Gifu

Travel Guide

• Gujo Odori

  

  02.08.2019

• Top 10 of the Best Matsuri in Japan

  

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• Japan’s Best Matsuri Festivals and Fireworks during Summer 2019 July-August

  

  06.07.2019

• Gero Onsen, Gifu Prefecture

  

  10.03.2019

• Onsen in Japan - 10 of the Best

  

  10.03.2019

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Top Things to do

• Shirakawa-go

  Gifu Pref. Onogunshirakawamura Ogimachi

  A village located in Ogi-machi, Shirakawa Village, Ono County, Gifu Prefecture where many old-fashioned “gassho-zukuri” style homes, distinguished by their steep thatched roofs, can still be found. Still used as living spaces today, this rare collection of buildings has been designated a National Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From the picturesque scenery of these traditional homes backed by mountains in the distance, visitors can catch a glimpse of the lifestyle and ingenious measures of a Japanese mountain village living in harmony with nature. There are also numerous souvenir shops and restaurants, and this popular destination is visited by great numbers of people from around the country and the world.

• Toki Premium Outlets

  Gifu Pref. Tokishi Tokigaoka 1-2

  Toki Premium Outlets is the largest retail outlet mall in the Chukyo area, operated by Mitsubishi Estate, Simon. The place is home to more than 180 shops. There are also stores selling local food souvenirs, and you can shop while feasting on Nagoya’s Tenmusu (rice balls wrapped with nori and filled with deep-fried tempura shrimp) and Ise’s maruten. Buses depart regularly everyday direct to the outlet from the Meitetsu Bus Center. Toki Premium Outlets is also located close to Gero Onsen, one of the top three hot springs in Japan, so you can relax weary feet in the bath after a hard days shopping. From time to time they have special offers on at the hot spring so be sure to check it out.

• MALera Gifu

  Gifu Pref. Motosushi Mitsuhashi 1100

  MALera Gifu is a shopping mall of approximately 200 shops, including clothes, boutique, and food shops, as well as restaurants and entertainment facilities. The large shopping center is home to popular fast fashion brands and with fun events held from time to time it’s a great place for both adults and children. Charging points for electric cars are also available in the parking lot.

• Shinhotaka Ropeway

  Takayama-shi, Gifu Prefecture Okuhida Onsenkyo Shin-Hotaka

  The Shinhotaka Ropeway is an aerial lift transport system linking Shin-Hotaka Onsen Station with Nishihotakaguchi Station in the Oku-Hida Onsen (Hot Springs) District of Gifu Prefecture. The Ropeway comprises two sections: the No. 1 Ropeway and No. 2 Ropeway. By traveling on both sections in succession, visitors can reach the top of the mountain. The No. 2 Ropeway is the only aerial lift system in Japan to feature double-decker gondolas; passengers can enjoy the sensation of “strolling in the air” at an altitude of over 2,000 meters above sea-level while looking out at the magnificent scenery below. The roof observation deck at the mountain-top Nishihotakaguchi Station offers an almost 360-degree panoramic view of the mountains of Japan’s Northern Alps; this view was awarded two stars in the Michelin Green Guide to Japan.

• Gifu Castle

  4.0

  461 Reviews

  Gifu, Gifu Prefecture Kinka castle tower 18

  Gifu Castle was formerly called Inabayama Castle and was the feudal castle of Saito Dosan during the Warring States period of Japanese history. In 1567, Oda Nobunaga captured Mino (in the Siege of Inabayama Castle), and the castle and town were renamed as “Gifu”. This is the time that Nobunaga published “Tenkafubu” (All the world by force of arms) with the aim of unifying the whole country. The present castle was reconstructed in 1956. There is an archives (an exhibition room) in the castle, and the top of the tower is a viewing platform. From the viewing platform you can see an unbroken view of the magnificent landscape such as the Nagara River which is famous for cormorant fishing, the Nobi Plains and the Japanese Alps mountain range. In 2011, it was designated as a National Historic Site from the viewpoint of it being Gifu castle ruins.

• Magomejuku

  Gifu Pref. Nakatsugawashi Magome 4300-1

  This is one of the old post towns on the historic Nakasendo highway in which old scenery from the Edo period still remains. The cobblestone path along the hill features various buildings including restaurants and inns that evoke the days of old, giving it a very nostalgic atmosphere. Known as the birthplace of literary master Toson Shimazaki, various facilities connected to Shimazaki remain including the Toson Memorial Museum that is built on the remains of the headquarters of the Shimazaki family.

• Hirugano Kogen Bokka no Sato

  4.0

  87 Reviews

  Gifu Pref. Gujoushi Takasuchouwashimi 2756-2

  Hirugano Kogen Bokka-no-sato is a farming theme Park providing visitors with a range of hands-on activities to do with plants and animals. The huge flower field is divided into four gardens and it is strikingly colored with flowers and green throughout the seasons. The farm is home to various animals such as horses, alpacas, sheep and rabbits. Events are held from time to time each season. In the park restaurant and cafe you can enjoy fresh food from Hirugano Highland and local foods from Mino and Hida. There is also a hot-spring where you can enjoy a herbal and outdoor bath.

• World Freshwater Aquarium

  4.5

  122 Reviews

  Gifu Pref. Kakamigaharashi Kawashimakasadamachi 1453

  The World Freshwater Aquarium recreates a natural freshwater environment with a focus on fish found in the Nagara River from its source to the river mouth, and freshwater fish from around the world. The aquarium houses around 220 species of fish and amphibians totaling about 20,000 animals, and about 30 species of aquatic plants with about 2,000 plants in all. The aquarium features the world’s largest river environment learning zone and one of the world’s leading displays on breeding freshwater animals. The whole building is easily accessible for wheelchair users, and there is a restaurant and shops selling original goods. It is also possible to hire out the aquarium and restaurant after closing as a venue for events.

• Gujo Hachiman Castle

  4.0

  243 Reviews

  Gifu Pref. Gujoushi Hachimanchouyanagimachi One flat 659

  Gujo Hachiman Castle is Japan’s oldest castle reconstructed out of wood. Building of the fort began in 1559 by Endo Morikazu and by 1667 the shogunate government recognized it as a castle. In 1933 the current castle tower was rebuilt with reference to Ogaki Castle at that time. The sight of the castle appearing to float in the morning mist is a spectacle to behold and is why the castle is also known as the castle in the sky. The four layered wooden castle tower with five floors has been designated as an Important Cultural Property of Gujo City.