, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape and a glimpse into Japan's feudal history.
Discover the natural beauty of the Southern Alps with hiking, picnicking, and opportunities for wildlife observation in a serene setting.
Tours
Uncover the best of Nakatsugawa with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Nakatsugawa
Visit one of these nice places.
A well-preserved post town with picturesque traditional buildings and beautiful scenery.
A stunning natural gorge with a river and lush greenery, offering excellent photo opportunities.
Located atop a mountain, this shrine offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
Food in Nakatsugawa
Nakatsugawa Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Sansai Soba is a hearty noodle dish featuring buckwheat soba noodles topped with an assortment of mountain vegetables, providing a deliciously unique taste of the local flora. For an authentic experience, head to Soba Dokoro Ibuki, renowned for its flavorful Sansai Soba.
Must-Try!
Hoba Miso is a regional specialty where a miso-based mixture is grilled on a magnolia leaf along with various ingredients such as mushrooms and vegetables, producing a wonderfully rich and aromatic dish. Yama no Ie is a fantastic place to savor this traditional delicacy.
Tsumago Ocha, the local tea, is a must-try for tea enthusiasts. The tea, grown in the nearby area, offers a uniquely smooth and refreshing flavor, and can be enjoyed at any of the traditional tea houses scattered around the town.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The Nakatsugawa Morning Market is a vibrant hub of local culinary treasures. Here, visitors can sample an array of fresh produce, local snacks, and pickles while immersing themselves in the lively market atmosphere.
Exploring the Nakasendo Trail unveils a range of charming food stalls offering regional delicacies such as skewered mountain vegetables, simmered fish cakes, and steamed buns, providing a delightful opportunity to savor local street food.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Nakatsugawa, it's customary to bow slightly when greeting someone, especially when meeting someone for the first time or in a formal setting.
It's a sign of respect to remove your shoes when entering someone's home or certain traditional Japanese establishments, such as temples and ryokan (Japanese inns).
Personal space is important in Japanese culture, so it's polite to maintain a respectful distance and avoid physical contact unless initiated by the other person.
Safety
Tipping in Nakatsugawa
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in Nakatsugawa, Japan. It is not expected or required in restaurants, hotels, or for other services.
Payment in Nakatsugawa, Japan is primarily done using cash. Credit cards are accepted in some establishments, especially in larger cities or tourist areas. It's always best to have cash on hand for small purchases and in rural areas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit Nakatsugawa, Japan is in spring (March to May) when cherry blossoms are in full bloom and the weather is pleasant.
Summer (June to August) can be hot and humid, but it's a great time for outdoor activities and festivals.
Autumn (September to November) is another beautiful time to visit with colorful foliage and comfortable temperatures.
Winter (December to February) may be cold, but visitors can enjoy unique winter festivals and beautiful snowscapes.
Nakatsugawa at Night
Hiking in Nakatsugawa
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A sacred mountain in Japan, offering a variety of hiking trails with stunning views and rich flora, suitable for both beginners and experienced hikers.
A picturesque valley with several hiking paths that connect traditional post towns, showcasing beautiful landscapes and historical sites.
A local park featuring well-maintained trails, ideal for a leisurely hike while enjoying seasonal flowers and panoramic views of the surrounding area.
Part of the Japanese Alps, this area features rugged terrain and challenging hikes, perfect for adventure seekers looking to explore mountainous landscapes.
A famous historical hiking trail that connects the two post towns of Magome and Tsumago, offering a beautiful and culturally immersive experience.
Aiports
How to reach Nakatsugawa by plane.
Located approximately 150 km from Nakatsugawa, this major international airport serves the Nagoya metropolitan area and offers flights to various international destinations.
Also known as Komaki Airport, it is located around 160 km from Nakatsugawa and primarily focuses on domestic flights but has some international services.
Situated about 230 km from Nakatsugawa, this airport serves the Osaka area and provides a wide range of international flights.
Located approximately 220 km from Nakatsugawa, this airport is mainly a domestic hub but also offers limited international flights.
About 530 km from Nakatsugawa, this airport serves the Sendai area and has some international connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The predominant ethnic group in Nakatsugawa, comprising the majority of the population.
Includes various nationalities, primarily from other Asian countries, as well as a small number of Western expatriates.
An indigenous ethnic group in Japan, with some presence in the region, although their population is small.
Residents from the Ryukyu Islands, potentially found in smaller numbers within the community.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Baseball is a very popular sport in Nakatsugawa, often enjoyed both as a spectator sport and through local teams and schools.
Soccer has a strong following in Nakatsugawa, with many local clubs participating in regional leagues and community events.
Basketball is widely played in schools and community centers, with leagues for both youth and adults.
Table tennis enjoys popularity in Nakatsugawa, with many facilities available for practice and competitive play.
Various forms of martial arts, including judo and karate, are practiced in Nakatsugawa, reflecting the cultural traditions of Japan.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Nakatsugawa.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Nakatsugawa's eateries are increasingly catering to vegetarian and vegan preferences. Many restaurants now offer plant-based variations of traditional dishes, ensuring that those with dietary restrictions can enjoy the local cuisine with ease.
While gluten-free options may be somewhat limited, several establishments in Nakatsugawa are attentive to gluten sensitivities and provide dishes that accommodate such dietary needs. It is advisable for individuals with gluten restrictions to communicate their requirements clearly when dining out.