A Day Trip to a Hidden Summer Getaway in Gifu, Japan: Monet's Pond, the Ancient Water Town of Gujo-hachiman, and the Otaki Limestone Cave (Departing from Nagoya)
- Visit Monet's Pond in Gifu and admire the romantic scenery where the dreamy, clear water and colorful koi carp intertwine.
- Stroll through the old town of Gujo Hachiman and experience the nostalgic charm and tranquil atmosphere of a water castle from the Edo period.
- Explore the magnificent waterfall and its stalactite caves, and experience the wonders and mysterious charm of Japan's largest stalactite formations.
- Ōtaki Cave includes admission; take a unique sightseeing cable car to the entrance and enjoy a cool, year-round temperature of 12–15℃.
Package Options
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Transfer from meeting point |
| Departure Time | Standard Departure (8-9 am) |
| Minimum participant requirement | 8 travelers |
| Meal arrangement | Arrange yourself |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights, Japanese castles, Historic site tour, Bus tour |
| Transport | Charter car, Bus tour |
Product Info
The content of this product is provided by machine translation and may not reflect the actual information, please take this into consideration before booking.
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and step into Gifu Prefecture's most iconic hidden gems.
First, we visited Monet's Pond, known as the "Japanese version of Monet's Garden." The pond water was crystal clear, with water lilies and colorful koi swimming leisurely. Under the sunlight, it presented a dreamy blue-green hue, just like the world in an Impressionist masterpiece.
Next, we arrived at Gujo Hachiman, a town known as the "Water Town." Strolling through the quaint streets, admiring the clear waterways and traditional townhouses, we freely enjoyed local delicacies and experienced the authentic slow-paced atmosphere of Japanese travel.
In the afternoon, head to Otaki Cave and take a unique sightseeing cable car to the entrance, venturing deep into a natural stalactite cave where the temperature remains around 12-15°C year-round. Admire the spectacular stalactite formations created over tens of thousands of years, as well as the magnificent underground waterfall, and experience a cool and surprising adventure.
Gujo Hachiman Castle Town: This traditional historic district, centered around Gujo Hachiman Castle, retains the street layout and architectural style of the Edo period. The houses, with their red latticework and bluestone bases, are classic examples of traditional Japanese architecture. Waterways such as the Yoshida River run through the castle town, creating a unique "water town" landscape.
Monet's Pool: An unnamed pool where the famous painting "Water Lilies" is brought to life. The best time to visit is from late June to July (when the water lilies are in full bloom) and during the autumn foliage season. Water lilies are planted in the pool, and colorful koi are kept there. The clear water turns pale blue in the sunlight, creating a dreamlike effect of light and shadow, allowing people to feel the tranquility and beauty of nature, which is refreshing and delightful.
Otaki Cave: The largest limestone cave in the Tokai region, it boasts Japan's highest waterfall and a variety of stalactite formations. Access to the cave requires taking a small wooden cable car marked with the GREEN LINER sign. The walking route inside the cave is approximately 700 meters long and takes about 35 minutes. The cave is quite humid, and the ground may be slippery; visitors should exercise caution. Opening Hours: 8:30-17:00 (Closed every Tuesday from October to March and at the beginning and end of the year) Otaki Cave Visitor Tips: The average temperature inside the cave is approximately 15°C year-round. A light jacket is recommended in summer, and warm clothing is advised in winter. The cave floor is damp, and some sections have steps and ramps; comfortable, non-slip shoes are recommended. The lighting inside the cave is dim; a small flashlight is recommended. Please watch your step and follow the designated visitor flow and staff instructions. If you are traveling with elderly people, young children, or travelers with mobility impairments, please assess your physical condition before deciding whether to visit the cave.
Purchase Notice
【Travel Conditions】
Travel origin and destination: Aichi and Gifu
Travel days: Round trip
Transportation: Chartered bus
Bus company name: AMA Kotsu
Meals: Breakfast 0 times, Lunch 0 times, Dinner 0 times
Accommodation facilities: None
Minimum group size: 8
Tour leader: 1 (driver and tour leader for tours with less than 18 people, another tour leader for tours with more than 18 people)
Tour guide: 0
【Travel Planning/Implementation】
Operating company name: KKT Co., Ltd.
