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Let'sgotoseeHIda-Ontake Lava Flow!

At Hida-osaka, you can find precious stories with a history of 60,000 years
that go far beyond your imagination.

We, the Hida-Osaka Tourist Association, promote tourism in Hida-Osaka by putting the spotlight on its local assets, including the eruption of Mt. Ontake, the lava flow with a length of 15 kilometers, waterfall walking trails that are registered as the number-one treasure of Gifu, and carbonated springs that are rare and precious in Japan. We hope that more and more people will appreciate Hida-Osaka’s rich natural wonders, and we wish for “Gifu’s Treasures” to become “Everyone’s Treasures.”

Lava flow

Lava flows are streams of molten rocks that flood the land surface like a river, instead of being broken pieces, when a volcanic eruption occurs. The form of lava flows depend on the magma’s quality and quantity. While smooth textured lava flow can form a volcanic dome, mildly textured lava flow can form volcanic sheets like at the foot of Mt. Fuji. The lava flow at Mt. Ontake represents the latter.

Lava flow 
at Kusakidani Gorge of Mt. Ontake

Mt. Ontake is formed by many layers of ejecta, such as a lava flow. The lava flow at Kusakidani Gorge streamed down from Marishitensan peak and covered the Hyouendani area about 60,000 years ago. It stretches about 15 kilometers up to around Gantate area now.

Magnificent natural views that will deeply move your heart.

  • Mountaintop of Mt. OntakeMountaintop of Mt. Ontake
  • Ohira ObservatoryOhira Observatory
  • Lava Flow LookoutLava Flow Lookout
  • GandatekyoGandatekyo

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Event

news

2025.07.14

[Limited time only] Escape the Heat Ride Free to a Cool Nature Spot! Saturday, Sunday, and Obon service from July 19th (Saturday) to August 31st (Sunday)

A free shuttle bus will be running for a limited time between JR Hida-Osaka Station and Gandate Park.
Those who come by public transportation can easily enjoy Gandatekyo and visiting waterfalls.

 

Gandate Park is the central spot for waterfall tours in Hida-Osaka, where you can see the impressive Gandate Gorge, which was created by the lava flow from the eruption of Mt. Ontake about 54,000 years ago, as well as Mitsudaki Falls. The waterfall that you can feel up close is a natural cooler.
Please take advantage of this free shuttle bus.

 

Bus service connects JR Hida-Osaka Station, Osaka-town Bus Stop, and Gandate Park, and also connects with the JR Takayama Main Line and Nohi Bus (bound for Takayama and Gero).
*Please check the timetable and details below.

 

Bus Operation period


All Saturdays and Sundays from July 19 (Sat) to August 31 (Sun)
& Bon Holidays period: August 11 (Mon) to August 15 (Fri)

 

Shuttle bus fee


Free
*Free shuttle buses runs between JR Hida-Osaka Station, Osaka-town Bus Stop and Gandate Park. JR Train or Nohi Bus rides require separate fares.

 

Environmental Conservation Fee


¥300 per person
*Free for children under junior high school age.
To help preserve the natural environment around Gandate Park,a ¥300 contribution is kindly requested.Thank you for your support.
▼For more information about waterfall tours, please visit the “Waterfalls in Hida-Osaka Official Website”.
https://www.osaka-taki.com/en/

 

 

 

The transfer timetable above is a recommended itinerary based on the free shuttle bus service between JR Hida-Osaka Station, Osaka-town Bus Stop, and Gandate Park.
Stations and bus stops also have other operating times. Please visit the official websites of JR Tokai and Nohi Bus for details and for reference when going out.

 

 

  • Nohi Bus
    Takayama-Gero line timetable
    https://www.nouhibus.co.jp/route_bus/takayama-gero-line/

 

 

 

Recommended ways to spend time in front of the station


In between waiting for the bus or train, take a breather in the JR Hida-Osaka Station area.

 

  • Sumi Coffee Shop
    Handmade sandwiches and coffee are the best.
    ■Open 11:00 – 16:30
    Closed on Sundays and hours subject to change, August 14
    ■Place
    2 minutes walk from JR Hida-Osaka Station

 

  • Apron Juku
    Gohei-mochi rice cakes made with rice from Hida-Osaka and plenty of egoma sauce are exquisite.
    ■Open 9:00 – 12:30
    Open only on Fridays and Saturdays
    ■Place
    In front of Osaka-town bus stop

 

  • HIKOMASA BAKERY
    A bakery specializing in take-out. Domestic wheat and natural yeast
    ■Open 11:00 – 16:00
    Closed on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays
    Open 2nd and 4th Saturdays from 13:00
    ■Place
    4 minutes walk from JR Hida-Osaka Station
    https://www.instagram.com/hikomasabakery/

 

news

2025.03.24

[Updated March 24th: Road closure lifted]Gandate Park opens in 2025 on March 15 (Sat.)

Gandate Park will open for the 2025 season on March 15th.

 

■ Access by car
You can come by car.
The forest road beyond the park is currently closed to traffic.
[Updated 3/24 (Monday) 13:30]
City roads that were closed due to snowfall have been lifted.
When you visit, please check the latest weather forecast and road conditions, and be careful of snowy and icy roads.

 

■ Waterfall Tour Course
You can also use the Mitsutaki Course (3-hour round trip).
There is still snow in some areas, so please be sure to come prepared.

 

*Gandate Chaya is scheduled to open from early April.
*There is a risk of falling rocks on both city and forest roads, so please be careful when using them.

 

 

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