Gifu Prefecture is located in central Japan and is bordered by Aichi Prefecture to the east, Mie Prefecture to the west, Fukui Prefecture to the north, and Shizuoka Prefecture to the south. It boasts beautiful mountains, valleys, rivers, and prominent peaks like Mount Ibuki and Mount Ena. The region is well-known for its historical significance, particularly as the homeland of the famous warlord of the Warring States period, Oda Nobunaga. Gifu City and its surroundings are dotted with sites associated with Nobunaga.
Tourist attractions in Gifu include picturesque rural landscapes like Shirakawa-go and the historic streets of Takayama, which are popular with visitors. Gifu also offers beautiful natural environments like the Ena Gorge and Mount Kinabalu, which are worth a visit.
The prefecture is deeply rooted in traditional Japanese culture, with a thriving calendar of traditional events and festivals. Notable among these are ‘Gifu Festival’ and the renowned ‘Gujo Odori’ in Gujo City.
Gifu is also known for its local cuisine, featuring delicacies like Hida beef and Gujo local chicken, as well as popular dishes like Gifu ramen and local-produced miso. Gifu’s food is appreciated by both locals and visitors.
１．Hida Takayama
Known for its historic streets, traditional crafts, and famous spring and autumn festivals, this town offers captivating cultural experiences. Often called “Little Kyoto of Hida,” it’s a great place to explore old sake breweries.
２．Shirakawa-go
With over 100 preserved gassho-style houses, this is Japan’s largest gassho-style village. Registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995, it’s popular among foreigners for its seasonal scenery.
３．Gujo Hachiman
Renowned for its summer Bon Odori dance festival, it provides a unique festival experience for foreigners. The “Gujo Odori” dance, dating back around 400 years, is considered an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property.
４．Gifu Castle
Situated atop Mount Kinka, Gifu Castle offers historical significance and panoramic views of the area. It was once owned by Saito Dosan and later became the base for Oda Nobunaga’s unification efforts.
５．Ena Gorge
This man-made lake, formed by the Ogaki Dam on the Kiso River, is named after the Ena Valley, designated by geographer Shiga Shigetane in the 9th year of Taisho. Visitors can enjoy beautiful natural landscapes, hiking, and canoeing.
６．Shinhotaka Ropeway
At the rooftop station, situated at an elevation of 2,156 meters, you can enjoy sweeping views, which earned it two stars in the Michelin Green Guide Japan.
７．Gero Onsen
As one of Japan’s “Three Famous Springs,” alongside Arima in Hyogo and Kusatsu in Gunma, the alkaline simple spring water is renowned for its skin-smoothing properties. You can also enjoy the hot springs by purchasing a “Yumeguri Tegata” (hot spring pass) from affiliated inns.
８．Yoro Falls
Known for the legend of a devoted son where the water is said to have turned into sake, the majestic falls are about 30 meters high and 4 meters wide. It’s part of Japan’s Top 100 Waterfalls.
９．Gifu Nagara River Cormorant Fishing
This traditional method of fishing where cormorants are used to catch fish has been protected by influential figures like Oda Nobunaga. You can watch the cormorant fishing, complete with burning torches, from viewing boats or the riverbanks. It’s been passed down for over 1,300 years.
１０．Monet’s Pond
Located within the precincts of Neodani Shrine in Itakura, Seki City, this pond features clear spring water, beautiful water lilies, and colorful koi fish, resembling Claude Monet’s famous painting ‘Water Lilies’. It’s often called “Monet’s Pond.
