[Makoto Shinkai’s Works] Your Name. Sacred Site Pilgrimage Guide – Hida Furukawa Station (Gifu Prefecture) Complete Guide
Director Makoto Shinkai’s blockbuster film “Your Name.” has captivated countless fans both domestically and internationally since its 2016 release. Hida Furukawa Station in Hida City, Gifu Prefecture, which served as the setting for its beautiful visuals and touching story, is now known as a representative spot for sacred site pilgrimages.
This article provides comprehensive information necessary for sacred site pilgrimages to Hida Furukawa Station, a must-visit destination for “Your Name.” fans, including the work’s connections to the station, access methods, filming locations, and nearby attractions.
Relationship Between Hida Furukawa Station and “Your Name.”
The Role of Hida Furukawa Station in the Work
Hida Furukawa Station serves as the gateway to the Hida region, which became the model for Itomori Town where Mitsuha Miyamizu, one of the main characters, lives. It plays a crucial role in the story, particularly in the latter half when Taki Tachibana visits the station while searching for Mitsuha.
Director Makoto Shinkai actually visited the area around Hida Furukawa Station multiple times and conducted meticulous location scouting. As a result, the station building’s exterior, platform atmosphere, and surrounding townscape are faithfully recreated in the film. When comparing the landscapes depicted in the animation with the actual scenery, you’ll be amazed at how accurately they match.
Why Hida Furukawa Was Chosen
Director Makoto Shinkai selected Hida Furukawa as the setting due to its beautiful natural environment, traditional townscape, and the unique atmosphere where the modern and past coexist. Hida Furukawa retains the ambiance of a castle town dating back to the Edo period while still being a living, contemporary place.
This “intersection of time” element aligns perfectly with “Your Name.”‘s theme of “encounters transcending time and space.” The director found in this location the perfect stage to express the film’s world.
Basic Information About Hida Furukawa Station
Station Overview
Hida Furukawa Station is a historic station on the JR Takayama Main Line that opened in 1934 (Showa 9). It is located in Furukawa Town, Hida City, Gifu Prefecture, and functions as the central station of Hida City.
The station building is a wooden structure with warmth, featuring a design that incorporates Hida’s traditional architectural style. The waiting room is well-equipped with local tourism information and pamphlets, making it an ideal starting point for sacred site pilgrimages.
Station Basic Data:
- Location: Kanomori-cho, Furukawa Town, Hida City, Gifu Prefecture
- Line: JR Takayama Main Line
- Opening: October 25, 1934 (Showa 9)
- Platforms: 2 island platforms with 2 tracks (relative platform configuration)
- Station Staff: Staffed station (Midori no Madoguchi available)
Characteristics of the Station Surroundings
The area around Hida Furukawa Station is surrounded by beautiful townscape, also called the “Little Kyoto of Hida.” Within walking distance from the station, spots featured in “Your Name.” are scattered throughout, including the Seto River and White-Walled Kura Street, Enkoji Temple, and Ketamiwakamiya Shrine.
There is a tourist information center in front of the station where you can obtain sacred site pilgrimage maps and tourism information. Bicycle rental services are also available, allowing you to efficiently visit multiple spots.
Access Methods to Hida Furukawa Station
Access by Train
From Nagoya:
- Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes on JR Limited Express Wide View Hida
- Nagoya Station → Takayama Station (approximately 2 hours 15 minutes) → Hida Furukawa Station (approximately 15 minutes)
- Fare: Approximately 6,000 yen one way (including limited express surcharge)
From Tokyo:
- Tokyo Station → Nagoya Station (approximately 1 hour 40 minutes by bullet train) → Hida Furukawa Station (approximately 2 hours 30 minutes by limited express)
- Total travel time: Approximately 4 hours 30 minutes
- Fare: Approximately 15,000 yen one way
From Osaka:
- Shin-Osaka Station → Nagoya Station (approximately 50 minutes by bullet train) → Hida Furukawa Station (approximately 2 hours 30 minutes by limited express)
- Total travel time: Approximately 3 hours 30 minutes
- Fare: Approximately 12,000 yen one way
From Kanazawa:
- Kanazawa Station → Toyama Station (approximately 20 minutes by bullet train) → Hida Furukawa Station (approximately 1 hour 30 minutes by limited express)
- Total travel time: Approximately 2 hours
- Fare: Approximately 5,000 yen one way
Access by Bus
Approximately 15 minutes by local bus from Takayama Nohihaku Bus Center, get off at Hida Furukawa Station Bus Stop. If staying in Takayama City, bus travel is also convenient.
