Mizube no Yakata Outdoor Activity Center

The mountain village of Maze (pronounced ma-ze) is a small countryside village with a population of just 1400 people located a short drive from the renowned tourist hot spot, Gero Onsen. Over 90% of the village is rugged mountainous terrain covered in forest, these steep slopes all lead to a deep valley where the Maze River, which is known for its assortment of freshwater fish including Ayu and Trout, runs freely beside sporadic pockets of farmland and agricultural properties. Life in Maze truly is rural living.

Mizube no Yakata Outdoor Activity Center

There are a number of activities one can enjoy in Maze, and an excellent place to sample these is at Mizube no Yakata – a small activity center run by a group of enthusiastic locals. The main activity here is fishing, although there are plenty of other things to do for people of all ages and interests!

Mizube no Yakata Outdoor Activity Center

If you do come for the fishing there are several options available to you, these include small group-fishing excursions using traditional bamboo rods, fishing by hand in a small man made pond (yes you try and catch the fish using your bare hands), and for the more advanced anglers, fly fishing along the rocky beds of the Maze River. Once you have your catch of the day you can bring it back to the activity center where you are taught how to gut and prepare the fish before either cooking it over an open fire or using it to make ‘hobazushi’ – a type of sushi. The preparation and eating of the fish is just as big as the act of catching it here!

Mizube no Yakata Outdoor Activity Center

If fishing isn’t your thing, you can hire bicycles and explore the surrounding countryside on your own or as part of a guided group, there are also organized trekking tours allowing you to see the spectacular scenery and mountain views in the area. English speaking tour guides are available for these activities or you can navigate yourself.

Mizube no Yakata Outdoor Activity Center

Back at the activity center there are various small group-workshops where you can learn how to prepare a variety of foods including ‘gohei-mochi’ – a type of sweet Japanese rice cake over an open hearth, and even hand made pizzas which are then baked in a stone oven. There is also a BBQ spot available in the summer, where you can freely cook a selection of meats, fish and vegetables to enjoy on the riverside. Inside the restaurant soft drinks and alcoholic beverages are also available.

Mizube no Yakata Outdoor Activity Center

To enjoy any of the above activities advanced reservations must be made by telephone. The best way to do this is by contacting either the Gero Spa Tourist Association Office (0576-24-1000) or Gero Tourist Information Center (0576-25-4711), which is conveniently located in front of Gero JR Train Station. We also recommend popping into either of the above places so that you can chat freely and enquire about which activities are available when you want to visit as many of them are seasonal.

Mizube no Yakata is approximately 15 minutes by car or taxi from Hida-hagiwara Station or 30 minutes by car or taxi from Gero Station.

Fishing Center Mizube no Museum

Gifu Gero-shi Mazenishimura 1508-1

0576472841

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