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If you have done the things to do in Japan, you’d know there are quite a few of them here in Seki.
Nestled in the heart of Japan like a precious gem, Seki offers a myriad of glittering experiences that are waiting to be discovered.
From immersing yourself in the traditional Japanese sword-making culture to exploring the lush, verdant landscapes that surround this enchanting city, Seki is a feast for the senses that will leave you feeling awed and inspired.
So, pack your bags, fuel your spirit of adventure, and get ready to be swept away by the charm and beauty of Seki.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Seki:
1. Mino City Papermaking Village
Mino City Papermaking Village in Seki is a traditional Japanese village known for its papermaking techniques.
What to see or do: Watch local artisans make paper from kozo tree bark and learn about the history of papermaking in Japan at the Mino Washi Museum.
Enjoy a stroll through the quaint streets lined with traditional paper stores and art galleries showcasing the intricate details of washi paper.
Don’t miss: Participate in a washi papermaking workshop to create your own unique souvenir to take home. Visit during the annual Mino Washi Akari Exhibition to see the village illuminated with beautiful paper lanterns.
Insider travel tips: Purchase some beautiful washi paper products such as notebooks or postcards. The village also offers various other workshops such as calligraphy and indigo dyeing.
Be prepared to spend a few hours in the village to fully experience all that it has to offer.
2. Gifu Great Buddha
The Gifu Great Buddha, or Shoho-ji Gifu Daibutsu in Japanese, is a giant seated Buddha statue located in Seki, Gifu Prefecture, Japan.
What to see or do: See the impressive bronze statue of the Great Buddha, which measures about 13.7 meters high and weighs approximately 31 tons.
Visitors can also go inside the statue and climb up to the observation deck to enjoy the scenic view.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the chance to ring the temple bell near the statue, which is said to bring good luck and blessings to those who ring it.
Insider travel tips: – Plan ahead and check the weather forecast before visiting, as the observation deck may be closed during bad weather.
3. Seki Traditional Swordsmith Museum
A museum dedicated to the traditional art of Japanese sword-making, showcasing the history and techniques of Seki City’s swordsmithing industry.
What to see or do:
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4. Gifu Castle
Gifu Castle is a historic castle located in Gifu City, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can climb the castle tower and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding city and mountains. The castle also features a museum with exhibits detailing the history of the castle and the surrounding area.
Don’t miss: The panoramic views from the castle tower are a must-see, especially during cherry blossom season in the spring or when the leaves change color in the fall.
Insider travel tips: Gifu Castle can be reached by taking a short cable car ride from the base of the mountain. Visitors should also check the weather before visiting as the castle tower may be closed during inclement weather.
5. Cormorant Fishing on Nagara River
Traditional fishing technique used for catching fish in Japan.
What to see or do: Observe the traditional fishing method of using cormorants to catch fish in the Nagara River. The technique involves the use of trained cormorant birds that are controlled by fishermen on boats using long ropes.
The birds dive into the water to catch fish and then bring them to the surface until the fisherman retrieves them.
Don’t miss: The spectacle of watching the trained birds dive into the water and catch fish is not to be missed. The illuminated boats that are used during the night-time fishing expeditions also create a mesmerizing sight.
Insider travel tips: The best time to witness this fishing technique is during the summer months from May to October. Visitors should book tickets in advance to reserve a spot on the boats as they tend to fill up quickly.
It’s also recommended to bring a camera to capture stunning photographs of the birds and the fishing experience.
6. Inuyama Castle
A historic Japanese castle located in the city of Inuyama.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the castle’s various levels and rooms, including the top floor, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding area.
The castle also features exhibits on Japanese history and culture.
Don’t miss: The castle’s original keep, which dates back to 1537 and is one of only twelve original castle keeps left in Japan.
The castle is also surrounded by a beautiful park and garden area.
Insider travel tips: Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, as the castle has steep staircases and narrow passages.
For a unique experience, visit the castle during the springtime cherry blossom season or in the fall when the leaves change color.
Lastly, don’t forget to try some of the local specialty foods, such as Inuyama yaki (a type of grilled chicken), during your visit.
7. Ogaki Castle
Ogaki Castle is a historic Japanese castle located in the city of Ogaki in Gifu Prefecture. Built in the early 16th century, it served as a strategic stronghold during the feudal era.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the castle grounds and admire the impressive architecture of the castle keep and surrounding structures. Inside the castle, there is a museum showcasing various relics and artifacts from the castle’s past.
Don’t miss: The view from the top of the castle keep is not to be missed, offering a panoramic view of the city and surrounding countryside.
Also, be sure to check out the various exhibits and displays in the museum, which provide fascinating insights into life during feudal Japan.
Insider travel tips: To fully appreciate the castle’s beauty and significance, it’s recommended to visit during the cherry blossom season when the surrounding park is in full bloom.
Additionally, guided tours are available for those who want to learn even more about the castle’s history and significance.
8. Nagaragawa Ukai Museum
Nagaragawa Ukai Museum is a museum in Seki, Japan, dedicated to showcasing the traditional fishing method known as ukai, involving cormorant birds trained to catch fish in the Nagara River.
