Makoto Shinkai’s 2016 film Your Name (Kimi no Na wa) became the highest-grossing anime film in history and sparked a wave of visitors to the Hida region of Gifu Prefecture — the model for Mitsuha’s mountain town. The old townscape of Hida Furukawa, with its white-walled storehouses, sake breweries, and the瀬戸川 canal lined with white carp, is immediately recognisable to fans of the film.
Key Locations
The Hida Furukawa train station exterior closely matches the film’s Itomori station. The 三寺まいり area along the Seto River features the canal and historic architecture that formed the visual basis for Mitsuha’s town. The Hida Folk Village (飛騨の里) outside Takayama — a collection of preserved traditional farmhouses — provides additional scenery echoing the film’s rural Japan aesthetic.
Hida Takayama
The nearby city of Takayama (30 minutes by train) is one of Japan’s best-preserved historic towns. The Sanmachi Suji old merchant district, morning markets, and traditional sake breweries make it one of the finest destinations in the Japanese Alps. Combining Furukawa and Takayama in a two-day visit is ideal.
Access
Take the JR Takayama Line from Nagoya (about 2.5 hours) or from Toyama (90 minutes) to Hida Furukawa station. The town is walkable from the station. Takayama is one stop further south on the same line.
Best Time to Visit
Spring cherry blossom season and the autumn foliage period (late October to November) are the most scenic times. The Furukawa Festival in April — one of Japan’s most spectacular traditional festivals with ornate floats and drum performances — is an exceptional reason to visit in spring.
