20 Things About Hida

Hida

Bothie Project Space is located on the extension of Shirakabe-dōzōgai Street famous for its distinctive white-walled storehouses, and the water of the famous Seto-gawa canal runs past our doorstep (but without the koi fish). 

We are located in the chōme of Suehirochō, just west of the public library. Within a short walk, you'll find the Hida Takumi Museum of carpentry, Festival Hall & the Keta Wakamiya Shrine with its matsuri drum and sake breweries, which are easily identified by the spheres of cedar fronds that hang above their entrances. 

Other nearby amenities include a post office, a convenience store, various woodworking shops, shrines, the JR Hida-Furukawa Station, and an assortment of shops, izakayas & cafes nestled within the charming wooden shopping streets. A supermarket is just a 10-minute stroll away

A small waterfall cascading down moss-covered rocks in a lush green forest with a small wooden shrine to the left of the waterfall.
Seto-gawa in snow
Hida Furukawa in show
Japanese street scene with traditional architecture, trees with autumn foliage, stone pathway, and wooden lanterns.

Surrounding areas

Takayama is conveniently reachable in a quick 15-minute train ride.

Local ski resorts, affordable & largely undiscovered by tourists, are reachable by a 30 minute bus ride, farmers markets & stunning waterfalls are a bike ride away and the surrounding mountains boast endless hiking trails with mountain huts and hot springs.

Getting Here & Away

Two koi fish swimming in a clear pond next to a stone and wooden wall, with visible moss and plants.

  • BY TRAIN

    This journey takes 4-5 hours in theory, but allow 1-2 hours to buy tickets and navigate large stations. Avoid Nagoya & Tokyo Stations if you can, or allow extra time to get around.

    If you have low mobility book a free wheelchair transfer the day before. Technically it’s possible to book train tickets online - but the system is complex and clunky.

    1. Start at a Shinkansen Station: Take a bullet train to Nagoya Station or Toyama station.

    2. Transfer to the Hida Limited Express: From Nagoya or Toyama, switch to the Hida Limited Express.

    3. Arrive at Hida Furukawa Station: Disembark & walk to the house (750m), or catch a taxi

    BY BUS

    Nohi buses run 3 or 4 times a day. The journey is longer than the train, but much simpler & you can book online.

    1. Depart from the Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal to Takayama (5 - 6 hrs). Enjoy stops at michi-no-eki for snacks & souvenirs on the way.

    2. Take a local train from Takayama Station (next door to the bus terminal) to Hida Furukawa (15 mins). Local buses run as well and take 45 mins.

  • BY TRAIN

    1. Catch the Hida Limited Express: From Nagoya or Toyama Station, board the Hida Limited Express. This scenic train ride takes approximately 1.5 - 2 hours. From Nagoya you might like to stop on the way at Gero Onsen or Mino.

    2. Arrive at Hida Furukawa: Disembark at Hida Furukawa Station.

    BY BUS (with Gero Onsen Stop or Shirakawa-go)

    1. Direct Bus from Nagoya to Gero Onsen: Take an express bus from Nagoya to Gero Onsen, a beautiful journey that lasts about 2 hours, perfect for a relaxing stop.

    2. Continue to Hida Furukawa: After enjoying the hot springs, take a local bus (or train) to Hida Furukawa, which takes about 1 hour

  • BY BUS (with Shirakawa-go stop)

    1. Bus to Shirakawa-go: Depart from Kanazawa Station on an express bus to Shirakawa-go, a picturesque journey that lasts about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

    2. Continue to Hida Furukawa: After soaking in the beauty of Shirakawa-go, hop on a bus to Hida Furukawa. This ride will take you around 1 hour, providing breathtaking views along the way.

  • Once you arrive in Hida Furukawa, the town is easily explored on foot. If you wish to venture out to nearby attractions, local buses and taxis are available, including to Shirakawa-go or nearby waterfalls, onsen & snow resorts.

  • Advance Booking: During peak travel seasons (spring and autumn), it’s wise to book your train and bus tickets ahead of time to ensure availability.

    Passes: The Japan Rail Pass covers both the Hida Limited Express and the Shinkansen. The highway bus passes can be great value too, as they allow you to travel on non-consecutive days.

    Buying tickets: Different railway companies operate the same or similar routes, for example, tickets might vary significantly in price and be sold from different locations within the station.

Intricate wooden dragon carving on a traditional architectural beam.
Inside a Japanese train station with posters, brochures, and a black bear mascot cutout near a ticket machine.
Person crafting a Japanese umbrella, applying red lacquer with a brush.
A white bird flying over a small river with rocks and grassland, in front of traditional-style houses and a stone retaining wall.