The most beautiful natural sites to discover Chūbu & Japanese Alps

This park has an immense reputation in Japan. He belonged to the Maeda family, which led the Kaga area, known nowadays as Ishikawa and Toyama, from the feudal days and for several generations. Built in 1676 and enlarged 1875 years later, the park was opened to the public in. Its name comes from kenroku, which means the combination of six elements: vastness, solemnity, vénérabilité, consciousness, freshness and abundance of water. It is considered one of Japan's three most beautiful landscaped gardens with Kairaku in Mito and Kōraku in Okayama. It has a large artificial pond in its centre and is dotted with hills and pavilions. The large basin named «Kasumigaike» was built as a sea, and the island placed in its centre symbolizes the hope of longevity and prosperity. On the edge of the pond is a lantern of stone and a beautiful fountain. The park is very flowery, with many species like azaleas and iris. But it's in the spring and autumn that the park has its most beautiful assets, with in April the cherry trees and plum in bloom and in October, the leaves that become red.

Three kilometers north of the station, one can stroll in this park built in 1888, at the foot of a group of hills and small mountains bordered by the Nagara gawa river. One can appreciate there the sanctuary of Inaba-jinja, the museum of the insects of Nawa, the museum of history of the town of Gifu, as well as a pagoda with three floors. The park is dominated by Mount Kinka. Oda Nobunaga, master of Gifu Castle, built his residence here. The cable car to Mount Kinka takes four minutes to reach the top, from which there are walking trails.

The name of this valley is explained by its volcanic activity. And the valley of the Inferno bears its name well. Count on several hours of hiking to make the tour. At the end, the reward is rather original: to contemplate the free macaques which splash in hot springs to warm up. This monkey paradise opened its doors in 1964. It is advisable to go there in winter so that you can also experience the onsen in the open air.

The highest point (2,568 metres) of a volcanic chain oriented east-west, Asama-yama is made up of three superimposed volcanoes. This volcano is one of the most active and violent in Japan. It is not possible to climb it, but you will be able to contemplate, in the north of the mountain, the Onioshidashi rocks, solidified lava forming an extraordinary landscape. The latter was formed in 1783 by the last violent eruption of the Asama-yama.

The road to Agematsu runs along the gorge of the Kiso River, called Nezamenotoko. The river has been eroding the granite bedrock since ancient times, so it flows between the vertical walls of the rock. The length of the gorge is about 1.5 km. The most beautiful views are between Kiso Fukushima and Suhara. The cherry trees bloom around the park in spring and the surrounding mountains are decorated with warm colors in autumn.

This sacred explosive volcano, which is forbidden to descend into its crater, was the site of a large number of pilgrimages during the Middle Ages. At 3,067 meters, Mount Ontake is the second highest volcano in the archipelago and the sixteenth highest peak. The ascent can be done by different ways. For example, you can start the ascent from Tanohara Nature Park, which is located 1.5 hours by bus from Kiso-Fukushima. The climb takes about 3 hours. A volcanic eruption took place on September 27, 2014, resulting in the death of 57 people.

The Rainbow Line is an 11.2 km scenic drive from Mihama to Wakasa. The Summit Park allows visitors to enjoy a breathtaking view from the summit of the five Mikata lakes, the Sea of Japan and the surrounding mountains. The 360° view is remarkable. Access to the summit is by funicular or chairlift. Several activities are offered, from a foot bath to a panoramic café with relaxing armchairs in front of the view.