Yanaka Mizu-no-Komichi

Yanaka Mizu-no-Komichi is an iconic spot in Gujo Hachiman, located in the Chuno region of Gifu Prefecture.

Gujo Hachiman is the area sat upstream along the Nagara River that still keeps its traditional castle town look and feel. It’s even nicknamed “Little Kyoto of Oku-Mino" due to its picturesque landscape. The town was designed with a network of water channels to protect against fire, making extensive use of water drawn from the Yoshida River that flows through the city. Because of this, Gujo Hachiman is coined by the locals as “Water City."

The narrow, water-bound corridor almost strolls like a park, complete with willow-lined path and some 80,000 paved river stones collected from the Nagara and Yoshida Rivers. Located just off the bustling Shinmachi area, the water channeled path and townscape blend in perfectly with the surrounding old-world townhouses. The waterway is dotted with spots for drinking water and washing, offering visitors a chance full take in the town’s unique and cozy pace.

In the summer, the refreshing sight of the flowing water and the shaded path make for a delightful and cool stroll through the area.