Enjoy Itoshiro

Itoshiro is a village tracing its origins back to the Jomon period, nestled deep in Oku-Mino, Gifu Prefecture, right on the border with Fukui Prefecture. This place, rich in magnificent nature and unique cultural practices, has been protected by people as a sacred site of mountain worship since ancient times.In winter, two meters of snow transform the landscape into a world of white, while in summer, it attracts many visitors seeking respite from the heat, making it a beautiful area abundant in nature and water. When you visit Itoshiro, please make sure to stop by places where you can deeply feel the history of this land.

＜Within the Itoshiro Area＞

Hakusan Chukyo Shrine

Nestled at the furthest end of the village, this shrine has been protecting the region since the Jomon period. Its grounds exude a sacred atmosphere with numerous towering ancient trees.

Joan Sugi (Japanese Cedar)

About a 15-minute climb up the mountain from the grounds of Hakusan Chukyo Shrine, there stands a giant cedar tree mentioned in the folktale "Joan Kuwaha." Can you find the "White Yadome"?

Itoshiro Osugi, 1800-year-old Cedar Tree

This grand cedar stands at the entrance to the hiking trail leading to Mt. Hakusan. It is also said to be the starting point used by Taischo Daishi, who opened Mt. Hakusan. It's a 30-minute drive from the village, followed by a climb of 420 steps after parking your car.

Daisido Hall's Kokuzo Bosatsu

The Kokuzo Bosatsu (National Important Cultural Property) dedicated to Hakusan Chukyo Shrine by Fujiwara no Hidehira is preserved here. It was moved from the shrine during the Meiji Restoration's separation of Shinto and Buddhism.
*Advance reservations and a prayer fee are required for viewing.

Nagabashiri Falls

Descend the walking path to the soothing waterfall basin. You can take a relaxing break on the rocks next to the powerfully flowing waterfall.

Oshinmeisha Shrine

Itoshiro has spring water everywhere. This spot, now shrine grounds, was originally home to Oshinmeisha Shrine. The spring water is so beautiful you can draw and drink it.

Meoto-iwa (Wedded Rocks)

There's a walking path leading from the shrine grounds down to the river, and at its end are the Meoto-iwa rocks. It is said to be the place where Princess Seoritsu descended.

＜Outside the Itoshiro Area＞

These are places we highly recommend visiting before or after your trip to Itoshiro. Please use them as a reference for your travels.

Amida Falls

This is a waterfall where ascetics training for Mt. Hakusan used to practice. It's powerful, and many people visit in the summer. During summer holidays, it can get crowded, so we recommend visiting early in the morning or in the evening. (20-minute drive from Itoshiro)

Shogado Terraced Rice Fields

This area has been selected as one of Japan's Top 100 Terraced Rice Fields. Over 100 terraced rice fields can be seen here, maintained by local residents. (25-minute drive from Itoshiro)

Hakusan Culture Museum

This museum showcases the history and culture of Mt. Hakusan. It features exhibits related to Mt. Hakusan and many valuable items such as old folk tools and textiles. (25-minute drive from Itoshiro)

Bokka no Sato

From spring to autumn, colorful flowers bloom in abundance. It's recommended for families as you can interact with animals such as horses, goats, cows, and alpacas (45-minute drive from Itoshiro).

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links

Itoshiro Child-rearing and Relocation

Sayuritoshiro Farm

Itoshiro Fishery Cooperative

*The location of Itoshiro Yōhinten is here