Spots in Gifu Area

  • Shirakawa-go Gassho-zukuri Village
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    4.5
    2179 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Gifu Ono-gun Shirakawamura Ogimachi
    The Gassho-Zukuri Village of Ogimachi, Shirakawa-go in Gifu Prefecture was registered as a Unesco World Heritage Site in 1995. Of the three villages registered as the World Heritage Site, this is the largest, with 59 buildings featuring Gassho-zukuri roofs. There is plenty worth getting a look at, from the castle tower observation deck as an absolutely perfect viewpoint of Shirakawa-go to the Wada house, which is a Nationally-Designated Important Cultural Property, the Nagase house, which features one of the largest Gassho-style roofs in the village, a rare Gassho-style temple, and Myozenji Museum. There are also numerous souvenir shops and restaurants.

    What an expensive waste of time! The bus fare is exorbitant for a 50 minute trip (¥52,000 per person, def a tourist rip-off) and when you get there there are a number of thatched houses, some pretty...

  • Takayama Jinya
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    4.0
    1116 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Gifu Pref. Takayamashi Hachikenmachi 1-5
    Takayama Jinya was where prefectural governors and deputies exercised government since Hida was put under direct control of the Shogunate in 1692. The purpose of direct jurisdiction was access to the abundant timber and underground resources. After the Meiji Restoration, this building was also used as the Takayama prefectural government building. In order to conserve Takayama Jinya, 16 years of repair and reconstruction work were undertaken and were completed in 1996. There were 60 regional headquarters and sub-headquarters nationwide at the end of the Edo period, but the Takayama Jinya is the only building left in existence today. Takayama Jinya has been certified with two stars in the Michelin Green Guide Japan.

    Fantastic experience on governor housing. It is very educational and could be boring to some. Enjoy the little garden. Quite a historical moment.

  • Shirakawa-go
    Travel / Tourism
    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.
  • Takayama Festival Floats Exhibition Hall
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    4.0
    621 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Gifu Pref. Takayamashi Sakuramachi 178
    The Takayama Festival is one of Japan’s three great Hikiyama Festivals and registered a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. This hall has a standing exhibit of yatai, the gorgeous floats that are the festival’s main attraction. It’s on the precincts of Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine, at the center of the festival action. Four of the 11 yatai used in the fall’s Takayama Festival are on display, and they change them annually in March, July, and November. They also maintain a TV room where you can watch a video of the festival, as well as a reference area with festival paraphernalia and documents. It’s a great way to learn about the festival’s history and happenings in detail.

    Interesting exhibition of some of the floats used in April and October. Glad we did it but it only takes 20 minutes to view the floats. You are given headphones which enhances the experience.

  • Toki Premium Outlets
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    4.0
    234 Reviews
    Shopping
    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.

    Very good place to get quality brands at cheap prices, tax free if you spend over 5000 yen, All major brands are there, addidas, gucci you name it, its there. As usual youll get good service!!

  • Gero Onsen Gassho-Mura
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    4.0
    362 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Gifu Pref. Geroshi Mori 2369
    Gero Onsen Gassho-Mura is an outdoor museum featuring a collection of traditional gassho-style thatched farmhouses that have been moved to the site from areas such as Shirakawa-go. There is also the Kage-e Geki Shirasagi-za shadow puppet theatre, displays about traditional folk customs, and workshops where visitors can try their hand at craft activities, etc.; at Gero Onsen Gassho-Mura, visitors can get a real feel for how people used to live in the Hida region. Visitors can also enjoy the “Gassho no Ashiyu” footbath, which uses water from the Gero Onsen hot springs (one of the top three ranked hot springs systems in Japan).

    Traditonal Houses in Christmas Postcard. Lots of Restaurant. However need a vehicle to get there as no rail nearby

  • Wada House
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    4.0
    310 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Gifu Pref. Onogunshirakawamura Ogimachi 997
    Wada House is an example of a Shirakawa town thatched-roof ridgepole Gassho style house. It is the largest Gassho style house remaining in Shirakawa Village, and the house has a frontage of 25.48 meters and a depth of 12.74 meters. The current state of preservation of the gardens, hedges, rural district and waterways is also good and it looks beautiful. Although it is currently being used as a dwelling, you can take a tour of the house’s interior, and a fire is always set in the irori fire pit all year round, so you will also be able to make yourself at home around the irori fire pit. In 1995, the house was designated as a Cultural Property of Japan.

