Things To Do
in Midori

Midori, Japan, is a tranquil town tucked in emerald hills along the Shinrin River. It blends centuries-old craftsmanship with a modern, café-filled riverside scene. Seasons paint the town in cherry blossoms, maple leaves, and snowy mornings.

Locals greet visitors with a quiet, unhurried pace and easy access to nature, culture, and warm hospitality.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Midori
morning
:

Arrive at Haneda Airport and take a domestic flight to Takamatsu. Once you land, enjoy the scenic journey to Midori, surrounded by lush mountains and rice fields. Settle into your accommodation and freshen up for the day's adventures.

afternoon
:

Visit the stunning Ritsurin Garden, a historical landscape garden known for its beautiful ponds and meticulously curated plants. Spend time strolling through the peaceful trails, taking in the serene beauty and perhaps enjoying a traditional tea experience in one of the teahouses. Capture the moment with photographs before heading to the city center for lunch.

evening
:

Savor a delicious dinner featuring local kaiseki cuisine, as you immerse yourself in the flavors of Shikoku. A leisurely walk along the waterfront will allow you to appreciate the sunset over the Seto Inland Sea. Return to your accommodation, reflecting on your first day in Midori.

day 2
Exploring Local Culture
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to the Midori City Museum, which showcases local history and culture through engaging exhibits. Participate in a workshop where you can learn about traditional Midori crafts, such as pottery or textile making. This hands-on experience will give you insight into the artistic heritage of the region.

afternoon
:

After lunch at a local restaurant, explore the quaint streets of the city, filled with charming shops selling handmade goods and local produce. Don't miss the opportunity to visit nearby temples, where tranquil gardens and statues allow for moments of reflection. Engage with locals to learn more about their way of life.

evening
:

As the evening sets in, enjoy an authentic izakaya experience, tasting various small dishes paired with local sake. The vibrant atmosphere and friendly conversations with locals will enrich your cultural experience. Wind down your day at a nearby onsen, soaking in the rejuvenating warm waters.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant$8-12
🚆Transit day pass$4-6
🛏️Budget hotel (per night)$60-90
🛍️Groceries$15-25
Coffee/tea$3-5

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Tranquil natural scenery and easy access to outdoor adventures
  • Rich local culture and crafts with welcoming hosts
  • Moderate costs compared with major cities
  • Compact town center is walkable and safe
  • Limited international flight access directly to Midori
  • Smaller nightlife and fewer big-city amenities
  • Language barrier in rural areas; English is less common
  • "こんにちは" - Hello
  • "ありがとう" - Thank you
  • "すみません" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
  • "お願いします" - Please / I would like

Places to Visit in Midori

Visit one of these nice places.

Shirakawa Bridge at Dusk

A stone-arched bridge over the Shinrin River, best during golden hour with reflections in the water.

Old Town Lantern Lane

Narrow cobblestone street lined with red-lantern storefronts and lanterns in the evening.

Midori River Promenade

A wide riverside walkway with willow trees and seasonal boats; ideal for long-exposure shots.

Culinary Guide

Food in Midori

Midori’s cuisine centers on seasonal produce from hillside farms, river fish, buckwheat soba, and gentle sweets. Expect fresh vegetables, subtle seasonings, and a preference for locally sourced ingredients.

Midori Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Midori Soba

Buckwheat noodles served with a light dipping sauce, topped with scallions and sesame oil.

Must-Try!

Ayu no Shioyaki (Grilled Sweetfish)

Crisp-skinned river fish grilled with salt, a springtime specialty when the river runs clear.

Yuba Tofu Plate

Delicate tofu skin served with sesame soy dressing and vegetables.

Matcha Mochi

Chewy green tea mochi with a sweet red bean filling, perfect with a cup of local tea.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Midori Central Market

A daily market by the river selling fresh vegetables, fish, pickles, and seasonal snacks; try the grilled mochi sticks and pickled vegetables.

