Mino-Mikawa Highlands, Tableland across Gifu, Aichi, and Nagano Prefectures, Japan.
The Mino-Mikawa Highlands are a tableland in central Japan, spanning parts of Gifu, Aichi, and Nagano prefectures. The terrain consists of rolling hills, forests, and open fields at elevation, with Lake Mikawa forming the main body of water in the area.
The area that makes up the highlands once belonged to the old provinces of Mino and Mikawa, both of which were important administrative regions during the Edo period. Their shared boundary along this elevated terrain shaped the growth of surrounding settlements for centuries.
The name of the highlands comes from the two old provinces of Mino and Mikawa, which roughly match parts of present-day Gifu and Aichi. Travelers passing through the area will notice small rural settlements where local markets and seasonal gatherings mark the year.
The highlands are best explored by car, as public transport is infrequent in the more remote parts of the region. It is worth setting aside a full day, since the distances between different parts of the plateau can be considerable.
Lake Mikawa is a reservoir built in the mid-20th century to supply water to farming areas well beyond the highlands themselves. The fact that a large reservoir sits on top of a plateau is unusual in Japan, which makes it a notable stop for those passing through.
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