A select group of Australian travel advisors recently experienced the charm and cultural depth of Japan’s Gifu Prefecture, thanks to an immersive famil hosted by Gifu Prefecture with JTB Australia. The four-day itinerary showcased the region’s traditions, cuisine and natural beauty, positioning Gifu as a compelling destination for travellers seeking an authentic and less-travelled side of Japan.
For Australian travelers, Takayama and Shirakawa-go may be familiar, but Gifu is home to many beautiful regions, each with a variety of day tours to experience, and it is conveniently accessible from Nagoya Station.
The famil began in Nagoya, where advisors boarded a Shinkansen before transferring to Gifu’s picturesque cities and towns, including Tajimi, Takayama, Gujo-Hachiman, Gero Onsen, Mino, Seki, Gifu City and Sekigahara.
From pottery to samurai: highlights from the journey
In Tajimi, advisors strolled through the historic Oribe Street before participating in a hands-on Mino pottery experience at The Ground Mino, where they also enjoyed green tea tasting and an Italian lunch. The journey continued in Hida-Takayama with a local cuisine workshop, offering insight into the region’s culinary traditions.
The group explored Gujo-Hachiman on foot with a guided tour through the charming riverside town, then relaxed in the famed Gero Onsen district. Here, they toured the traditional ryokan Suimei-kan and enjoyed a kaiseki dinner at Ryokan Sasara, donning yukata for a walk through the onsen town – a quintessential Japanese experience.
In Mino, agents tried their hand at making traditional mino-washi paper, while Seki provided a glimpse into the ancient art of swordsmithing at cutler SANSYU. The program also featured a Zen meditation session, a visit to the iconic Kawara-machi district in Gifu city, and a trip to the historic Sekigahara battlefield, complete with a samurai costume experience.
Cultural immersion meets modern comfort
The itinerary was designed to balance deep cultural engagement with high-standard hospitality. Participants stayed in a mix of luxury hotels and traditional ryokan, enjoying Japanese and Western cuisine, local workshops and heritage site visits.
The trip concluded with a panoramic view of Gifu from the Prefectural Government Building and a short meeting with the officials of Gifu Prefectural Government.
For travel advisors, the famil offered a valuable firsthand understanding of Gifu’s appeal — from artisan crafts and historic towns to culinary highlights and spiritual traditions — positioning the region as a strong option for culturally curious Australian travellers looking to explore beyond Japan’s typical hotspots.
Kerrie Matthews, Product Manager at Onlyluxe Travel, said, “Gifu is a true hidden gem, beckons with the promise of unhurried travel and deep immersion. Gifu offers stunning, lush green landscapes and a rich tapestry of history, tradition, and culture. The old streets of Gero-Onsen, Gujo-Hachiman and Hida Takayama are beautifully preserved, with charming old homes and picturesque rivers running through the towns.”
“Travellers can enjoy unique experiences like Mino pottery, Mino Washi paper-making, and Seki sword workshops (they are all very famous Japanese traditional crafts and arts – all in one prefecture!); visit the Sekigahara Battlefield Museum; and try on a Samurai warrior costume. The cooking class in a traditional Japanese house in Hida Takayama was especially memorable, offering a glimpse into local life. The hotels and ryokans are delightful and charming, and the fresh, delicate local cuisine is truly exceptional.
Kerrie noted one of the most memorable moments as the tea ceremony, where she had the privilege of crawling through a small, traditional door into an authentic tea room to partake in this ancient ritual.
“The Miyagawa Morning Markets were a delight, offering a vibrant tableau of fresh local produce and an opportunity to sample the region’s culinary treasures,” Kerrie added, before saying, “however, the absolute pinnacle of the journey was the Hida Takayama Local Cruise Workshop. Stepping into a traditional old home, I was welcomed by a charming Japanese couple who graciously taught me the art of preparing a Japanese meal in their family kitchen. Sharing the meal we had created together in their dining room was a truly intimate and unforgettable experience. Their warmth and encouragement made the cooking process a joy.”
Kerrie also rated the stay at the Ryokan “Sasara” as another exceptional experience, saying “the Japanese-style room, complete with a private onsen on the balcony, offered a secluded and luxurious way to immerse oneself in the quintessential onsen culture.”
When asked what surprised her most about Gifu, Kerrie responded with, “the beautifully preserved traditional streets, historic homes, and stunning local scenery. The local guides speak good English, which is normally hard to find in regional travel in Japan.”
Meanwhile, what surprised Asuka Nagata, Travel Consultant at Japan Holidays Pty Ltd about Gifu was how many diverse and captivating areas exist within a single prefecture. Each region has its own deep history and culture, offering something unique to discover. Even during travel between destinations, you can see beautiful rivers and traditional rural scenery along the way.
“I was also impressed by how eager the local people were to communicate in English. Their warmth and hospitality are among the most memorable and appealing aspects for international travellers,” Asuka added.
Asuka said, “I believe Gifu is very appealing to Australian travellers because it offers a very authentic side of Japan, not something created purely for tourism. Each area, such as Mino, Seki, and Tajimi, has its own traditional crafts deeply rooted in the region’s history, climate, and landscape. Travelers can not only appreciate these crafts but also interact with the artisans and local people who have inherited and preserved these traditions for generations.”
“Places like Takayama, Gero, and Gujo Hachiman have a perfect balance of traditional culture, natural beauty, and hands-on experiences. They are also less crowded than major cities, allowing travellers to connect with locals and experience the real Japan in a relaxed and genuine way.”
Asuka spoke of her highlights from the trip.
“I especially enjoyed the visit to Gujo Hachiman, where we met local artisans and learned about traditional craftsmanship such as food sample making and indigo dyeing. The Bon Odori dance lesson from local residents was a truly unique experience that can only be enjoyed here — and it’s wonderful that it’s available throughout the year.”
“The traditional architecture of the town also reflects the wisdom of Japanese people who have long lived in harmony with the climate and natural disasters. The guide’s explanations about the waterways and roof structures were particularly fascinating.”
The 4D theater at the Gifu Sekigahara Battlefield Memorial Museum was also impressive — it’s an engaging facility that visitors of all ages can enjoy, and I would love to include it in future itineraries.”
