Gifu Prefecture occupies the heart of Honshu, stretching from the UNESCO-listed thatched villages of Shirakawa-go through the Hida mountain range to the cormorant-fishing rivers of Gifu City. It is one of Japan's most scenically diverse prefectures, blending ancient traditions with dramatic alpine landscapes.
Luxury hotels
Five-star and palace properties.
Suimeikan
Gero Onsen's premier ryokan, with over 60 rooms including riverside suites with private outdoor baths. Multiple natural hot spring pools (indoor and outdoor), full kaiseki restaurant, and attentive traditional hospitality (omotenashi). Multiple award recognitions.
Ogawaya
A scenic riverside ryokan with outdoor onsen baths overlooking the Hida River. Private in-room onsen rooms available. Kaiseki cuisine uses local river fish, mountain vegetables, and Hida beef.
Oyado Koto no Yume
Takayama's most intimate luxury ryokan with private in-room hot spring baths in each suite. Exceptional kaiseki featuring Hida beef and seasonal Hida mountain produce. Walking distance from the historic Sanmachi Suji.
Yunoshima Kan
A historic mountain ryokan with sulphur spring baths in a scenic valley above the Hida River. Known for exceptional service and regional kaiseki with seasonal mountain ingredients.
Fine dining
Michelin-starred and chef-driven restaurants.
Le Midi
Takayama's most celebrated restaurant, fusing French technique with Hida ingredients. A5 Hida beef with seasonal local mushrooms and miso jus.
Takumi no Sato
Premium kaiseki in Gifu City featuring the full Hida beef 8-course progression from sashimi to grilled to stewed preparations.
Yamashita Restaurant (Suimeikan)
A celebrated kaiseki restaurant within Suimeikan ryokan. Day-visitor lunch kaiseki available with advance booking. Full 12-course dinner for ryokan guests.
Exclusive experiences
Bespoke and once-in-a-lifetime activities.
Ukai Dinner Boat (Premium Booking)
Premium dinner boats on the Nagara River seat 6–15 guests in traditional wooden boats, watching cormorant fishing by torchlight while dining on a full ayu sweetfish course with sake pairings.
Private Hida Beef Teppanyaki (Chef's Counter)
A private teppanyaki counter for 2–4 guests at Hida Beef Dining Bar A5 in Takayama, where A5-grade Hida beef is prepared tableside by the chef with sake and craft spirits pairings.
Private Shirakawa-go Illumination (special access)
Limited VIP access on illumination nights arranged through select Shirakawa-go minshuku for overnight guests — arrive before general public access for the most photographable time window.
Shinhotaka Private Helicopter Scenic Flight
Helicopter scenic flights over the Hida Alps and Shirakawa-go operate on clear summer days from a helipad near Shinhotaka. Contact Naganuma Aviation for seasonal availability.
Full-Ryokan Kaiseki Dinner Experience
An evening of full kaiseki (12–15 course Japanese haute cuisine) at Suimeikan or Ogawaya in Gero Onsen, pairing seasonal local ingredients with carefully chosen sake in a private tatami dining room.
Spas & wellness
World-class spa retreats and treatments.
Suimeikan Spa
Multiple indoor and outdoor mineral hot spring pools including a riverside rotenburo. In-room private baths available in premium suites. Massage and body treatment services bookable through the front desk. Day-use entrance available from ¥1,500 (~$9.70).
Ogawaya Riverside Rotenburo
Open-air bath directly above the Hida River with natural sodium bicarbonate spring water. Private outdoor baths available for room guests. Day-use ¥800 (~$5.15).
Luxury transport
Travel in style.