Nagaragawa Onsen

Located along the Nagaragawa River in Gifu, Nagaragawa Onsen is somewhere to step back in time and experience some of the pure delights of traditional Japan. Not only is this charming town is located close to Nagoya, making it very easy to include in an itinerary that is taking in some of Japan’s more recognised highlights, but it is also much less visited that some other destinations in the  The number one experience for visitors here during the summer months (May to October) is to take a local boat out in the evening to watch a demonstration of cormorant fishing on the river. Fish have been caught with the help of these clever water birds in this traditional way here for many generations. Other delights that we’d recommend while in Nagaragawa Onsen include taking on the 90-minute hike up the steep hill on the edge of the town to spectacular Gifu Castle (cable-car also available!); a potter, or cycle, around the town’s traditional streets with their wooden houses and boutiques located in the old town and of course, bathing in the towns natural hot spring baths, which are found at most local hotels and ryokans.