As Japan prepares for the 2025 Osaka Expo, savvy travellers are looking beyond the usual hotspots of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Shirakawago. Enter Higashi-Mino in Gifu Prefecture – a hidden treasure that offers an authentic glimpse into Japan’s fascinating past.
Just a bullet train ride from Nagoya, Higashi-Mino invites visitors to explore the less-travelled paths of the historic Nakasendo, one of Japan’s ancient highways. Here, you’ll find pristinely preserved post towns, traditional inns, and stone-paved paths that tell stories of samurai, merchants, and feudal lords who once walked these routes.
Highlights include:
- Ancient teahouses serving local delicacies
- Preserved merchant houses with centuries of history
- Natural hot springs nestled in forested valleys
- Local sake breweries offering traditional tastings
- Historic temples with mountain views
- Authentic ryokan inns serving regional cuisine
Unlike the crowded streets of Kyoto, Higashi-Mino offers a peaceful retreat where visitors can experience Japan’s cultural heritage at their own pace. Whether you’re soaking in an onsen, sampling gohei-mochi (grilled rice cakes with walnut sauce), or walking the quiet mountain paths, this region provides the perfect blend of history, nature, and authentic Japanese hospitality.
Best of all? While it’s easily accessible, Higashi-Mino remains wonderfully unspoilt by mass tourism – for now. Consider this your invitation to discover one of Japan’s last hidden gems before the secret gets out.
For more information : https://visitgifu.com/
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