Winter Activities in Gifu
Gifu is a destination for every season, but come winter, when everything is blanketed in a pristine layer of snow, it transforms into something magical. Just like the change in scenery, the regional adventures change as well: from frozen waterfall trekking to Shirakawa- go’s annual “Light Up” festival when the entire village is aglow. The cultural activities mixed with the great outdoors entice visitors even in the coldest months.
Frozen Waterfall Trekking at Hida-Osaka Falls & Sake Tasting
Just like over summer when visitors can get up close to the regions magnificent waterfalls via “shower climbing,” visitors have the ability to trek with spiked snowshoes along a valley of frozen waterfalls. With the snow piling as high as 6 feet, take in stunning clear blue ice from a unique vantage point. After your journey why not relax with a hot cup of Sake? As Sake is only brewed during winter, stop by a brewery to see how it is made before unwinding with a refreshing glass.
Shirakawa-go Light-up
From January through February, the UNESCO world heritage site of Shirakawa-go really puts the distinctive steep roofs to work, amassing layers of snow. As the snow piles up, the village organizes special illuminations with many of the village's gassho-zukuri farmhouses lit up. Wander through the village to see take in the magic of this winter wonderland or take in the view from above via a viewing platform.
Shinhotaka Ropeway & Onsens
The snow seems to make the scenery along the Shinhotaka Ropeway even more dramatic so what better way to experience it than from a double decker gondola, the first of its kind in Japan. On the side of the Hotake Mountain Range, the ropeway climbs up past Oku-Hotakedake, Japan's third highest peak. Accessed via the ropeway are hiking trails and a public bathhouse, Shinhotaka Onsen. The onsen is located at the base of the Hotaka Mountains, which offers outstanding views.
Skiing & Snowboarding
Access to fantastic snowboarding or skiing is easy in Gifu. With top notch runs just outside of Takayama, even those who only have a few days to spend in the region can partake. Also popular are sledding, tubing, and snow-rafting, all of which can be found in the mountain ranges of Japan's Northern Alps. The region is home to 35 resorts with 116 miles of slopes scattered throughout the Gujo, Takayama and Hida areas. After you hit the slopes, we suggest you take in the Tokai Area Snowball Fight (February 2022) which elevates your average snowball to a professional level. The 3 minute matches are fueled by specialized snowball-making machines which make the event all the more captivating.