Access by Car
Via Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway:
- Approximately 30 minutes from Hida Kiyomi IC via National Route 41
- Paid parking available around the station (approximately 500 yen per day)
Via Chubu Longitudinal Expressway:
- Approximately 20 minutes from Takayama IC via National Route 41
Multiple parking lots are available in front of and around the station. However, they may be crowded during tourist season and weekends, so public transportation is recommended.
“Your Name.” Sacred Site Pilgrimage Spots – Hida Furukawa Station Edition
Station Building Exterior
The Hida Furukawa Station building appears in the scene where Taki visits Hida for the first time in the film. The wooden station building with its warmth is faithfully recreated in the animation, and photographing it from the front can recreate a scene from the work.
Photography Points:
- Photograph the entire station building from the station front roundabout
- Morning hours (7:00-9:00) when sunlight enters are particularly beautiful
- The station building at dusk also has a nostalgic atmosphere
Station Platforms
One of the most impressive scenes in the film is when Taki gets off the train on the platform. Platform 2 in particular has high similarity to the work, with many fans attempting to photograph it from the same angle.
Photography Points:
- Platform 2 composition facing toward Takayama direction
- Areas around the waiting bench on the platform
- Overhead photography from the footbridge is also possible
Precautions:
- Be careful not to obstruct train operations when photographing on platforms
- Absolutely no entering the tracks (this is illegal)
- Be considerate of other passengers
- Station staff instructions must be followed
Station Front Taxi Stand
The station front taxi stand, which appears in the scene where Taki gets in a taxi, has an almost identical layout to the actual location. Photographing with the station building as a background can recreate the atmosphere of the work.
Townscape Around the Station
The commercial streets and residential areas extending from the station are also depicted in detail as backgrounds in the work. In particular, the scenery along the road extending south from the station served as the model for the scene where Taki walks searching for Mitsuha.
Sacred Sites Around Hida Furukawa Station
Hida City Library (Former Furukawa Town Library)
Located approximately a 5-minute walk from the station, Hida City Library is the model for the library Taki visits while searching for clues about Mitsuha. Both the exterior and interior are faithfully recreated in the work, and the reading room on the second floor is particularly a must-see.
Hours: 9:00-19:00 (Tuesday-Friday), 9:00-17:00 (Saturday, Sunday, Holidays)
Closed: Mondays, days after holidays, year-end and new year
Admission: Free
Ketamiwakamiya Shrine
One of the model shrines for Miyamizu Shrine, located approximately a 10-minute walk from the station. The atmosphere of the stone steps and torii gate align with the work’s world, making it a popular spot for many fans.
Visiting Hours: Open to public visits at all times
Ema (votive tablets): Available (at the shrine office)
Seto River and White-Walled Kura Street
Located approximately a 10-minute walk from the station, the White-Walled Kura Street along the Seto River is a representative tourist attraction of Hida Furukawa. It was also used as a background in the work, and particularly beautiful scenery unfolds during cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons.
Approximately 1,000 carp swim in the clear Seto River, and the combination with the picturesque townscape is photogenic.
Miyagawa Morning Market
The Miyagawa Morning Market in Takayama City is also a popular nearby sacred site. It is accessible from Hida Furukawa Station in approximately 15 minutes by train to Takayama Station, then approximately 10 minutes on foot.
