Iwamura Town Tour Guide
Introducing Tour Guides Who Enhance the Value of Your Travel Experience (^0^)/
Iwamura, in Ena City, Gifu Prefecture, is known as “the Town of the Female Castle Lord.”
This charming town offers a historic castle district and the ruins of Iwamura Castle—one of Japan’s Top 100 Castles (within Gifu Prefecture, only Gifu Castle and the Iwamura Castle Ruins have this designation).
To help you fully appreciate these sites, the town provides knowledgeable local “tour guides,” who bring its rich history to life.
Walking with a guide allows you to discover stories and hidden highlights that you would easily miss by simply looking at the scenery.
The tour fees are very reasonable. To enrich the value of your trip, we warmly encourage you to book a guided tour with one of our local experts.
Iwamura Town Tour Guide
The following fees apply per guide.
(Additional guides can be arranged for groups upon request.)
※ Please note that fees are subject to change. Be sure to confirm the price when making your reservation.
※ Access to the Iwamura Castle Ruins requires walking from the parking area in front of the History Museum. Please be aware that the route includes steep slopes.
| Course Name | Required Time | Fees (per guide) | Contents |
| Historic Townscape Tour | 60–90 minutes | ¥2,000 | We will guide you through a beautiful castle town designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings. As we walk, you will trace the atmosphere of the Edo period, exploring the history of merchant houses, traditional residences, and the distinctive masugata (defensive bends) in the streets. |
| Iwamura Castle Ruins Tour | 90–120 minutes | ¥2,500 | We will head toward the honmaru (main enclosure) and the impressive stone walls of Iwamura Castle, one of Japan’s Top 100 Castles, located at an elevation of 717 meters. Along the way, we will explain must-see features for mountain‑castle enthusiasts, including its massive stone fortifications and the iconic six‑tiered stone walls. |
| Historic Townscape and Castle Ruins Tour Set | 150–180minutes | ¥3,500 | This is a full‑experience course that allows you to thoroughly explore both the castle town and the mountain castle. It is highly recommended for those who want to enjoy the charms of Iwamura to the fullest. |
Key Spots to Tour with Your Guide
Here are some of the key spots that become even more enjoyable with insights from your guide.
[Townscape Area]
(Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings)
Kimura Residence （Kimuratei）
This wholesale merchant house prospered from the mid to late Edo period.
Because it repeatedly supported the domain during times of financial difficulty, it was given special status, including a private entrance reserved for the lord and distinctive “warrior windows” (mushamado).
Your guide will explain the architectural features and the historical background behind them.
Katsukawa Residence（Katsukawake）
This late‑Edo‑period merchant house features refined architecture, including a study room and a tea room.
Its highlights include elegant pine‑themed designs and details that offer a glimpse into daily life at the time.
Tosaya Residence
This dye shop dates back about 260 years.
It is now open to the public as the “Craft Museum,” where visitors can learn about the indigo‑dyeing process.
The beautiful courtyard and traditional storehouse are also highlights of the site.
Masugata
This road layout is a defensive feature unique to castle towns.
By bending the road at right angles, it was designed to slow down enemy advances—an ingenious tactic that can still be seen in the streets today.
[Iwamura Castle Ruins Area]
(One of Japan’s Top 100 Castles / One of Japan’s Three Great Mountain Castles)
At an elevation of 717 meters, this is the castle of an Edo‑period domain, built at the highest location of any such castle in Japan.
Six‑Tiered Stone Walls（Rokudanheki）
This is the most popular photo spot in Iwamura Castle.
Originally a single tall stone wall, it later collapsed in places. To prevent further damage, additional stone walls were reinforced in front of it, resulting in today’s beautiful six‑tiered, step‑like structure.
Kirigai Well（Kirigai）
According to legend, when enemies approached, a secret snake bone kept within the castle was thrown into this well, causing a mystical fog to rise and conceal the fortress.
This mysterious spot is also linked to the tragic tale of the Female Castle Lord.
Main Enclosure (Honmaru)
At an elevation of 717 meters, this is the highest point of the castle grounds.
Although no buildings remain, you can admire the impressive stone walls and enjoy a stunning view overlooking the castle town.
After the tour, feel free to ask your guide for local recommendations—such as the town’s famous “Gohei‑mochi,” traditional castella cakes, or the brewery that produces the local sake.
Your guide will be happy to share delicious spots loved by the locals.
3. How to Apply / How to Contact Us
Advance reservations are required to use the tour guide service.
Application Deadline:
In principle, please apply at least 10 days before your desired tour date.
※ For last‑minute requests, a guide may not be available.
How to Apply
Please provide the following details when making your reservation:
① Desired Date and Time
② Group Name
( Bus: ____ vehicles / Participants: ____ people )
③ Meeting Place
Please select one of the following:
（1）Parking Lot No.1
(Sato Issai Manabi-no-Hiroba / Former Iwamura Branch Office)
Address: 545-1 Iwamura-cho, Ena City
（2）Parking Lot No.3
(Iwamura Community Center / Iwamura Branch Office)
Address: 1657-1 Iwamura-cho, Ena City
（3）Iwamura History Museum Parking Lot
（4）Akechi Railway Iwamura Station
Requested Guide Course
Townscape Tour … 2,000 yen per guide
Iwamura Castle Ruins Tour … 2,500 yen per guide
Townscape + Castle Ruins Set … 3,500 yen per guide
⑤ Number of Guides Requested
⑥ Applicant’s Name
⑦ Telephone Number
⑧ Email Address
⑨ Contact Number for the Day of the Tour
To apply, please fill in items ①–⑨ and send them to the email address below.
Iwamura Town Tourism Association
Email address kankou@iwamura.jp
Application Contact Information
Ena City Tourism Association – Iwamura Branch
Address: 263-2 Iwamura-cho, Ena City, Gifu Prefecture
