Follow the River, Walk Through History — From Yaotsu to Inuyama
【About This Journey】
Discover the history and culture shaped by the Kiso River through walking, local cuisine, and conversations with experts.
Follow the historic routes once walked by Kiso River raft workers after completing their journeys downstream.
Experience the connection between forests, rivers, transportation, and local communities while exploring the area between Inuyama and Yaotsu.
This journey includes approximately 25 km of walking over four days (typically 5–10 km per day, with some longer sections).
Recommended for those who enjoy walking, history, and meaningful cultural experiences.
【Important Note】
Participants should be able to walk at least 3 km continuously without a break.
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Schedule
Day
Study Trail – Day 1 | Unuma to Minokamo
9:30 AM
Meet at JR Unuma Station (JR Takayama Main Line). *Begin your Study Trail journey from JR Unuma Station. Walk to Japan Line Unuma no Mori (Approx. 1.6 km).
10:00
Japan Line Unuma no Mori -Enjoy a walk through the forest while experiencing the beautiful natural scenery along the Kiso River. Walk to Nakasendo Utou Pass (Approx. 1.0 km).
10:30
Nakasendo Utou Pass -Walk along a section of the historic Nakasendo, one of Japan’s five major Edo-period highways, once traveled by feudal lords, merchants, and pilgrims. Walk to Iwaya Kannon (Approx. 1.5 km).
11:00
Iwaya Kannon -Visit Iwaya Kannon, a historic temple once revered by travelers on the Nakasendo Trail, featuring a Kannon Hall believed to date back to the early 19th century. Walk to Miyuki Park (Approx. 1.8 km).
11:00
Miyuki Park -Take a short restroom break before continuing the journey. Walk to Ota-juku Nakasendo Hall (Approx. 3.4 km).
12:30 PM
Ota-juku Nakasendo Hall -Enjoy lunch at the restaurant inside Ota-juku Nakasendo Hall or at a nearby local restaurant. *Lunch is at your own expense.
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Afterwards, transfer by taxi to Minokamo City Museum (Approx. 4.0 km).
2:30
Minokamo City Museum Introduction to the Fieldwork ● Join a lecture by a local expert on the history, culture, food traditions, and industries of the middle Kiso River region. ● The session will provide valuable background knowledge, enriching your fieldwork experience and helping you discover the region from a deeper perspective.
3:30
Mayu no Ie (Life Experience House), Minokamo City Museum Local Cuisine Cooking Experience & Dinner -Prepare and enjoy traditional local cuisine while learning about regional ingredients and culinary culture.
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Transfer by taxi to your accommodation.
5:30
Check in to Fairfield by Marriott Gifu Seiryu Satoyama Park. -This accommodation offers a unique travel experience that allows guests to discover the hidden charms of regional Japan while using Michi-no-Eki as gateways to local communities. Overnight at Fairfield by Marriott Gifu Seiryu Satoyama Park.
Morning
X
Lunch
〇
Dinner
〇
Day
Study Trail – Day 2 | Minokamo to Yaotsu
Morning
Breakfast at hotel.
8:00 AM
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Transfer by taxi to River Port Park Minokamo.
8:30
Meeting Point: River Port Park Minokamo *Rafting Participation Requirements ● Elementary school age and older ● Elementary school students must be accompanied by a parent or guardian Rafting Check-in. Available annually from Golden Week (late April/early May) through around November 3.
9:30
Rafting Begins. ● Experience rafting on the “Japan Line” section of the 229-km-long Kiso River. ● Enjoy a 10-km adventure through powerful currents, beautiful gorges, and the changing scenery of the river.
11:30
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Return to River Port Park Minokamo. ● After reaching the finish point, return by dedicated shuttle bus. ● Refresh with a shower and change of clothes before lunch.
12:15 PM
Lunch at Café & Pizza DELTA.
2:00
River Port Park Minokamo -Begin an afternoon walk exploring the Kiso River and its surrounding landmarks. Walk to Imawatari Dam (Approx. 1.5 km).
2:30
Imawatari Dam Walk to Hakoi no Shimizu (Approx. 0.8 km).
2:45
Hakoi no Shimizu -A natural spring that has supported local life for generations, once used for daily water and as a natural refrigerator for fresh vegetables, offering a glimpse into the traditional lifestyle of the region. Walk to Mishima Gozen Hanadate Cliff (Approx. 0.9 km)
3:10
Mishima Gozen Hanadate Cliff Walk to Koyama Kannon (Approx. 0.9 km).
3:30
Koyama Kannon -Koyama Kannon is a historic Buddhist temple on a small island in the Hida River, renowned for its beautiful scenery and as a place to pray for health, safe travel, and good fortune.
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Transfer by taxi to your accommodation.
5:00
Terminate at your accommodation. ● You may choose your accommodation from Matsuya Ryokan or Tomariya Akane. ● Guests staying at Matsuya Ryokan can enjoy dinner either at the ryokan or at Ikoi, a local restaurant. Overnight in Yaotsu.