Riverfront Street Stalls

Seasonal street bites including onigiri, tempura, and sweet treats during weekends.

Climate Guide

Weather

Midori experiences four distinct seasons: springs are mild with blossoms; summers are warm and humid; autumn brings clear skies and beautiful foliage; winters are cold with occasional snow and a soothing quiet in the hills.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Bowing

A light bow is common when greeting; a deeper bow for formal occasions or sincere thanks.

Shoes

Remove shoes when entering most homes, traditional inns, and some temples; wear clean socks or bring slippers.

Quiet on trains

Speak softly on public transport and avoid loud mobile calls.

Eating on the go

Eating while walking is generally acceptable in cities but less common in traditional areas; use dining areas when possible.

Safety Guide

Safety

General safety is high. Exercise standard safety checks: watch weather advisories in typhoon season, keep valuables secure in crowded markets, and follow local guidance during any natural hazards. Earthquakes can occur anywhere in Japan, so know local emergency numbers.

Tipping in Midori

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is not customary in most establishments; a simple thank-you is appreciated. If service was exceptional, consider a small tip in a marked envelope, but never expect it.

Payment Methods

Cash is widely used, especially in markets and small eateries. Major credit cards are accepted in bigger shops and some restaurants; contactless payments are increasingly common.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Cherry blossoms dot the parks and riverbanks; expect mild days and occasional showers.

Summer

Warm, humid days with lush greenery; afternoons can bring rain showers and the occasional typhoon warning.

Autumn

Reds, golds, and oranges foliage; cool, crisp mornings and comfortable daytime temperatures.

Winter

Cold with possible snowfall in higher elevations; popular for onsen escapes and cozy cafes.

Nightlife Guide

Midori at Night

Midori’s nightlife is intimate and low-key, centered on cozy izakayas, craft beer bars, and riverside cafes. Live music and small theater performances appear on weekends in the town plaza or community hall.

Hiking in Midori

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Mt. Kuroi Summit Trail

Moderate 3–4 hour hike through cedar forests to a panoramic overlook.

Riverside Loop Trail

Flat, scenic 5–6 km loop along the Shinrin River with picnic spots.

Fern Valley Nature Walk

Easy, family-friendly trail with fern glades and birdwatching opportunities.

Airports

How to reach Midori by plane.

Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND)

Major international and domestic hub; about 1.5–2 hours by rail to Midori.

Narita International Airport (NRT)

Large international hub; longer rail journey to Midori, typically via Tokyo.

Ibaraki Airport (IBR)

Smaller regional airport offering domestic and limited international flights; convenient for regional travelers.

Getting Around

Walkability

Midori’s town center is compact and very walkable, with most attractions within a 20–30 minute stroll. Some hillside neighborhoods and the river valley involve gentle climbs; public transit and taxis fill gaps as needed.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families

Quaint neighborhoods with good schools and parks; a calm environment for children.

Retirees

Active community featuring senior centers and easy-access nature trails.

Commuters

Residents who travel to nearby cities for work; steady local amenities support daily life.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Baseball

A popular school and club sport, with local games sometimes open to visitors.

Skiing and Snowboarding

Nearby mountains offer winter sports with scenic alpine views.

Kendo and Traditional Martial Arts

Local dojos host beginner-friendly sessions for visitors.

Transportation

Traffic

Public transit is the easiest way to travel between towns; trains and buses connect Midori with neighboring areas. Within the town, parking is limited in the historic center, so walking or cycling is preferred.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Midori.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Most dishes are adaptable; look for yuba, tofu, wakame salads, and vegetable tempura. To avoid dashi, ask for 'dashi nai' or 'kombu dashi only' and specify no fish stock.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Basic healthcare services are available in town via local clinics. For major care, go to the nearby city hospital. English-speaking staff may be limited, so carry travel insurance and keep important documents handy.

Discover Japan

Read more in our Japan 2025 Travel Guide.

Japan Travel Guide