Things To Do
in Kasamatsuchō
Kasamatsuchō (Kasamatsu) is a small riverside town in Hashima District, Gifu Prefecture, located just north of Nagoya and along the Kiso River. It blends quiet residential neighborhoods, riverside promenades, traditional shrines and small local businesses, with easy rail connections to larger urban centers. The town is a good base for exploring regional attractions like Gifu City, the Nagara River cultural sites, and nearby countryside hiking.
Visitors will find a relaxed, local atmosphere that changes with the seasons — cherry blossoms and festivals in spring, hot humid summers, colorful autumn leaves and cool winters.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the serene Kasamatsu Temple, known for its beautiful gardens and stunning architecture. As you stroll through the grounds, take a moment to appreciate the tranquility and the historical significance of this sacred site. Enjoy a light breakfast at a nearby tea house, sampling traditional Japanese sweets.
After lunch, embark on a guided tour of the Kasa Matsu Art Museum, showcasing local and contemporary Japanese art. Engage with art pieces that tell the story of the region's culture and history, and perhaps join a workshop to create your own masterpiece. A relaxing walk along the nearby river enhances this cultural experience.
As the sun sets, enjoy a delightful dinner at a local izakaya, where you can savor fresh seafood and regional specialties. Engage in friendly conversation with locals and fellow travelers, soaking in the warm atmosphere. After dinner, take a peaceful night stroll to admire the temple illuminated under the starry sky.
Begin your morning with a hearty breakfast and then set out for a captivating hike in the Kasa Matsu Mountains. The trails vary in difficulty, taking you through stunning landscapes filled with vibrant flora and fauna. The fresh mountain air and beautiful views rejuvenate your spirit.
Pack a picnic lunch and find a scenic spot to enjoy your meal amidst nature. Spend the afternoon exploring hidden waterfalls and perhaps trying your hand at rock climbing with a guide. This active adventure immerses you in the natural beauty that surrounds Kasamatsuchō.
Return to town just in time for a soothing onsen experience to unwind after a day of exploration. A traditional kaiseki dinner at your onsen hotel will cap the evening with a feast of seasonal delicacies. Relax in the serene atmosphere, reflecting on the beauty of the mountains you just conquered.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-12 |
| ☕Coffee (café) | $2.50-5 |
| 🚆Short train ride (local) | $1.50-4 |
| 🚕Taxi start (first km) | $5-10 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $70-130 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Quiet, authentic small-town atmosphere with riverside scenery
- Easy access to larger cities (Gifu, Nagoya) by train
- Good seasonal activities (cherry blossoms, festivals, autumn colors)
- Safe and clean with friendly local services
- Limited dining and nightlife options within the town itself
- Fewer English signage and services compared with major cities
- Public transport frequency may be lower in off-peak hours
- Some attractions require short trips to neighboring cities
- "こんにちは (Konnichiwa)" - Hello / Good afternoon
- "ありがとうございます (Arigatou gozaimasu)" - Thank you
- "すみません (Sumimasen)" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "英語は話せますか？ (Eigo wa hanasemasu ka?)" - Do you speak English?
- "トイレはどこですか？ (Toire wa doko desu ka?)" - Where is the restroom?
- "これは何ですか？ (Kore wa nan desu ka?)" - What is this?
Places to Visit in Kasamatsuchō
Visit one of these nice places.
Riverside paths provide peaceful water scenes, reflections, seasonal cherry blossoms and traditional boats — great at sunrise or golden hour.
Everyday life shots of station architecture, bicycle parking, and small-town storefronts capture the local character.
Small neighborhood shrines offer classic Japanese compositions: torii gates, stone lanterns and seasonal foliage.
If a matsuri is happening, festival floats, lanterns and food stalls provide lively, colorful photo opportunities (nighttime photos particularly atmospheric).
A short train trip away, the viewpoints from Mount Kinka near Gifu Castle give wide panoramas over the Nagara River and cityscape at sunset.
Food in Kasamatsuchō
Kasamatsuchō Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Seasonal river fish often grilled with salt; best in summer when ayu is at its peak. Available at local stalls, riverside restaurants, and summer festivals.
