Weathered Urban Alleys Industrial Remnants
Weathered alleyway between dilapidated buildings tells of forgotten industrial past.

In the Maze of Kinkotsu Meguri

Stroll through this district of sprawling alleyways … at your own risk!

Gero Onsen, one of the three best-known hot springs in Japan, is in Gifu prefecture. Kanayama-cho, 28 km south, is attached to the city of Gero.

Kinkotsu Meguri
Kinkotsu Meguri

Kanayama village is made up of a sprawling district of alleyways: Kinkotsu Meguri 筋 骨 め ぐ り. The narrow streets are so intricately intertwined that the place is said to be a maze for non-locals.

Kinkotsu Meguri
Kinkotsu Meguri

The advice on the city website is don’t hesitate to ask residents the way if you find yourself lost! If you’re not the adventurous type, you can also call on the services of a local guide.

The word Kinkotsu 筋 骨 means “muscle and bones”. It was chosen in reference to the complexity and narrowness of the alleys, resembling human body parts.

Kinkotsu Meguri
Kinkotsu Meguri

Kanayama village, at the crossroads of several feudal fiefs, was used as a border post and developed through trade. During the turbulent Sengoku period (14771573), clan wars and political unrest raged in the archipelago.

The Kinkotsu Meguri maze was built to disorientate potential enemies, who would lose themselves along the dark alleyways.

Kinkotsu Meguri
Kinkotsu Meguri

The village is believed to have been inhabited for a long time: remains of the Jōmon period (c. 14,000 and 300 BC) have been found nearby. Traces of dwellings, earthenware, stone tools and arrowheads dating back to 10,000 BC have been excavated near the Iwaya Dam.

Kinkotsu Meguri
Kinkotsu Meguri

The tiny alleys weave between the Meiji and Shōwa wooden houses that are still standing. The passageway is sometimes so narrow that only one person at a time can squeeze through.

Kinkotsu Meguri
Kinkotsu Meguri

All these secret passages are still essential to locals, probably the only people who know them, as shortcuts through the neighbourhood.

The maze of old alleyways of Kinkotsu Meguri district harks back to the Shōwa era (19261989). This retro atmosphere is very photogenic. Almost like being lost in an anime adventure, out of time in this little corner of rural Japan.

Hidden in the maze is a local version of the flying castle in Howl’s Moving Castle !

Kinkotsu Meguri
Kinkotsu Meguri

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Who Am I

Jordy Meow
This is me!

I am Jordy Meow, a French photographer based in Tokyo. I explore offbeat places in Japan.

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Pines whisper secrets, Under curved tiles and clear skies, Stone lanterns in peace. 松が囁き 曲がる瓦の下、 石灯籠、静かに。 #offbeatjapan #japan #traditionandnature #dojospirit #japanesearchitecture #peacefulplaces #serenesettings
Golden sun descends, Terraced greens meet forest hues— Nature's gentle quilt. ---黄金の陽、 段々畑の緑、 自然の優しき織物。 ---#offbeatjapan #ricefields #shirakawago #japan #sunsetvibes #naturelovers #serenitynow #mountainlife
Sunlight weaves through wood, Chaos in lines, shadows dance, Nature’s art revealed. 光が木を通り抜け、 乱れた線に影が踊る、 自然の芸術が現れる。 #offbeatjapan #japan #natureart #abandonedbeauty #architecture #lightandshadow #hiddenwonders
Crimson gates align, Hearts carved on love's scarlet path, Pines bend to dreams' sea. ---真紅の門 愛の道に刻み 松は夢の海へ曲がる ---#ShintoSpirit #ToriiGates #LoveInJapan #CoastalBeauty #SereneJapan #offbeatjapan #Japan
Lanterns softly glow, Timber frames embrace the snow, Silent warmth below. ランタンの光、 木枠に雪が舞い、 静かなる温もり。 #offbeatjapan #japan #snowyvillage #japanesearchitecture #tranquilbeauty #winterserenity #lanternlight
Crimson gate stands bold, Where verdant hills kiss the sea, Spirits rest at peace. --- 紅い門 緑の丘と海の 平和な魂 --- #offbeatjapan #japan #shinto #torii #coastlines #spiritualpeace #naturephotography
Scarlet sunlit hues, Torii whispers to the dawn— Nature's quiet shrine. --- 緋色の光、 鳥居は夜明けに囁く― 静かな神社。 --- #offbeatjapan #japan #torii #spiritualjourney #sunrisevibes #hiddenjapan #natureandspirit
Whispers of spring's light, Sakura cascades unfurl, Nature's brushstrokes glow. 春の囁き、 桜滝のように、 自然の彩。 #sakura #springblossoms #japanphotography #japanesegarden #offbeatjapan #flowerwaterfall #japan