Gifu Prefecture

While most people besotted with Japanese history tend to focus on the periods of samurai and geisha, there is more to Japan than dudes quoting haiku and swinging katana blades. One of the most interesting periods was not that long ago, the Showa era (1926 – 1989), and at Gifu Seiryu-Satoyama Park, you can step back in time to visit that remarkable age. Gifu Seiryu-Satoyama Park Previously known as Showa Mura [Showa Village], Gifu Seiryu-Satoyama Park recreates the idyllic atmosphere of a quiet mountainside village in the 1930s. The park is a beautiful natural paradise that showcases Japan’s dedication to preserving its rich biodiversity and traditional landscapes through sightseeing attractions. Seiryu-Satoyama Park is renowned for its diverse ecosystems, encompassing forests, rivers, wetlands, and agricultural fields. The park’s name, “Seiryu,” means “clear stream,” reflecting the pristine waterways flowing through the area, creating an ideal habitat for aquatic life. Visitors can enjoy picturesque landscapes throughout the year as the seasons ebb and flow, with cherry blossoms painting the park in delicate pinks and purples during spring and vibrant reds and golds in autumn. The park’s enchanting walking trails allow you to wander amongst the forests, rice, tea, and mulberry fields while the…