Kamagatani Valley

Ranked among Japan's top 100 cherry blossom sites by the Japan Cherry Blossom Association, this valley in Gifu transforms into a cascade of pale pink every April as roughly 1,500 cherry trees bloom along the river. Beyond the spring spectacle, the valley is also striking in autumn when the foliage turns deep crimson, and a series of small waterfalls punctuates the walking paths year-round. Entry is free, making it a wonderful detour for anyone traveling between Nagoya and the Japan Alps.