A Trip from Castle Town to Mountain Village
From Castle Town to Mountain Village
A Trip to See All Kinds of Autumn in Gujo
Over 100 maple trees surrounding Gujo Hachiman Castle. All turn red just like burning in huge frame.
This calm atmosphere in this temple is very soothing.
This time we are going to introduce a route from Gujo Hachiman castle town to mountain village in Wara area. Starting from the autumn leaves at Gujo Hachiman Castle to Daijyoji Temple, Jion-zenji Temple Tessouen and finally historical sites of castle town, we are seeing the best part of Gujo Hachiman in this trip. Our last destination is a roadside station for you to purchase your souvenirs. If you are going to or from Gero, you will find this trip very useful and interesting.
5 min.
10 min.
15 min.
45 min.
Gujo Hachiman Castle
Period of Autumn leaves : late October to early November
Beautiful autumn leaves surrounding the castle tower
General Endo Morikazu started to set his team for war in 1559, almost the end of Sengoku era (1688 – 1704). Endo, Inaba, Inoue, Kanamori and Aoyama were the lords of Gujo Hachiman. This castle was abandoned due to abolition of feudal domains in 1871. Only the stone base was remained, but all parts of the castle were destroyed. Castle tower was reconstructed in 1933 as the oldest rebuilt wooden castle in Japan. Castle wall is a historic landmark of Gifu-ken and castle tower is designated as a Tangible Cultural Property. The castle surrounded by morning mist is called “Castle in the sky” in Gifu-ken. It is also selected as one of Continued Top 100 Japanese Castles.
Over 100 maple trees surrounding Gujo Hachiman Castle. All turn red just like burning in huge frame.
Illumination lights up according to the best time of autumn leaves.
Autumn leaves with illumination is so different those in daytime. It can only be seen in a very short period.
Daijyoji Temple
Period of Autumn leaves : late October to early November
Mountain gate coloring by autumn leaves
Daijyoji Temple is located along Kodaragawa River which is flowing inside Gujo Hachiman. The gate, built in 1804 and survived from several fires was designated as an Important Cultural Property. Maple trees surrounding the temple are so beautiful that you must not miss!
This calm atmosphere in this temple is very soothing.
Red maple tree is a must-see!
Momiji is surrounding this gate which is designated as an Important Cultural Property.
Lunch at Hachiman
Jion-zenji Temple
Period of Autumn leaves : late October to early November
Seeing the garden while hearing the sound of Suikinkutsu
Lord Endo Yoshitaka of Gujo Hachiman Castle opened the foundation in 1606. He invited a high monk from Myoshinji Temple and Gautama Buddha as the principal image of this temple. Inner garden Tessouen was constructed during the early time of Edo era (1603 – 1868). There is lots of Momiji in this garden. A statue of Benzaiten (Goddess of music) is placed in the middle of the pond. With the background of rocky mountain and Momiji, the sound of waterfall is making a magnificent atmosphere. The sound of Suikinkutsu (Japanese garden ornament and music device) harmonized very well with the beauty of nature and silence.
Hearing the sound of Suikinkutsu and seeing the garden make you feel time flies.
Many maple trees are planted in this garden making it become one of the best autumn leaves spots in Gujo.
Trees around the pond turns red. The sound of waterfall is making a magnificent atmosphere.
Wara Roadside Station (Chinchiroya)
The smallest but most energetic specialty shop in Japan with all seasonal ingredients!
Roadside Station in Wara is the most energetic specialty shop in Japan. The famous “Chinchiro Dango” is a soft dumpling m by tofu. Kids and elderlies love it so much! Japanese chestnut in autumn grown in Wara-cho, Akatatsuduke is only available in autumn, and many other kinds of fresh vegetable are all for sale here. Akatatsuduke is a fermented taro root. Many repeaters love it so much. It usually sold out very fast. (540JPY, with tax/bag)
All fresh ingredients are gathering in Wara area.
It is the most popular product in this period. Many fans come to buy from other prefecture.
Japanese chestnut grown under the fresh air and clear water in Wara-cho is so great!
Meihou
Yamato
Shirotori
Hachiman