Kawabe: Cultural History and the Hida River

Kawabe can be explored through two distinct themes: cultural heritage and the Hida River. Hakusen Sake Brewery is associated with a sake-buying ritual that dates back to the Edo period, while Myounji Temple in Naka-kawabe is known for its more than 1,000 statues and their history. The Hida River Promenade is a place for walks, while the Kawabe Rowing Center offers favorable conditions for rowing. When planning your trip, you can distinguish between historical connections and the different activities along the river.

Cultural History: Sake Tradition and Myounji

The sake-buying ritual associated with Hakusen Sake Brewery has continued since the Edo period and remains a local tradition. If you want to include this custom in your travel plans, confirm the exact annual schedule before your visit. This lets you consider its historical significance separately from the timing that suits your trip.

During the Edo period, more than 1,000 Nyorai statues were donated at Myounji Temple in Naka-kawabe at the request of feudal lord Ōshima, by his retainers and local residents. Because of their origins, they are known as the Sen-tai-Shaka-Nyorai statues. The statues are displayed each year on August 28 as part of a temple opening. If you would like to include this presentation in your trip, check the date before you travel.

Both cultural themes date back to the Edo period, but each has a different focus: Hakusen centers on a continuing custom, while Myounji tells the story of how the statues were donated. Together, they offer a glimpse into two different forms of cultural heritage in Kawabe.

Along the Hida River: Walks and Rowing

Tokoji Park is a convenient place to rest during walks along the Hida River Promenade. It is near Yamakawa Bridge and a five-minute walk from Kawabe Town Hall. The bridge and town hall provide two different points of reference: a nearby bridge and a specific walking time from the town hall. This helps you locate the park within the town when planning a walk along the promenade.

The Kawabe Rowing Center offers favorable conditions for rowing. Construction of the Kawabe Dam has brought the river current almost to a standstill. Bamboo and other vegetation along the banks block the wind. These two specific features shape conditions here: the greatly calmed current and the wind-blocking effect of the riverside vegetation.

Tokoji Park and the Rowing Center therefore represent different river-related themes. The park is a place to rest and take walks along the promenade; at the Rowing Center, the conditions for rowing are shaped by the dam and riverside vegetation. When planning your trip, you can choose between these focuses depending on whether you are more interested in a riverside walk or the conditions for rowing.

Discover more destinations: Kamo District, Takayama, Hatotani, Minokamo, Gero, Yamagata, Gujō, Seki.

For the broader travel overview: Gifu Prefecture.