We had a barbecue at Itoshiro Highlands in Gujo, Gifu Prefecture. It was a weekday, so we almost had the place to ourselves.
The campsite sits in a wide, open valley surrounded by forested green mountains. Cars can park right next to the gravel riverbank, so it is easy to unload chairs, tables and the grill.
A clear mountain river runs beside the site, and you can play in the water. The riverbed is covered with smooth, rounded stones, and the water is cold even in midsummer.
The temperature here was only 24°C, while it was about 40°C back in Nagoya. With a cool breeze from the mountains, it was a perfect place to escape the summer heat.
We set up folding chairs on the riverbank, cooked, ate and relaxed together as a family.
Tips
- Itoshiro is in the mountains of northern Gifu, so a car is the easiest way to get there.
- Bring hats and sunscreen: there is little shade on the open riverbank.
- Water shoes are useful for walking on the river stones.