Must-Try!
Handmade noodle shops are common — try cold zaru soba in summer or hot kake soba in cooler months at neighborhood restaurants.
While Hida beef originates further north in Gifu Prefecture, many regional restaurants offer grilled or seared cuts — look for it at quality local eateries or in Gifu city.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small farmers’ markets and nearby roadside stations sell seasonal produce, snacks and packaged regional goods — great for fresh fruit, pickles and local sweets.
If your visit coincides with local festivals you’ll find typical Japanese street foods: yakisoba, takoyaki, taiyaki and grilled corn, plus regional specialties like grilled ayu.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Polite greetings and a small bow are customary; use 'sumimasen' to get attention and 'arigatou' to thank people.
Many homes, some traditional restaurants and temples require removing shoes. Look for a genkan (entry area) and use provided slippers when available.
Keep voices low on trains and in public spaces; avoid eating while walking in many areas and follow signage about photography or restricted areas.
Follow proper shrine etiquette (wash hands, bow at the torii, be respectful when taking photos and avoid loud behavior).
Safety
Tipping in Kasamatsuchō
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in Japan and can cause confusion; good service is included in the price. In rare cases, discreetly offering a small gift or returning change in a polite manner is preferred over leaving a tip.
Cash (yen) remains widely used in small towns; ATMs at convenience stores (7-Eleven, Lawson) accept international cards. IC transit cards (Manaca, Suica, PASMO) are accepted on trains and at many shops, and credit cards are increasingly accepted in restaurants and hotels but not guaranteed in tiny establishments.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and cherry blossoms along the river make spring ideal for walking and photography; festivals start to reappear. Pack a light jacket for cool mornings.
Hot and humid with a rainy season in June and occasional typhoons later in summer. Expect lively river activities, ayu season and evening festivals; bring light clothing and sun protection.
Crisp air and colorful foliage typically from late October into November — comfortable for hiking and outdoor sightseeing; mornings can be chilly.
Cool to cold with occasional light snow; quieter tourist activity and clear skies on many days. Layer up, and be prepared for shorter daylight hours.
Kasamatsuchō at Night
Hiking in Kasamatsuchō
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A short trip from Kasamatsu, Mount Kinka offers several trails and a ropeway up to Gifu Castle with panoramic city and river views. Trails are suitable for a half-day outing.
Riverside walking and cycling routes along the Kiso River provide gentle terrain for long, scenic walks and birdwatching.
Smaller local hills and forests near Kasamatsu provide short hikes and nature walks, ideal for families and casual hikers seeking quiet scenery.
Airports
How to reach Kasamatsuchō by plane.
Primary international airport for the Nagoya region (approx. 50–80 minutes by train and transfers depending on route). Offers international and domestic flights; easy access via Meitetsu lines and airport express services.
Smaller domestic airport near Nagoya offering some domestic and limited international services; accessible by road from Kasamatsu and useful for some domestic connections.
Larger international airport serving Osaka and the Kansai region; farther away (2–3 hours by train), but an option for international travelers combining multi-city trips.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many residents are families who work locally or commute to nearby cities for work and education.
Proximity to Nagoya means a portion of the population commutes to larger urban centers for office work.
Like many regional towns in Japan, Kasamatsu has an aging population and strong community ties among older residents.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Baseball is very popular across Japan; local youth and high school baseball teams generate strong community interest.
Soccer is widely played at school and club levels, and J-League matches in nearby Nagoya attract fans from the region.
Horse racing and local betting venues attract interest; regional racecourses and events may be within easy reach and are a traditional pastime for some.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Kasamatsuchō.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but are limited; many soups and sauces use dashi (fish stock). Ask for 'dashi nashi' (without fish stock) or choose vegetable tempura, tofu dishes, rice, and salads; use translation cards or point to menu photos.
Vegan dining is more challenging in small towns. Convenience stores have some vegan-friendly snacks; larger supermarkets and restaurants in nearby Nagoya offer more choices. Carry a short Japanese note explaining dietary restrictions.
Soy sauce and wheat in noodles are common; rice-based dishes and grilled fish are safer choices. Always double-check with staff about sauces and batter.