Morning
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Lunch
〇
Dinner
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Day
Study Trail – Day 3 | Yaotsu to Inuyama
Morning
Breakfast at your accommodation.
9:30 AM
Meeting Point: Former Kuroze Port Guided Walking Tour Begins. ● Meet your guide at the Former Kuroze Port and begin a walking tour through Yaotsu’s historic townscape. After walking along Honmachi Street (Approx. 1.0 km), continue on foot to the Kurose-gumi Festival Float Storehouse.
10:30
Kurose-gumi Festival Float Storehouse -Visit the Kurose-gumi Festival Float Storehouse to see the unique boat-shaped floats of the Yaotsu Danjiri Festival and learn about the town’s long history as a Kiso River port.
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After the visit, transfer by taxi to Maruyama Dam Observatory “Marutto Terrace” (approx. 4.0 km). Enjoy the view from there.
11:30
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Then transfer by taxi to Ikoi, a local restaurant (approx. 1.5 km).
12:00 PM
Lunch at Ryori Ryokan Ikoi.
1:30
Walk to the Former Nishikori Tsunaba & Sosuikyo Bridge Area (Approx. 0.3 km).
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Ttransfer by taxi to Kaneyama Dam (Approx. 6.5 km).
3:30
Kaneyama Dam -Visit Kaneyama Dam and learn about its role in the Kiso River basin.
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Transfer by taxi to Sengoku Yamashiro Museum (Approx. 1.5 km).
Sengoku Yamashiro Museum -Walk around Mino Kaneyama Castle Ruins.
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Transfer by taxi o Meitetsu INUYAMAYŪEN Station.
5:30
Inuyama Castle Town -Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the charming streets surrounding Inuyama Castle.
Evening
Overnight in Inuyama or Unuma. ● Choose your accommodation according to your preferences. ● Dinner is included. Suggested accommodations: Inuyama Area: Hotel Indigo Inuyama Urakuen Garden, Shuku Kakamigahara (Unuma) Area: Guest House Obaachan no Ie
Morning
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Lunch
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Dinner
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Day
Study Trail – Day 4 | Unuma & Kiso River Cormorant Fishing
Morning
Breakfast at your accommodation.
9:30 AM
Meeting Point: Unuma Station (JR Takayama Main Line) Choose Your Morning Program. 【Plan 1】Review & Discussion ● Reflect on the experiences and knowledge gained during the four-day study tour through a guided review and discussion session. 【Plan 2】Strolling Around Inuyama Castle Town ● Stroll through the historic streets of Inuyama Castle Town and discover how Kiso River transportation shaped the town’s development, commerce, and cultural exchange.
11:25
Kiso River Daytime Cormorant Fishing Cruise *Please arrive at the Cormorant Fishing Boat Pier by 11:00 AM. -Enjoy a sightseeing cruise with a Japanese lunch while learning about the traditional practice of cormorant fishing. Available annually from June 1 to October 15.
12:25-12:45 PM
Break ● The boat docks for a short restroom break before reboarding.
12:45
Reboard the Boat.
Around 1:00
Cormorant Fishing Demonstration -Watch a traditional daytime cormorant fishing demonstration on the Kiso River.
Around 1:35
Tour Ends / Departure ● The tour concludes after the cormorant fishing experience. ● A certificate of completion will be presented to participants upon request.
Morning
〇
Lunch
X
Dinner
X
Remarks
Tour price
A Plan – ¥251,000 (approx. $1,670 USD) per person
Based on double occupancy
Accommodation:
Night 1: HOTEL R9 The Yard Minokamo
Night 2: Matsuya Ryokan
Night 3: Guest House Obaachan no Ie
B Plan – ¥447,000 (approx. $2,980 USD) per person
Based on double occupancy
Accommodation:
Night 1: Fairfield by Marriott Gifu Seiryu Satoyama Park
Night 2: Tomariya Akane
Night 3: Shuku
Request/Announcement
The above schedule is a sample. It can be adjusted according to your request, so please feel free to consult with us.
What's included
・Private vehicle
・Admission fees (museums, temples, etc.)
・Transportation (JR, ferry, etc.)
・English interpretation guide *Please let us know if you would like another language.
・Luggage delivery fee ( Takku-bin: ①Aman Kyoto - Azumi, ②Bella Vista - Aman Kyoto)
・Experience fees (tea ceremony & kimono, cruise, rickshaw, private water cab, geisha dinner)
・Accommodation fee
Items to check before Reservation
・Names of all participants
・Dietary restrictions and allergy information
Cancellation Policy
20 days ago: 20% of total accommodation / travel product charges
7 days ago: 30% of total accommodation / travel product charges
1 days ago-: 40% of the total accommodation / travel product price
From the day before to the day: 100% of the total accommodation and travel product charges
Map
Tokyo
Osaka
Kyoto
Mt.Fuji
26-B-1.Yaotsu
Inquiry
Please feel free to contact us anytime.
The itinerary provided here is just a sample.
The number of nights and the content can be adjusted according to your preferences.
Please feel free to consult us about the number of people, participation date, content, budget, etc.
