Things to do in Nakatsugawa

Magome-juku

Magome-juku is the 43rd of the 69 campsites on Nakasendo built in the Edo period, about 332 kilometers away from Edo Nihonbashi, the starting point of Nakasendo. On both sides of the steep mountain road, it is built with stones. In the center of the camp, there are the main camp (big camp), the Xieben camp (side camp), as well as the travel cage (post station), the restaurant (small restaurant), etc. Arrange in rows. After Tokugawa Ieyasu unified the whole country, he started to renovate the roads. A total of five roads were built starting from Edo (Tokyo). Among them, the 540-kilometer "Zhongshan Road" became the only way for merchants to travel. The accommodation is located at the midpoint of "Zhongshan Road", which created the prosperous era of these two small towns. The streets of Magongsu are still paved with stone roads of the past. There are various shops in wooden houses on both sides. There are many ancient tea shops, izakayas, art shops, and hotels. Colorful flowers are planted in front of each door. It also retains the wells and waterwheels used in the past, adding an ancient sense; walking through the nostalgic streets and occasionally seeing old women in traditional kimonos makes people seem to enter a time tunnel and return to the Tokugawa Ieyasu era in the 17th century.

Naegi Castle Ruins

In these ruins, little of the castle remains, but a magnificent stone wall built from massive stones is well preserved, and the castle's grandeur is still visible.

Stone Museum Hakusekikan

This museum opened in 1986 in Gifu Prefecture and is home to many minerals and gemstones from Hirugawa, one of Japan's three largest mines in Nakatsugawa City. The park is as fascinating as the monument, and displays many natural diamonds, fossils and gemstones from Everest. It also offers interesting experiences such as a giant pyramid maze and treasure hunting.

Chicory Village

Enakyo

Ena Gorge is a man-made lake formed about 80 years ago when the Kiso River was intercepted to build the Oi Dam. It was named Ena Gorge by geographer Shiga Shige Subaru in 1920. Ena Gorge is full of strange rocks and rocks formed by natural erosion, from the artificial lake formed by the Oi Dam intercepting the Kiso River to the upper Nakazu River. Like the umbrella rock piercing the ground, it is a natural protection of the country. It and the red rock covered with maroon moss are the representatives of the strange rocks in the canyon. In spring, there are about 200 cherry trees in Lian Park, which are in full bloom with the beautiful azaleas. In summer, thick green trees set off the red Enagyo Bridge, and in autumn, red and maple leaves add color to the lake. In winter, mandarin ducks and starlings will fly, suitable for bird watching. The charm of Enagyo varies throughout the year. In Ena Gorge, you can also take a sightseeing boat from the water, or use the condescending aerial ropeway to enjoy the scenery from the air. On the north bank of the canyon, there are 25 kinds of entertainment items in the Ena Gorge Amusement Park. Both adults and children can enjoy it. You can also watch the scenery of the Ena Gorge and the Southern Alps from the grand car.

Tsumago-juku

More than 300 years ago, there were 69 inns on the Nakasen Road from Tokyo to Kyoto, and Tsumago is one of them. Tsumago is located deep in the mountains and is ancient and quiet. Although Japan began to build various railways and highways after the Meiji period, Tsumago was never disturbed. Because of the developed transportation, the existence of these stations has become unimportant. They gradually withdraw from the stage and officially live in seclusion in the mountains and forests. Tsumago maintains the appearance of more than 300 years ago, with elegant inns, simple shops, paths in the woods and trickling streams. It is an important traditional building complex in Japan and has become a place for many people who want to escape and relax. Simply beautiful. If you're tired of the hustle and bustle of Osaka and Tokyo, Tsumago may be a surprise on your trip.

Tsukechi Gorge

The valley is shaded by green trees and features waterfalls, rapids, and suspension bridges, making it a great place for picnics and relaxation.

No. 5 of Hot Springs Attractions in Gifu Prefecture

Kuraya Onsen

Kuraya Onsen is a hot spring facility located in Nakatsugawa, Gifu Prefecture, Japan. Its convenient location makes it an ideal stop for visitors to relax after hiking or sightseeing in the area. The facility is popular for its clean, modern environment and comfortable bathing experience. It features both indoor and outdoor baths, with the open-air bath being a highlight—crafted from local hinoki cypress, it emits a natural woody fragrance. While soaking, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the distant mountains. The hot spring water is alkaline, with a very smooth feel, and many visitors say their skin feels wonderfully soft after bathing. In addition to the regular bathing area, the facility also has a sauna and a cold plunge pool for those who want to alternate between hot and cold. This hot spring is full of local charm, offering visitors a peaceful and soothing retreat.

Roadside Station Hanakaido Tsukechi

2026 Global 100 - Best Things to Do

Universal Studios Japan

Here you'll find not only heart-pounding attractions themed around Hollywood blockbuster movies, but also live shows featuring popular cartoon characters—fun for everyone from kids to adults! This is home to the world's first Nintendo theme park, where you can immerse yourself in the world of Super Mario! Here we have holiday-exclusive parades and float tours! Everyone here is the star—join the passionate parade, ignite your excitement together, and feel full of energy! Located in OsakaUniversal Studios Japan("Universal Studios Japan") is one of the Universal Studios theme parks. It opened in 2001 and is a classic and wonderful world of fun in the hearts of many visitors. Its design is similar to Universal Studios Orlando in the United States, and it features popular areas such as "Jurassic Park," "Hollywood," and "Waterworld." With more than 60 fun attractions, you can keep playing and exploring all day long. Universal Studios JapanThere are also much-loved themed IP areas such as "Super Nintendo World (Mario/Super Mario)", "Minions", and "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter". Whether you're having fun interacting with the Minions, racing through the Mario Kart adventure, or weaving through the magical world of Hogwarts, these are all wonderfully unforgettable experiences. △The Nintendo area is a collaboration between Nintendo andUniversal Studios JapanThe world's first Nintendo theme park, jointly built, features the globally popular Super Mario as its main character. It offers a 1:1 ultra-realistic recreation of Bowser's Castle, Princess Peach's Castle, and the Mushroom Kingdom from the game, allowing you to immerse yourself in the world of Super Mario! △"Despicable Me Minion Mayhem" and "Freeze Ray Sliders" pull you into the Minions' gigantic chaos and whip up a heatwave! A huge swarm of Minions is running wild and turning everything upside down in every street, alley, and corner! In the joyful and boisterous Minion Park, every visitor can't help but join in the mischievous mayhem! △Welcome to the magnificent area—The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™, which faithfully recreates the world of the Harry Potter™ stories with overwhelming scale and meticulous attention to every detail. The towering Hogwarts™ castle stands tall, and in front of it lies the vast Hogsmeade™ where wizards live, along with many ride attractions and various shops. Here, you can step into "that world" from the films, as if everything is happening right before your eyes.