That is the smile of a person who had just experienced her first snowfall!
In the middle of the more popular destinations Tokyo and Osaka, is a prefecture called Gifu. I was fortunate enough to experience this place through this tourism-related project organized by Japan’s HIDA & Gifu Tourism Office. I always knew Japan was beautiful in every corner, no matter the season, and I’m thankful that for my first winter experience it was in Gifu.
I’ve never heard of Gifu before this trip and probably you haven’t too, and that’s sad, because this place is too beautiful for people not to know it. At least once in your lifetime, go visit this winter wonderland!
Takayama Jinya, a historical building that dates back to the Edo Period
Japanese pay the government tax through rice
The hanamochi or flowerless, made out of real edible mochi
Old town Takayama
Of course we have to try Sake! It’s Japan’s famous rice wine, but it’s actually beer.
Outside the Great Limestone Cave
Okuhida, where Oku means “deeper within”.Â
The famous Shirakawa-Go, a UNESCO World Heritage site
Shirakawa-Go houses are known for their steep roof so that it is easier for snow to fall
Bokka no Sato, meaning “Playing in the snow”
