Hida-Hagiwara Cycling Tour, Wagashi-Making, & Picnic in Gifu
Overview
Cycle through Gifu Prefecture's Hida-Hagiwara, a quaint nature-rich town between Takayama and Gero Onsen! Make 'wagashi' (Japanese sweets) at a shop in the area, then enjoy what you just made with coffee from a local roaster on a relaxing picnic.
Highlights
- Explore Hida-Hagiwara, a rural town with lots of nature, history, and charm
- A leisurely e-bike tour — cycle in comfort; there's no need to worry about cycling uphill
- Support local shops — make 'wagashi' sweets, and enjoy coffee made with beans from a local roaster
- Treat yourself to the wagashi you just made and coffee on a relaxing picnic
- A small group tour — with a maximum of six participants at a time, you can easily chat with your friendly guide
Description
On this electric-powered bike (e-bike) tour, you'll cycle through Gifu Prefecture's Hida-Hagiwara (or simply just 'Hagiwara'), a quaint town between the more popular Takayama and Gero Onsen. Hagiwara may be a small town, but it's no less charming! With plenty of gorgeous natural scenery, friendly locals, small independently owned shops, and fascinating local history, it's a place worth exploring for those who enjoy going off the beaten path. Along the way, you'll also make 'wagashi' (Japanese sweets) at a shop called Seikado, grab some coffee beans at a retro coffee shop called Green House (or 'Midori no Yakata' in Japanese), then stop for a picnic with coffee and the sweets you just made. This experience is available daily, except on Sundays, all year round. With two available start times (09:00 and 13:30), it lasts for about three hours, but the meeting time is 10 minutes before the start time). Below is the rough itinerary: 08:50 / 13:20 — Assemble outside the ticket gate of Hida-Hagiwara Station for registration and a briefing 09:00 / 13:30 — Cycling tour begins 09:20 / 13:50 — Arrive at Suwa Shrine, where you'll learn about Hagiwara's history and the folklore behind this shrine 09:50 / 14:00 — Visit Green House to get some coffee beans 10:15 / 14:25 — Make two pieces of 'jo-namagashi' (a type of wagashi) at Seikado 11:15 / 15:25 — Enjoy the wagashi you just made, plus coffee (or tea) at Hidagawa Park. We will also provide decaffeinated tea for those with caffeine allergies 12:00 / 16:00 — Return to Hida-Hagiwara Station; tour ends