Operating Hours: 7:00-12:00 (April-October), 8:00-12:00 (November-March)
Operating Days: Daily (except year-end and new year)
Model Courses for Sacred Site Pilgrimages
Half-Day Course (Approximately 4 hours)
9:00 Arrive at Hida Furukawa Station, photograph station building and platform (30 minutes)
9:30 Gather information at station tourist information center, arrange bicycle rental (15 minutes)
9:45 Visit Hida City Library (45 minutes)
10:30 Visit Ketamiwakamiya Shrine (30 minutes)
11:00 Explore Seto River and White-Walled Kura Street (60 minutes)
12:00 Lunch in Furukawa Town (60 minutes)
13:00 Explore around Hida Furukawa Station, purchase souvenirs (30 minutes)
13:30 Depart from Hida Furukawa Station
Full-Day Course (Approximately 8 hours)
In addition to the half-day course:
- Visit Hida Takumi Culture Museum (60 minutes)
- Visit Enkoji Temple (30 minutes)
- Visit Furukawa Festival Hall (60 minutes)
- Visit sacred sites in Takayama City (2 hours)
Weekend Overnight Course (1 night, 2 days)
Day 1:
- Morning: Sacred site pilgrimage around Hida Furukawa Station
- Afternoon: Sacred sites in Takayama City
- Evening: Stay in Furukawa or Takayama
- Night: Enjoy local cuisine such as Hida beef at restaurants in Furukawa Town
Day 2:
- Morning: Visit Miyagawa Morning Market
- Afternoon: Visit Shirakawa-go (approximately 1 hour by car from Takayama)
- Evening: Return home
Photography Precautions and Manners
Basic Manners
Sacred site pilgrimages are special experiences for many fans, but Hida Furukawa is a place where people actually live. Let’s follow the following manners and enjoy pilgrimages properly.
1. Respect residents’ lives
- Absolutely no trespassing on private property
- Avoid loud conversations early morning and late night
- Avoid prolonged stays in residential areas
2. Follow traffic rules
- Be careful not to obstruct traffic when photographing on roads
- Avoid walking while using smartphones, as it is dangerous
- When using bicycles, prioritize pedestrians
3. Always take trash home
- Don’t leave trash at photography locations
- Smoking only in designated areas
- Pick up any litter you see
4. Follow facility rules
- Follow the rules of each facility such as libraries and shrines
- Don’t photograph in areas where photography is prohibited
- Be considerate of others when using tripods
Photography Manners at the Station
Hida Furukawa Station is an operational station. Please pay special attention to the following:
- Platform photography must not interfere with train operations
- Absolutely no entering the tracks (this is illegal)
- Be considerate of other passengers
- Always follow staff instructions
- Avoid photography or keep it brief during crowded times
Attractions of Hida Furukawa – Sights Beyond Sacred Sites
Hida Takumi Culture Museum
Hida Furukawa is a region that produced many excellent carpenter craftsmen known as “Hida no Takumi.” The Hida Takumi Culture Museum allows you to learn about their traditional techniques and history.
Hours: 9:00-17:00 (March-November), 9:00-16:30 (December-February)
Closed: Year-end and new year
Admission: Adults 300 yen, elementary and junior high students 150 yen
Furukawa Festival
The Furukawa Festival, held annually on April 19th and 20th, is a traditional event designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan. The highlight is the “Okoshi-Daiko” (awakening drum) and the spectacular float procession, attracting many tourists.
Hida Beef Cuisine
When visiting Hida Furukawa, be sure to try Hida beef. Many dining establishments around the station serve dishes using Hida beef.
Recommended Establishments:
- Hida beef steak specialty restaurants
- Hida beef sushi restaurants
- Hida beef bun shops (perfect for eating while walking)
Local Sake and Sake Brewery Tours
Hida Furukawa has long-established sake breweries where you can sample local sake and tour the brewery. Japanese sake made with Hida’s clear water is popular as a souvenir.
Accommodation Information
Accommodation Around Hida Furukawa Station
Ryokans and Hotels:
- Multiple ryokans within a 5-minute walk from the station
- One night with two meals: Approximately 8,000-15,000 yen
- Some accommodations have hot springs
Guest Houses:
- Budget-friendly lodging for backpackers
- Room only: Approximately 3,000-5,000 yen
- Can enjoy interaction with other pilgrims
Private Accommodations:
- Experience local living
- Prices vary by facility
Accommodation in Takayama City
Takayama City, approximately 15 minutes by train from Hida Furukawa Station, has more accommodation options. Using Takayama as a base and visiting Hida Furukawa for a day trip is also a good option.
