Nakatsugawa (中津川市) Travel Guide & City Profile

Last reviewed: October 23, 2026 · Prices are approximate and for orientation only.

Overview & City Profile

Nakatsugawa (中津川市, Nakatsugawa-shi) is a city located in Gifu, Japan. As of 31 December 2018, the city had an estimated population of 78,930, and a population density of 120 persons per km2 in 30,788 households. The total area of the city was 676.45 square kilometres (261.18 sq mi).

Within Gifu Prefecture (Chubu region), Nakatsugawa (中津川市) serves as a city in gifu prefecture. Travelers exploring Gifu often combine a stop in Nakatsugawa with regional highlights such as Preserved Edo streets of Takayama, UNESCO thatched farmhouses of Shirakawa-go, Gero Onsen (one of Japan's Three Famous Springs), Gifu Castle, Gujo Hachiman, and Magome-juku.

Getting to Nakatsugawa & Getting Around

Via the regional hub (Gifu Station, Gifu-Hashima (Shinkansen) & Takayama Station): 20m from Nagoya Station to Gifu on JR rapid trains; 2h 25m from Nagoya to Takayama on the scenic JR Limited Express Hida.

• Local rail & IC cards: Once in Gifu Prefecture, JR regional lines and local private railways connect Gifu with Nakatsugawa. Nationwide IC cards (Suica, Pasmo, Icoca) work on major urban and JR commuter gates; for rural branch lines or local buses, keep ¥1,000 bills and ¥100 coins handy for the onboard fare box.
• Luggage & station lockers: Main stations in Gifu have coin lockers for day-trippers. If you are stopping in Nakatsugawa en route between larger bases, check your suitcase dimensions in our Luggage & Locker Checker or forward big bags ahead with Takkyubin.
• Driving & car rental: While city centers around Nakatsugawa are accessible by train and taxi, renting a car from a major Shinkansen station or airport in Gifu can be rewarding for reaching mountain gorges, coastal viewpoints, and countryside onsen. Read our Renting a Car in Japan Guide.

What to Eat in Nakatsugawa & Gifu

Nakatsugawa shares the culinary traditions of Gifu Prefecture and the wider Chubu region. Don't miss these local specialties during your visit:

• Hida wagyu beef (nigiri, skewers,朴葉みそ hoba-miso on magnolia leaf) — a signature specialty across Gifu Prefecture.
• Takayama ramen — a signature specialty across Gifu Prefecture.
• Gohei mochi (walnut-miso grilled rice cakes) — a signature specialty across Gifu Prefecture.
• Ayu (sweetfish) from clear rivers — a signature specialty across Gifu Prefecture.

For dietary restrictions or food allergies, open our Japanese Phrasebook & Show-to-Staff Cards to display clear Japanese dietary explanations at restaurants in Nakatsugawa.

Best Time to Visit & Seasonal Highlights

April 14–15 & October 9–10 for the Takayama Festival; May–October for Gujo Odori & Nagara River cormorant fishing (ukai); Jan–Feb for snow-draped Shirakawa-go.

Regional highlights across Gifu Prefecture that pair well with a visit to Nakatsugawa include: Preserved Edo streets of Takayama, UNESCO thatched farmhouses of Shirakawa-go, Gero Onsen (one of Japan's Three Famous Springs), Gifu Castle, Gujo Hachiman, and Magome-juku.

Practical Travel Tips for Nakatsugawa

• Tourist information center (観光案内所): Look for the Kankō Annaijo counter inside or right outside the main train station in Nakatsugawa (or at Gifu Station, Gifu-Hashima (Shinkansen) & Takayama Station) for free walking maps, bus timetables, and festival calendars.
• Cash & ATMs: While hotels, chain stores, and convenience stores in Nakatsugawa accept international cards and IC payment, smaller family-run restaurants, shrines, and rural buses often prefer cash. 7-Eleven (Seven Bank) and Japan Post ATMs accept foreign debit cards reliably.
• Dining hours: Outside major metropolitan hubs, lunch typically runs 11:30 AM–2:00 PM and dinner spots open around 5:30 PM, with earlier last orders (around 8:00–9:00 PM) in smaller cities.