Located deep within the Kiso Mountains of Gifu, the well-preserved castle town of Iwamura provides travelers with an image of ages past. Standing as one of the most culturally significant preservation districts in Japan—3rd in Gifu after Takayama and Shirakawa-go—this historical village remains relatively unchanged since the Edo Era.

Though long gone, Iwamura Castle was once the highest mountain castle in all of Japan at 717m above sea level. Nicknamed the “Misty Castle,” the castle stood for over 700 years from the time of its construction during the Warring States Period until the government ordered its destruction at the start of the Meiji Era.

One of the famous lords of the castle was the female samurai lord called “Onna Joshu,” who protected her vassals and people of the town while sacrificing herself. Beloved by her people, blue curtains bearing her name and figure can be seen adorning the eaves of the houses in the castle town to this day.

Fans of Japanese dramas may recognize the 1.3-kilometer-long old town as the location for the NHK drama “Hanbun, Aoi.”

Want to experience Central Japan’s unique culture for yourself?

Based in Central Japan and operating all-year-round, we offer highly entertaining group-tours of Nagoya and the surrounding areas that are sure to please. All tours are led by locally-based guides and will take you around the must-see sights in the region, as well as some lesser known gems. Our tours are fun, interactive and family-friendly. For more information, or to book a tour, click on the banner.

Private Tour

[START FROM NAGOYA] Private Tour of the Kiso Valley and Magome
Period	All Year Round
Time	9:30-17:30
Meeting Place	JR Nagoya Station
Price	¥162,500 ~ / group

Of course, we also offer private tours and transport in and around the Nagoya area, and other regional destinations. Our drivers and vehicles are fully certified, allowing us to transport you to and from your preferred destinations in combination with any activity that suits your schedule. All vehicles are well-maintained and in good condition, allowing you to relax and enjoy your ride to wherever you are going. 

We can arrange both private tours with an English-speaking guide or a private charter. With door-to-door service, we can pick you up from where you are and take you to where you want to go anywhere in Central Japan and the neighboring regions. For more information, please click HERE to check availability and pricing for your trip. We’d love to be part of your adventure in Central Japan and help you discover even more!