Souvenir Information
“Your Name.” Related Goods
Goods related to “Your Name.” are sold at the station front tourist information center and souvenir shops:
- Sacred site pilgrimage maps
- Original postcards
- Clear files
- Commemorative stamps (free)
Local Specialties of Hida Furukawa
Food Products:
- Hida beef related products (retort curry, beef shigure-ni, etc.)
- Local sake (Hourai, Shiro Mayumi, etc.)
- Hida red turnip pickles
- Goheimochi
- Sweets using Hida apples
Crafts:
- Ichii Itto-bori (Hida traditional craft)
- Saruboubo (Hida regional folk toy)
- Woodcraft products
Seasonal Ways to Enjoy
Spring (March-May)
Cherry Blossom Season:
- The cherry tree-lined Seto River is beautiful (mid to late April)
- Furukawa Festival (April 19-20) is a must-see
- Temperature: 10-20°C, light coat necessary
Summer (June-August)
New Green Season:
- Can see carp swimming vigorously in the Seto River
- Perfect for exploring around Hida Furukawa Station
- Temperature: 20-30°C, strong sunlight, so hat and sunscreen recommended
Autumn (September-November)
Autumn Foliage Season:
- Autumn colors of White-Walled Kura Street are beautiful (late October to early November)
- Can enjoy new rice and autumn flavors
- Temperature: 10-20°C, mornings and evenings can be cool, so bring a jacket
Winter (December-February)
Snowy Season:
- Snow-covered Hida Furukawa is fantastical
- Can recreate winter scenes from the work
- Temperature: -5-5°C, cold weather protection essential
- Watch out for frozen roads, wear non-slip shoes
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit for sacred site pilgrimages?
Spring (April-May) and autumn (October-November) are the most recommended. The weather is mild and easy for tourism, and you can also enjoy seasonal scenery such as cherry blossoms and autumn foliage. However, the Furukawa Festival period (April 19-20) is extremely crowded, so it’s better to avoid it if you want a quiet pilgrimage.
How much time is needed?
About 3-4 hours is sufficient to visit the main sacred sites around Hida Furukawa Station. If you plan to take detailed photographs or visit nearby tourist attractions as well, it’s recommended to set aside a full day.
Is English spoken?
Basic English is spoken at major tourist facilities and the station, but not completely. English pamphlets are also available at the tourist information center. It’s reassuring to prepare a smartphone translation app.
Can I do a pilgrimage without a car?
Yes, it’s possible. The main spots around Hida Furukawa Station are within walking distance. Using a bicycle rental, you can visit multiple places more efficiently. If you want to visit sacred sites in Takayama City as well, you can travel by train or bus.
Can I enjoy it on a rainy day?
Outdoor photography becomes difficult on rainy days, but wet old townscape has its own charm. There are also indoor facilities such as Hida City Library and Hida Takumi Culture Museum, so you can enjoy yourself even on rainy days. However, photographing while holding an umbrella is difficult, so raincoat preparation is recommended.
Nearby Sacred Sites
In Takayama City
About 15 minutes by train from Hida Furukawa Station, there are also “Your Name.” sacred sites in Takayama City:
- Hie Shrine (one of the models for Miyamizu Shrine)
- Miyagawa Morning Market
- Old town area of Takayama
Lake Suwa (Nagano Prefecture)
Lake Suwa, believed to be one of the models for Lake Itomori in the work, is approximately 2 hours by car from Hida Furukawa. If you have time, visiting it together is a good option.
Conclusion
Hida Furukawa Station is an important sacred site where you can experience the world of “Your Name.” By actually visiting scenes from the work such as the station building and platforms, your understanding of the story deepens and you can gain new emotional experiences.
While enjoying sacred site pilgrimages, also appreciate the beautiful townscape, traditional culture, and gourmet food of Hida Furukawa. By being considerate of local residents and following proper manners during pilgrimages, you will have a more fulfilling experience.
Hida Furukawa Station is a must-visit destination for “Your Name.” fans. I hope this article serves as a reference for your sacred site pilgrimage. I wish you a wonderful trip.
Finally: Before visiting, it’s recommended to check the latest business hours and traffic information on official websites. Situations can change depending on the season and day of the week, so advance information gathering is key to a successful sacred site pilgrimage.