What to see or do: Visitors can learn about the history and practice of ukai through exhibits, videos, and demonstrations, including a boat ride to see the birds in action.
Don’t miss: Witnessing ukai firsthand is a must-see experience, with the sight of the skilled cormorants diving underwater and surfacing with fish in their beaks.
Visitors can also take home ukai-themed souvenirs from the museum’s gift shop.
Insider travel tips: Check the museum’s website for ukai demonstration schedules and make sure to book in advance, as spots fill up quickly during peak season.
Plan to arrive early to secure a good viewing spot on the boat.
9. Nagaragawa Convention Center
Nagaragawa Convention Center is a modern venue located in Seki, Japan that hosts a variety of events and conferences.
What to see or do: The center has several exhibition halls, conference rooms, and banquet halls which are used for music concerts, exhibitions, company meetings, and more.
The venue has a capacity of 2,000 people and is equipped with modern facilities like projectors, lighting, and audio-visual equipment.
Don’t miss: One of the standout features of the center is the Nagara River Terrace, a spacious outdoor area overlooking the Nagara River.
It offers a stunning panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and is an ideal spot for taking photos or simply relaxing.
Insider travel tips: – The center is easily accessible by public transportation, with a train station and bus stop nearby.
10. Gifu Park
Gifu Park is a historic park in Seki, Gifu Prefecture, Japan.
What to see or do: The park boasts a beautiful landscape and offers visitors a chance to relax and appreciate nature. It’s home to many significant cultural and historic monuments, such as the Enmyo-ji Temple and the Seki City Museum.
Don’t miss: One of the most striking features of the park is the Gifu Castle ruins, which offers visitors an incredible view of Seki and the surrounding area.
Insider travel tips: Visit during the sakura (cherry blossom) season in the spring for an unforgettable experience. Be sure to stop by the traditional Japanese tea house for a cup of tea and a snack.
11. Gujo Hachiman Castle
Gujo Hachiman Castle is a historic castle located in the city of Gujo Hachiman, Japan. The castle was built in the 16th century and was the residence of various feudal lords over the centuries.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the castle’s interior, which has been restored to its original appearance, and take in panoramic views of the surrounding area from the top.
The castle also houses a museum showcasing the history of the region.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the chance to see the castle illuminated at night, which creates a stunning and romantic ambiance.
Insider travel tips: For the ultimate experience, visit during the Gujo Odori festival, a 30-day long dance festival held annually in the summer. During this time, the castle grounds are transformed into a lively festival space with food stalls and traditional music.
Be sure to book accommodation well in advance as it is a popular time for tourists.
12. Joka Machi traditional sake brewery district
Joka Machi is a historic district in Seki known for its traditional sake breweries.
What to see or do: Visitors can stroll through the historic streets and visit the many traditional breweries in the area. Many of the breweries offer tours and tastings, allowing visitors to sample some of the best sake in Japan.
Don’t miss: Make sure to try the local specialty, doburoku, a type of unfiltered sake that is only available in this region.
Insider travel tips: To fully experience the charm of Joka Machi, plan to visit during the autumn months. The changing leaves and crisp weather make for a beautiful atmosphere.
Also, consider purchasing a sake cup as a souvenir from one of the local shops. Many shops will even inscribe your name on the cup for a personalized touch.
13. Ukai-ya Seiryu restaurant
A traditional Japanese restaurant in Seki, Gifu Prefecture, specialized in serving delicious eel dishes cooked in the traditional unagi cuisine style.
What to see or do: Enjoy the succulent eel dishes served with rice, sake, and other authentic Japanese sides in a cozy and traditional atmosphere that will transport you to ancient Japan.
Don’t miss: The unagi (eel) dishes.
Whether you choose the classic unaju (eel with rice), unadon (eel with rice in a bowl), or kabayaki (grilled eel), you won’t be disappointed.
Insider travel tips: Arrive early to avoid the long lines and wait times, and don’t forget to taste the local sake. Also, be respectful of the traditional decor and customs, as Ukai-ya Seiryu is deeply rooted in Japanese culture and history.
14. Sunomata Castle
Historic castle ruins located in Seki, Gifu Prefecture, Japan.
What to see or do: Explore the remains of the castle, including the reconstructed gate, walls, and moat. Enjoy views of the Nagara River and surrounding nature.
Don’t miss: The chance to see the reconstructed gate, which is considered one of the oldest of its kind in Japan, dating back to the 16th century.
Insider travel tips: Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, as the castle is accessed via a steep staircase. Consider visiting during cherry blossom season (late March to early April) when the castle is surrounded by beautiful pink blooms.
Stop by the nearby Seki Traditional Swordsmith Museum to learn about the city’s famous sword-making industry.
15. Naegi Castle
Naegi Castle is a historic castle located in Seki City, Gifu Prefecture, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can admire the impressive castle architecture and explore its various areas, such as the turrets, Karahori gate, and Nagayamon gate.
The castle also offers stunning views of the surrounding Nōbi Plain.
Don’t miss: The beautiful stone walls and the castle’s gardens, which offer a peaceful place to relax amidst the historical surroundings.
Insider travel tips: Don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes, as visitors will need to climb up several steep stairs to fully explore the castle.
Also, check the local weather forecast as the views from the castle are best on clear days.