You will enjoy two distinctive fields of Japanese culture by visiting two small towns in one day trip. The one is Mino which is famous for Japanese hand-made paper Washi. Another one is Seki famous for Japanese-swordsmith. Strolling around two towns, you will learn some of secrets of cool Japan.
At JR Gifu Station
Mino city was established as a castle town and prospered through production of Washi-paper. The center district of the city is well preserved as one of the important traditional building areas in Japan. You could take a leisurely stroll through the historic townscape Which dates back to the Edo period
This building was constructed in the end of the 19th century and used as a Washi-paper wholesale merchant's house. The chief of a family also served as the a headman of this town. You could get detailed information about a typical townhouse of the Edo period.
This gallery provides you a fantastic atmosphere made by collaboration with paper-art and lights. Many competition masterpieces are on display telling the possibility of paper in daily lives.
In this museum, you could learn about the history and the process of Japanese swordsmith.
This museum was established by the biggest safety razor company in Japan and provide you an eye-opening experience and knowledge of cutlery
You visit one of the workshops manufacturing high-quality knives. The company prospered business handing down traditional concept of swordsmith production.
At JR Gifu Station
guide fee
transportation fee
entrance feeincluding guide for guide and guests (Mino-Washi Akari Art Gallery 200yen, Former Imaike Residence 300yen ,Seki Traditional Sword Smith Museum 200yen)
lunch and beverages
Mino is a small castle-town surrounded by mountains. Mino is, however, also one of the hometowns of the traditional Japanese hand-made paper“WASHI”. It was registered as Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 2014. You can not only see goods and works of art made from WASHI but stroll around the traditional housing area which includes some excellent souvenir shops. I promise you will find and experience traditional Japan by exploring this cozy old town.
Seki is famous for being one of five samurai-swordsmith manufacturing towns in Japan since 14th century. You can see an authentic sword-hammering performance in the Seki Traditional Sword Smith Museum on the first Sunday of every months. Now, since Seki is known for high-quality knives and cutlery production, you can visit a factory to see and learn how those high quality products are made. You can buy products for cheaper prices than other department stores around Japan.
I can guide in Kyoto in case you support transportation fee.
“A magical village that is a must go!”
Thank you Tetsuji for the photos you took of us. We are so happy that you care so much about what you do. You are an expression of what Japan is all about; kindness and honor.
Tetsuji Y.
(35 reviews)Wow, I am very glad to have such words of praise from you. I hope you could come to Japan again and share happy moment with you and your wife.
“Takayama at its best. ”
Thank you Tetsuji for an informative and delightfully tour. Your kindness and attention to detail was appreciated.
Tetsuji Y.
(35 reviews)It is my pleasure that you are satisfied with my tour. All of your words are great encouragement to me.
“Very enjoyable visit to Shirakawago”
Tetsuji was very professional and we had a great time!
Tetsuji Y.
(35 reviews)Thank you for your appreciation. I hope you could come back to Japan and spend pleasant time together again.