    Visiting Wada house allows you to travel back in times when big families used to live and farm together; allows you to visualize how each member in the family was involved in different errands; the...

  • Takayama Museum of History and Art
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    4.0
    160 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Gifu Pref. Takayamashi Kamichinomachi 75
    The Takayama Museum of History and Art in Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture has a collection of around 75,000 items relating to folk traditions, of which 900 are on permanent display. There are 14 display rooms with exhibits focusing on how the castle town developed and the unique culture of its residents; topics covered by the displays include the Takayama Festival, “machiya” (traditional wooden townhouses), the creation of the castle town, famous writers and artists that had a connection to the Takayama area, and the famous monk and Buddhist statue carver Enku, who also had a close connection with the Hida area. The buildings in which the Museum is located were originally warehouses, built from Japanese Cypress wood, belonging to the Nagata family of merchants; they are highly atmospheric. There is no charge for entry to the Museum.

    One of the few attractons open for Covid. I didnt expect much but was greatly surprised at how long I stayed here. I highly recommend. Quite a bit of English.

  • Ogaki Castle
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    3.5
    192 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Gifu Pref. Ogakishi Kuruwamachi 2-52
    With its unusual four-tier main tower, Ogaki Castle has become a beloved symbol of Ogaki City. Ogaki Castle is famous as having been the headquarters of Ishida Mitsunari (the commander of the Western Army) at the time of the Battle of Sekigahara. In the Castle museum, visitors can view a diorama of the Battle of Kuise-gawa, and Rensho Kinzei-no-Sho (a prohibition jointly signed by the commanders) of the Western Army and Eastern Army immediately prior to the Battle of Sekigahara. There is also an experiential activity zone where visitors can handle matchlock muskets, spears and bows that were actually used during the Sengoku (Warring States) period. Ogaki Castle is located around 10-minute walk from JR Ogaki Station.

    Ogaki Castle is located in the very center of the city, and even if you walk from JR station, it takes only 10 minutes. This castle is unfortunately a reconstruction. So I didn’t enter inside, but...

  • Takasu Snow Park
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    4.0
    63 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Gifu Pref. Gujoushi Takasuchounishibora 3086-1
    Located in Okumino the Takasu Snow Park is the largest ski resort in western Japan. The top of the ski slope is 1550 meters above sea level and the longest slope is 4800 meters long. There are 12 slopes in total. The half pipe has also been designed to be enjoyable for both novices and more experienced skiers and snowboarders. There is also a ski and snowboard school. Inside there are changing rooms places to eat and drink shops and an area for kids to play free of charge. At the summit cafe you can take a break from the slopes while enjoying the spectacular scenery.

    More snowboarders here but equally suitable for Skiers like me. Mostly red slopes with good choice for beginners. A few snow parks for boarders. I particularly appreciate that most courses are long...

  • Chiyobo Inari Shrine (Ochobo-san)
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    4.0
    137 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Gifu Pref. Kaidushi Hiratachousangou 1980
    The main enshrined deities are Taiso-no-Okami, Inari-no-Okami, and Oyagami. Yoshitaka, the sixth son of Minamoto-no-Hachimantaro Yoshiie, at the time of establishing a branch family was granted by Yoshiie that the ancestral spirits be protected forever. After that, their descendant Mori Hakkai opened the village of Suwaki. It was these gods that became the origin of the shrine. It is one of the three major Inari (god of harvest) in Japan, and two million people come to worship here every year. The shrine is said to generate business prosperity. Worshipers purchase sake and fried tofu at a shop near the entrance of the shrine and make offerings to the gods. Along the road leading up to the shrine you’ll find many shops.

    This is a nice small market walk through Kaizu city. It is very intimate with a lot of food markets, small souvenir shops, restaurants, plant shops, clothing shops, arare shops, snack shops, Kushi...

  • World Freshwater Aquarium
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    4.5
    134 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    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.

    so many fishes weve never seen, their collection is great also we enjoyed feeding the fishes and you can also touch the huge turtles so definitely the kids will have fun, food trucks outside are...

