Break away from the crowds and while away the days fishing the remote rivers of the central mountain ranges, often nicknamed the "Japanese Alps." Rent a car and head to Maze village, a tiny old-fashioned community in southern Gifu prefecture and an idyllic spot, great for finding amago, iwana and the home-town favorite, ayu or "sweet fish." The village is tucked into the mountains along the Maze River and prefectural Route 257 right in the middle of (you got it) nowhere. A haven for fishers, the Maze River rushes through 3,000-foot mountains and features a myriad of hidden pools lined with freestone beds and varied waters. After a long day of throwing line, visit the village historical museum and overnight along the peaceful river.

Summer hits the Gifu terrain

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Classic Adventures Catch Waves on Shizuoka Climb Mount Fuji Night Dive in Okinawa Take Powder in Hokkaido Raft Gunma Paraglide Asagiri Kogen Head to the Hills Over Kyoto Explore Nagano's Trails Walk Like a Feudal Lord Buzz Tokyo

Off the Beaten Path Hike Yakushima Island Dive Ogasawara's Wrecks Horseback Matsushima Bike White Country Escape to the Amami Islands Hike the Shikoku Pilgrimage Fly Fish Old Country Bike the Okinawa Tropics Kayak the Noto Peninsula Hike the Northern Alps

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