Traveling around Japan without tourists
Gifu Castle (Gifu-jō, 岐阜城) is one of Japan’s most iconic castles, known both for its imposing location atop Mount Kinka (Kinka-san, 金華山) and for its rich history. Situated 329 metres above sea level, this castle offers spectacular views that encompass not only the city of Gifu, but also distant Nagoya (名古屋) and, on clear days, the mountains of the Japanese Alps.
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The Ōnaruto Bridge Walkway (大鳴門橋遊歩道), is a walkway located under the Ōnaruto Kyō Bridge (大鳴門橋), allowing you to walk 450 meters suspended 45 meters above the Naruto Kaikyō (鳴門海峡), offering a privileged perspective of the famous water whirlpools that give the area its name.
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In the heart of Gifu Prefecture, the Sekigahara Battlefield Memorial Museum (岐阜関ケ原古戦場記念館) is a place where the history of the famous Battle of Sekigahara (関ヶ原の戦い) comes to life. This clash, which took place on October 21, 1600, marked a turning point in the history of Japan, defining the fate of the nation for centuries.
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Taketori Onsen Akari no Yu (竹取温泉 灯りの湯) is the first natural hot spring in the Kyoto region and is surrounded by a magnificent bamboo forest. Its large open-air baths not only offer panoramic views of Kyoto and Osaka, but the scenery changes depending on the time of day. In the morning, the light creates a cool glow on the bamboo; at dusk, the reddish hues of the sky envelop the surroundings; and at night, illuminations transform the forest into a fantastical setting.
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Located in Kagawa Prefecture (香川県) is Oni-ga-shima (鬼ヶ島), the famous “Oni Island.” This iconic place, whose name literally means “Demon Island,” is deeply linked to the legend of Momotaro, the brave hero who, according to stories, defeated the demons that terrorized the region.
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