  • Hirayu Onsen
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    4.5
    25 Reviews
    Accommodations / Hot Spring
    Gifu Takayama-shi Okuhida Hot spring village Hirayu
    The oldest hot spring district in the Okuhida Onsenkyo hot spring village sprawling at the foot of Mt. Norikura. According to the Hishushi written at the end of the Edo period, the area was discovered when the mighty lord Takeda Shingen invaded the Hida region and happened to follow an old, white monkey to a hot spring. There are some 40 source springs in the district, and, depending on the location, visitors can enjoy a variety of hot spring qualities, including hydrogen carbonate springs, chloride springs, sulfur springs, and simple springs. Located close to Kamikochi and Mt. Norikura, the district is also used as a base for mountain climbing activities. Hantai eggs, boiled eggs with firm yolks and soft whites, are a popular local specialty made using the area's high temperature hot spring waters, which reach up to 90 ° C.

    Hirayu onsen is a scenic town surrounded by the mountains in Takayama. It was near to the winter season when we were there and we can see breathtaking views of mountains with sprinkles of snow on...

  • Hida Great Limestone Cave
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    4.0
    156 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Gifu Pref. Takayamashi Nyukawachouhiyomo 1147
    The Hida Great Limestone Cave is located between Hida Takayama and the Okuhida Onsengo. Running a total length of about 800 meters, it is among the greatest tourist limestone caves in Japan. In the cave you can also see a rare form of stalactite known as a helictite, the only known occurrence in Japan. These bizarre looking cave deposits grow in all directions. As well as the limestone cave there is the Ohashi Collection Kan Museum which displays artworks collected by Sotokichi Ohashi, the discoverer of the Hida Great Limestone Cave. About 1,000 pieces of artworks are on display.

    This place wasnt really on our itinerary but change of plans gave us free time and glad we did. Reasonably easy to walk through the caves with some stairs and smaller spacers. Museum attached was...

  • Takayama Showa Museum
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    4.5
    136 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Gifu Pref. Takayamashi Shimoichinomachi 6
    "Takayama Showakan is an indoor museum with displays that recreate the retro townscape of the late 1950s and early 1960s. It is located near the Yasukawa Intersection along National Route 158, which bisects the entertainment district of the city of Takayama. Aspects of the life and culture of that era are faithfully portrayed, including old-style candy stores and hostess bars. Looking at the actual advertising boards from that era, visitors feel as if they have traveled back in time. Another feature of this museum is that visitors can touch and handle actual artifacts of the period and ride vehicles that are placed along the ""street."" Of course, photography is allowed. Materials concerned with pro wrestling and World War II give visitors a full sense of what life was like back then."

    Dont miss this gem if you are in Takayama. It made our little family of 4 step back in time. You can touch objects, enter recreated rooms and shops and get lost in the past for a bit. If you have...

  • Dynaland
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    4.0
    61 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Gifu Pref. Gujoushi Takasuchounishibora 3035-2
    Dynaland was the first ski slope in western Japan to light up its slopes and also hold firework festivals. There are a total of 20 slopes for beginners intermediate and advanced skiers. The ski resort has a neon park for nighttime skiing and ‘chibikko plaza’ where young children can enjoy playing in the snow. The ski school also offers skiing and snowboarding lessons for children. Facilities include changing rooms restaurants shops and equipment rental. There is also a daycare facility on request.

    Good for day trips as only 1.5h away from Nagoya and tour bus packages are available. However, for a longer stay, one does gets tired of doing the same 2 runs (1 green and 1 red). Perhaps it will be...

  • Mt. Kinka Ropeway
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    4.0
    184 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Gifu Pref. Gifushi Senjoujikishita 257
    The Mt. Kinka Ropeway is an aerial lift system in Gifu City that runs from the bottom of Mt. Kinka to the summit; the journey takes about four minutes. During the journey, passengers can view the natural beauty of Mt. Kinka (the slopes of which are covered with old-growth forest) and the Nagara River, as well as the streets of Gifu City. At the summit, there is the Mt. Kinka Squirrel Village, shops, and a restaurant with a scenic view (the restaurant’s beer garden is open in the summer months). A return ticket for the Mt. Kinka Ropeway costs 1,080 yen for adults, 540 yen for children.

