Discover a New Side of Japan with a Stay at Fairfield by Marriott Gifu Gujo

Under the theme "Discover hidden gems across Japan," the Fairfield by Marriott Michi-no-Eki Project has expanded to 29 locations across 14 prefectures. Each hotel is located near a roadside station (Michi-no-Eki), allowing guests to access local tourism information, taste delicious regional specialties, and shop for unique souvenirs.

Designed as a "stay-and-explore" hotel, Fairfield by Marriott Gifu Gujo offers a simple yet comfortable stay with high-quality amenities. Rooms feature Simmons beds for a restful night, high-speed Wi-Fi, and rain shower bathrooms for a stress-free experience. Instead of an on-site restaurant or large public bath, guests are encouraged to explore the surrounding area, dine at local restaurants, and visit nearby hot springs, creating a deeper connection with the region.

Since the hotel does not have its own restaurant, guests have the perfect opportunity to explore the diverse local dining scene. Here are some recommended spots:

For Yakiniku, visit Yakiniku no Daikokuya, which offers both affordable options and premium A5-grade Hida beef. If you're craving Unagi (grilled eel), Kamom is the place to go—this traditional restaurant prepares its eel with Gujo’s pure natural water, making it exceptionally flavorful. For handmade soba, head to Soba no Heijin, a long-established soba restaurant near Sogi Water, the first-ever registered "100 Famous Waters" in Japan. The restaurant uses domestically sourced buckwheat flour and natural spring water to craft freshly made soba noodles.

If you’re in the mood for something other than Japanese cuisine, Pizzeria Gonza is a must-visit. The chef, who won first place in Japan at the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana competition, serves up authentic Neapolitan pizza. For lunch, check out Shiki Shokusai Restaurant Ogatama, located within Michi-no-Eki Kokin-denju-no-sato Yamato. It offers a variety of local dishes, including the famous Kei-chan (a regional chicken dish).
For a sweet treat, stop by Toya Dango, where you can choose from over 10 types of traditional Japanese dumplings. If you prefer a coffee break with a view, SUPPLE COFFEE ROASTERS is an excellent choice. Set in a renovated sake brewery, this café offers specialty coffee alongside stunning views of the Yoshida River.

For those looking to unwind in a large natural hot spring, visit Yamato Hot Spring Yasuragi-kan, located within Kokin-denju-no-sato Yamato. The facility features a variety of baths, including an open-air bath, a natural stone bath, and a ceramic bath, all filled with pure, free-flowing hot spring water. Even the names of the outdoor baths are inspired by love poems from Kokin Wakashu, adding a poetic touch to your relaxing experience.

Located near the hotel, this roadside station is surrounded by seasonal gardens and features a market selling local specialties, a dining area, and a free footbath. Occasionally, morning markets and seasonal fairs are held, drawing lively crowds and creating a vibrant atmosphere.

Gujo Hachiman Castle is considered the oldest reconstructed wooden castle in Japan. The view from the main keep offers a stunning panorama of the castle town below and the surrounding mountains of the Okumino region. The castle takes on an especially breathtaking appearance in autumn when the foliage turns vibrant shades of red and in winter when it is covered in snow.
The castle town, designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, features old streets lined with historical houses, with small canals flowing under their eaves. Visitors can enjoy exploring cafés serving sweets and coffee while taking in the nostalgic atmosphere.

Running along the scenic Nagara River, this local train line offers breathtaking views that change with the seasons. The sight of a train crossing the grand bridges spanning the river creates a nostalgic atmosphere. The railway also operates special services, such as the "Yuraari Nagamete Seiryu Train," which slows down at scenic points to allow passengers to fully enjoy the views, and the "Nagara Sightseeing Train," where travelers can savor meals made with local ingredients while enjoying the picturesque journey.

Founded in 1873, this long-established sake brewery is located in Gujo, a region renowned for its pure spring water. The brewery's signature "B." series, with its stylish bottle design reminiscent of wine bottles, is particularly popular. The brewery uses water from Kokin Denju no Sato, known as the "water of longevity," in every step of its brewing process, from preparation to final production. Brewery tours are available on select days and require reservations.

Gujo is one of Japan’s top winter destinations, boasting ten ski resorts that attract over a million visitors each season. The hotel provides easy access to major ski resorts, including Dynaland, which features 17 diverse courses, and Takasu Snow Park, which offers a kids' park and an ultra-long 4,900-meter course that caters to all levels, from beginners to experts.