Gifu

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The prefecture is also home to stunning mountains, historic towns, and famous festivals like the Takayama Festival.

From exploring the historic streets of Takayama to rafting along the Nagara River in Gifu City, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a journey into Japan’s past, Gifu promises an unforgettable experience.

Top Areas to Explore in Gifu

1. Shirakawa-go

• Why Visit: A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses.
• Highlights:
  • Ogimachi Village: The largest and most famous village with well-preserved thatched-roof houses.
  • Observation Deck: Enjoy panoramic views of the village, especially enchanting during winter snow.
  • Light-Up Events: Experience the magical atmosphere as the village illuminates during select winter nights.

2. Takayama

• Why Visit: A historic city known for its Edo-period streets and vibrant festivals.
• Highlights:
  • Sanmachi Suji: Stroll through this historic district lined with wooden merchants’ houses.
  • Takayama Festival: One of Japan’s top festivals, featuring elaborate floats and traditional performances.
  • Takayama Jinya: Visit a historic government building that offers a glimpse into feudal Japan.

3. Gero Onsen

• Why Visit: One of Japan’s top three hot spring towns, offering relaxation and scenic beauty.
• Highlights:
  • Public Baths: Relax in free foot baths and public hot springs around the town.
  • Gero Onsen Gassho Village: Explore a recreated village showcasing traditional architecture.
  • Hida Beef Cuisine: Savor dishes made with premium Hida beef at local restaurants.

4. Gifu City

• Why Visit: A riverside city famous for its historic castle and traditional cormorant fishing.
• Highlights:
  • Gifu Castle: Perched on Mount Kinka, offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding areas.
  • Nagara River Cormorant Fishing: Witness this centuries-old fishing tradition during summer evenings.
  • Mount Kinka Ropeway: Ride to the summit and enjoy hiking trails through lush forests.

5. Gujo Hachiman

• Why Visit: A picturesque town known for its waterways, dance festivals, and traditional crafts.
• Highlights:
  • Gujo Odori: Participate in one of Japan’s longest-running summer dance festivals.
  • Castle Town: Explore the quaint streets and historic charm of Gujo Hachiman.
  • Food Replica Workshops: Try your hand at creating lifelike food replicas, a local specialty.

Experience Gifu Cuisine

Gifu is a culinary destination offering unique flavors. Don’t miss Hida Beef, a premium wagyu renowned for its rich marbling and tenderness. Try ayu (sweetfish) grilled fresh from the Nagara River, or enjoy local hobamiso, a flavorful miso paste grilled on magnolia leaves.

For dessert, indulge in sarubobo ice, a sweet treat inspired by Gifu’s iconic sarubobo dolls, or sample locally brewed sake crafted with pure mountain water.

Gifu: Basic Information

Location

Gifu is located in central Japan, offering a mix of mountainous landscapes, traditional towns, and rich culture.

Neighboring Areas

Nagano, Aichi, Mie, Shiga, Toyama

Best Seasons to Visit

• Spring (March to May): Cherry blossoms at Gifu Castle and Shirakawa-go’s lush greenery.
• Summer (June to August): Enjoy Gujo Odori dance festivals and cormorant fishing on the Nagara River.
• Autumn (September to November): Admire vibrant foliage in Takayama and Shirakawa-go.
• Winter (December to February): Experience snow-covered gassho-zukuri houses in Shirakawa-go and relax in Gero Onsen.

How to Get to Gifu

By Train

The JR Tokaido and Takayama lines connect Gifu to Nagoya in about 20 minutes and to Takayama in approximately 2 hours.

By Bus

Highway buses operate between Gifu’s major destinations and cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya, providing budget-friendly travel options.

Transportation in Gifu

Getting around Gifu is convenient with these transportation options:

• Trains: JR and local railways connect major attractions such as Takayama, Shirakawa-go (via bus), and Gifu City.
• Buses: Local and sightseeing buses provide access to rural areas, including Shirakawa-go and Gujo Hachiman.

+ Explore Other Areas

Tokyo,  Osaka,  Kyoto,  Hokkaido,  Fukuoka,  Okinawa,  Nara,  Kanagawa,　Aichi,  Hiroshima,  Yamanashi,  Nagano,  Oita,  Gifu,  Ishikawa,  Shizuoka, Hyogo,  Kumamoto,  Miyagi,  Wakayama,  Nagasaki,  Tochigi,  Kagawa,　Niigata,  Kagoshima,  Okayama,  Chiba,  Iwate,  Aomori,  Shiga,  Gunma, Fukushima,  Toyama,  Ehime,  Mie,  Ibaraki,  Saitama,  Yamagata,  Saga, Kochi,  Tokushima,  Miyazaki,  Yamaguchi,  Akita,  Tottori,  Fukui,  Shimane