    We visited the Gifu Park, Museum and then took the Ropeway up Mt. Kinka to visit the famous castle. Inclined at 25 deg one hardly felt stress as it traverse at 3.6m/sec and brings up within 5mins. We...

  • The Gifu Great Buddha (in the Shoho-ji Temple)
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    4.0
    149 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Gifu Pref. Gifushi Daibutsuchou 8
    Also known as the Kago Daibutsu, the Gifu Great Buddha (Gifu Daibutsu) is located in the Kinpo-zan Shoho-ji Temple in Gifu City; this Buddha statue has been designated by Gifu Prefecture as an Important Cultural Property. It ranks as one of the “Three Great Buddha Statues of Japan,” and is the largest dried lacquer Buddha statue in the country. To create the statue, a wooden framework was built around a central pillar cut from a large Gingko tree; a bamboo lattice was then installed around the wooden framework, and clay was plastered onto the lattice. After this, copies of the complete Buddhist scriptures were affixed to the clay, and then lacquer and gold leaf were applied. With the Great Buddha’s friendly, slightly smiling expression and the peaceful atmosphere of the Daibutsuden hall where the statue is situated, a visit here can induce feelings of calm and serenity. The charge for admission to the temple is 200 yen for adults, 100 yen for children.

    While this Buddah isnt as grand as some of the others in Japan, the fact that it was created with a paper mache base made it rather interesting. Not as busy as the others and made for a nice stop...

  • Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine
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    4.0
    168 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Gifu Pref. Takayamashi Sakuramachi 178
    The Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine is a Shinto shrine in Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture that is dedicated to the tutelary deity of the area. According to tradition, the origins of the Shrine date back to the reign of the Emperor Nintoku, when Prince Naniwa-neko Takefurukuma no Mikoto, who had come to the area to subjugate an evil monster, prayed for victory at this site. The Shrine is closely associated with the Autumn Festival that is one of the two Takayama Matsuri (Takayama Festivals), the other being the Spring Festival that is associated with the Hie Shrine; the Takayama Matsuri has been designated as a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property. Some of the “Yatai” (decorated floats) used in the Takayama Matsuri procession are on display in the Takayama Festival Floats Exhibition Hall within the Shrine precincts (the floats on display are rotated), giving visitors the opportunity to view the magnificent decoration, which is a tribute to the skill of Hida region craftsmen, from close to.

    This is a very quiet Shinto Temple, easy walk from the station (10-15 minutes) walk. A long the lane leading to the temple are old Japanese house. The temple is free and very nice surrounding. Quiet...

  • Kiso Sansen National Government Park Kiso Sansen Park Center
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    4.0
    103 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Gifu Pref. Kaidushi Kaiduchouaburajima 255-3
    This park rich with nature is located in Kaizu City, Gifu Prefecture. There are flower beds to enjoy seasonal flowers from spring to autumn that add color to the grassy plaza. It has a 65-meter tall observation tower and the “Hall of Water and Horticulture” that introduces the climate and history of the area centered on the Kiso Sansen, or three rivers of Kiso (Kiso River, Nagara River and Ibi River) and their basin. In addition, there is an outdoor center complete with audio equipment that is used for various events such as live performances. The wheelchair rentals and many slopes make it accessible to visitors of all kinds. In the winter, the illumination displays light up the entire park with beautiful colors.

    3年振りにGWの初日に訪れました。 チューリップは終わっていましたが、「春の花」が咲き誇る園内で特に可憐に咲いているネモフィラが目を引きました。 広い芝生広場と大型遊具で家族が楽しめる木曽三川公園センターのシンボルである高さ65mの展望タワーは、木曽三川(木曽川、長良川、揖斐川)の雄大な流れが眼下に広がり、360度一望できるのですが、前回はコロナで閉鎖、今回は耐震工事で上がれず残念! またの楽しみ...

Gifu Areas

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Tucked away in the very center of Japan, Gifu prefecture houses mountains, old towns, and one of Japan’s greatest hot springs, Gero Onsen. A tour of the prefecture’s traditional architecture will take you from the mountain-enveloped wooden streets of Takayama to the mountain village of Shirakawago, where visitors can explore 250-year-old thatched roofed houses known as gassho-zukuri.

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