Hagiwara – a small country town historically connected with Takayama

gerocal — Mon, 09 Jul 2018 01:02:34 +0000

Hagiwara is a small town located in the norther part of Gero. It takes just 15 minutes from Gero Onsen area by car. On the other hand, it is located at 40km south of Takayama. It seems to be a normal town but the history is very unique. It has been connected with Takayama, which is the central city of Hida region.

In Sengoku period, when lots of samurais battled to conquer and widen their territory, Hida region was governed by a samurai named Kanamori. He made some castles in Hida for the control, and one of them was located in Hagiwara town. The castle does not currently exist but still you can see it actually was in the town.

Once the castle was made, people started to open their shops such as grocery stores and hotels for travelers. Some of them are still there like the sake brewery and the Japanese sweet shop. So Takayama has been the center of region in terms of politics and economics but Hagiwara has also had an important role of traffic and transportation to Takayama from the southern of country.

Not only shops but antiques still there. Each of them has the history and mostly related to Hida region or Takayama. You will get in touch with those deep stories.

You can easily access from both Takayama and Gero hot spring so you must visit Hagiwara if you want to dive into the local cultures especially the historical side. Honestly, you just enjoy tasting sake if you are not interested in the stories!

Hagiwara | Gerocal Tour

The post Hagiwara – a small country town historically connected with Takayama first appeared on Gerocal Tour.

Maze – the best place to see the nature of Gero

gerocal — Tue, 26 Jun 2018 00:48:48 +0000

Maze is a small valley village located in the northwest of Gero, which is located 20 minutes from Gero Onsen and 50 minutes from Takayama. It has only 1,000 people here but a lot of stories to tell especially for foreign travelers in terms of nature. For a long time, people have been strongly connected with the nature. Maze is rich in natural resources as below photos show.

A river flows along the center of village, called Maze River. Maze River is extremely clear and beautiful so a lot of species resides such as stream fish and water insects. Abundant water is constantly coming down from the mountain. Locals manage the forest and river to keep clean and safe, which has very good effect on their lives.

Utilizing the natural resources, they make good crops like rice, tomato and corn. They inherit those food culture by their own hands. Each of local food has a long and unique history. The strong connection between people and nature in Maze village is highly evaluated in the society. They are certified in “The most beautiful villages in Japan” and “SAVOR JAPAN“.

Maze River is known as “Mecca of ayu fishing” too. This is the best place of ayu and ayu fishing. Ayu only resides in a very clear river, and has some unique features. Anglers come to Maze River for fishing in summer, which is one of scenes in the village.

There is no exaggeration to say that Maze village is the best place to see the beauty of nature and taste unique local foods in Gero. It is just 20 minutes’ drive from the center of Gero, and we have some rural activities in Maze like below. Please do not miss visiting Maze when you come to Gero Onsen!

Maze | Gerocal Tour

The post Maze – the best place to see the nature of Gero first appeared on Gerocal Tour.