Hida-Furukawa Station, featured in the film Your Name, is a sacred location tied to one of the film’s most memorable scenes. The platform and taxi stand are faithfully depicted, drawing visitors into the world of the movie the moment they step onto the station grounds.
What is Hida-Furukawa Station
Hida-Furukawa Station is located on the JR Takayama Main Line in Hida City, Gifu Prefecture. It is the gateway to the old town of Hida-Furukawa. Although it became widely known after appearing in Your Name, the station has long been an essential hub for local residents.
The exterior is a wooden structure that conveys warmth and simplicity typical of rural stations. Stepping out of the ticket gate, you are greeted with a quiet townscape, immersing you immediately in the atmosphere that resonates with the movie’s world.
The Connection Between Your Name and Hida-Furukawa Station
In the film, Taki visits Hida-Furukawa Station while searching for information about Itomori. The depictions of the platform and taxi stand are reproduced with striking accuracy, making these locations special for fans.
The moment Taki arrives at the station symbolizes the overlap between reality and fiction, giving viewers the sense that Mitsuha truly exists in this place. This high level of realism is the reason Hida-Furukawa Station is considered a sacred site.
Highlights of Hida-Furukawa Station
Hida-Furukawa Station offers multiple points of interest that allow visitors to relive the film while enjoying the town itself.
| Highlight | Feature |
|---|---|
| Station Platform | Perfect for photos that recreate scenes from the film |
| Taxi Stand | The spot where Taki searched for information |
| Station Building | A warm, wooden exterior with a traditional feel |
| Surrounding Townscape | White-walled storehouses and sake breweries enrich the experience |
Access to Hida-Furukawa Station
Easy access is one of the station’s appeals. Visitors can reach it by limited express trains and local lines.
| Departure City | Access Route | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| Nagoya | Limited Express “Hida” to Takayama (2.5 hrs) → JR to Hida-Furukawa (15 mins) | About 3 hrs |
| Tokyo | Shinkansen to Nagoya (1 hr 40 mins) → Limited Express “Hida” to Takayama (2.5 hrs) → JR (15 mins) | About 5 hrs |
| Osaka | Shinkansen to Nagoya (50 mins) → Limited Express “Hida” to Takayama (2.5 hrs) → JR (15 mins) | About 4 hrs |
The transfer at Takayama Station is the key point, and most fans visiting for pilgrimage follow this route.
How to Enjoy Your Visit
Even if your primary purpose is a movie pilgrimage, Hida-Furukawa Station and its surroundings offer diverse experiences.
- Recreate movie scenes with photos
Find the same angles as in the film at the platform or station entrance. - Stroll through the historic town
Explore the white-walled storehouses, Furukawa Festival floats, and traditional streets. - Savor local cuisine
Restaurants near the station serve Hida beef dishes and regional specialties.
The Deeper Appeal of Pilgrimage
A pilgrimage to Hida-Furukawa Station is more than just sightseeing. Walking the same paths as the characters allows fans to connect more deeply with the story.
It is also common to encounter fellow fans, creating opportunities for spontaneous exchanges. These shared experiences make the pilgrimage even more meaningful and often turn a simple trip into a lasting memory.
Combining with Nearby Attractions
Beyond the station, Hida-Furukawa offers rich cultural and scenic spots worth visiting.
| Attraction | Feature |
|---|---|
| Furukawa Festival | UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage; grand floats parade the streets |
| White-Walled Storehouse District | Picturesque riverside scenery, ideal for photography |
| Sake Breweries | Sample locally brewed sake |
| Hot Springs | Relax in mountain inns and soak away travel fatigue |
The combination of station, townscape, and culture makes Hida-Furukawa especially appealing.
Local Food and Specialties
No visit to Hida-Furukawa is complete without tasting its culinary delights.
| Culinary Highlight | Feature |
|---|---|
| Hida Beef Dishes | Steak, sushi, and other creative offerings |
| Hoba Miso | Local dish of miso and ingredients grilled on magnolia leaves |
| Local Sake | Multiple breweries produce diverse flavors |
| Traditional Sweets | Perfect souvenirs that showcase local flavors |
Experiencing local cuisine enhances the satisfaction of your journey and leaves lasting memories.
Conclusion
Hida-Furukawa Station, as the central sacred spot of Your Name, has become a must-visit destination for fans. Yet its charm extends beyond the film, offering rich cultural experiences, historic townscapes, and regional cuisine.
Recreating scenes at the station lets visitors share the same perspective as the characters. Coupled with festivals, hot springs, and gourmet delights, the pilgrimage becomes an immersive cultural journey.
For fans and travelers alike, Hida-Furukawa Station is a place worth visiting again and again, where fiction and reality merge to create a unique and unforgettable experience.