Address: No. 1770-23, Kashiwai-cho 1-chome, Kawa City, Chiba Prefecture
License Number: Chiba Prefecture Governor's Travel Business Registration No. 2-1131
Reminders
A minimum of 8 traveler(s) are required for the tour to depart. If the number of participants does not reach the minimum requirement, the tour will be canceled. An email regarding tour cancellation will be sent 4 day(s) before the departure date
In case of delays caused by traffic, weather, or other force majeure factors resulting in the cancellation of some itinerary attractions, please contact customer service. We will arrange a partial refund for you
In the event of inclement weather such as typhoons or snowstorms, a decision on whether to cancel the tour will be made 1 day(s) before departure (local time 18:00). Notifications will then be sent via email
Travelers with the following conditions or other health issues that could be worsened by excessive stimulation should not participate in this activity: Heart disease, Acrophobia, Asthma, Epilepsy, Pregnant women
Please arrive at the designated location 15 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
This is a fixed-route carpooling trip. Customers participating in this trip must adhere to the stop times at each attraction and follow the driver's instructions.
Children aged 0–2 years can participate for free without occupying a seat; if a seat is required, please book a child ticket. Free infants and toddlers are not provided with seats and must be held by an accompanying adult for the entire trip; each adult can bring a maximum of one free infant or toddler without occupying a seat.
Due to the long distance, the actual arrival time may be affected by traffic conditions, weather conditions, and other factors. The above times are for reference only. Please do not plan other activities outside of the itinerary on the day. We are not responsible for any delays.
Transportation, tours, and duration of stays may be adjusted based on the day's circumstances. In the event of unforeseen circumstances (traffic congestion, weather conditions, etc.), the tour guide will adjust the order of the tours based on the actual situation and with the guest's consent, but the number of attractions included in the itinerary will not be reduced.
Please keep your passport and valuables safe during your trip. If lost, stolen, or damaged, the relevant expenses will be borne by the passenger.
Once an order is confirmed, the date cannot be changed at your own discretion. Any losses incurred as a result will be borne by the customer. If you encounter special circumstances, please contact us.
This product may be adjusted due to factors such as weather. To ensure the safety of guests, the supplier reserves the right to ask guests to cancel outdoor activities and contact guests for alternative arrangements based on the actual situation on the day.
This is a fixed group tour itinerary; once the tour begins, passengers are not allowed to leave the group or depart midway. If a passenger wishes to leave the group midway due to personal reasons, they must obtain the tour guide/leader's consent and sign a "Departure Statement" before leaving the group. Leaving the group is considered a voluntary waiver of the remaining itinerary and related services, and no refunds will be given for any unused portion. The passenger is solely responsible for any personal safety, property loss, transportation costs, and other related legal liabilities arising after leaving the group; the company will not be liable in any way.
Otaki Cave Precautions: The average temperature inside the cave is approximately 15°C year-round. In summer, a light jacket is recommended; in winter, please dress warmly. The cave floor is damp, and some sections have steps and ramps. Please wear comfortable, non-slip shoes and be mindful of your footing. The cave is somewhat dark; it is advisable to bring your own flashlight. Please adhere to the on-site visitor regulations and do not touch the stalactites or cross the safety railings. If you have mobility issues, knee discomfort, cardiovascular disease, or other conditions that make prolonged walking unsuitable, please assess your own condition before entering the cave. Water may drip in some areas; please be aware of the slippery surface and keep your personal belongings, such as mobile phones and cameras, safe.
If your vehicle doesn't go directly to Kogami Hachiman Castle, it will park at the parking lot at the foot of the mountain. Kogami Hachiman Castle is an optional attraction; those wishing to climb it will need to walk for approximately 18-20 minutes, which involves continuous uphill climbing. Please assess your physical condition before proceeding. It is recommended that visitors bring drinking water, stay hydrated during the summer, and take precautions against sunburn. The climbing route and parts of the castle town consist of paved roads, slopes, and steps; comfortable, non-slip shoes are recommended. If you choose not to climb the castle, you can freely explore the Kogami Hachiman Castle Town, visiting attractions such as the Sojisui (southern river), the food model street, and the Yoshida Riverbank, and enjoy local cuisine.
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