Discover Kani: Ceramic History, Museums and Forest Trails

The municipality associated with the destination of Kani brings together a range of cultural and scenic highlights: ceramic history, local collections, a historic ferry crossing and forest trails. The municipality’s cultural attractions range from museum collections to preserved kiln remains; the Kiso River Watashiba Promenade adds the history of a river crossing. Kani Yasuragi Forest Park gives the municipality associated with the destination of Kani its own scenic character. Its woodland, walking trails and seasonal flowers complement the cultural attractions.

Ceramic History and Local Collections

The Kani Local History Museum is located in the municipality associated with the destination of Kani and has a permanent exhibition of fossils, archaeology, sculpture, ceramic production, pottery and folklore. Natural history, archaeological, artistic and folkloric themes are presented side by side. If you are particularly interested in ceramics, ceramic production and pottery lead directly into this subject; the other exhibits offer a glimpse of different areas of the local collection.

The Arakawa Toyozō Museum was built in Ōgaya, which is in the municipality associated with the destination of Kani. A Shino ceramic shard decorated with a bamboo shoot was found in Ōgaya. The museum displays works and collection pieces by Arakawa. The Ōhira Ancient Kiln Sites are also in the municipality associated with the destination of Kani. Kiln remains from the Azuchi–Momoyama period have been preserved there; at that time, Shino, Kizeto, Setoguro and Oribe ceramics were fired there on a larger scale. The municipality associated with the destination of Kani brings together different facets of ceramic history: a specific find with a named decoration, Arakawa’s works and collection pieces, and the styles fired in the kilns.

River History and Forest Trails

The Kiso River Watashiba Promenade (Bamboo Princess Walking Path) runs through the Imawatari and Tsuchida districts of Kani-shi, in the municipality associated with the destination of Kani, and passes through the site of a ferry crossing on the Kiso River. During the Edo period, this crossing was significant as the first place to cross the river on the Nakasendō. The route thus combines a present-day path through two districts with the historic function of the ferry crossing.

Kani Yasuragi Forest Park is also in the municipality associated with the destination of Kani and offers a different focus. It features extensive woodland and long walking trails, with flowers blooming at different times of year. Visitors can enjoy forest bathing and walks. The changing flowering seasons give the natural setting a seasonal accent, while the woodland and trails make the park a contrast to the museums and archaeological ceramic sites.

Historical Sites in the Wider Travel Area

The wider travel area is home to other places of historical interest. If you drive to the Akechi Castle Ruins, you can use the parking lot beside Kikyō-zaka near the castle; check the conditions before setting out. At the ruins of Mino Kaneyama Castle in Kani-shi, the stone walls are around 400 years old and have been preserved in their original form. The site was designated a National Historic Site of Japan in 2013. For Akechi, this includes specific advice on arriving by car; at Mino Kaneyama, the focus is on the walls’ age, preservation and designation.

Discover more destinations: Tarui, Kamo District, Gujo, Tajimi, Takayama, Yamagata, Toki, Gero

View the wider travel guide: Gifu Prefecture.