Travel / Tourism Spots in Gifu Area

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Category

Travel / Tourism

Shirakawa-go Gassho-zukuri Village

4.5

2172 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.

I finally fulfilled a desire to visit here in the snowy winter. It was great. Due to Covid buses are reduced so double check your schedule. Nothing from Toyama but Takaoka and Takayama is ok.
Takayama Jinya

4.0

1109 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.

One of the few places open during covid. I was surprised how much I enjoyed it. I thought itd be a quick walk through but was there over an hour. QR readers was a nice bonus plus most items have at...
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

4.0

616 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.

Amazing display of floats that go around the town twice a year. Wish we could have come during the festival season - April and October to have an even more interesting experience. Only 5 were on...
Gero Onsen Gassho-Mura

4.0

361 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).

When you get inside, you can see the familiar thatched roof. You can watch the introduction of Hezhang Village. In addition to the facilities of the slide, there are also art performances. Going...
Gasshozukuri Minkaen Outdoor Museum

4.5

414 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Gifu Pref. Onogunshirakawamura Ogimachi 2499

Gasshozukuri Minkaen Outdoor Museum is an open-air museum that was created by relocating traditional Gasshozukuri-style farmhouses that were no longer in use as residences from Shirakawa Village, Gifu Prefecture. There are a total of 26 Gasshozukuri farmhouses, of which nine have been designated by Gifu Prefecture as Important Cultural Properties; the Museum brings alive the lifestyle of days gone by. Within the Museum grounds there is a restaurant selling hand-made Soba noodles, and a shop selling confectionery, making the Museum a great place for a relaxing stroll. Between mid-April and the end of October the Museum holds a range of special experiential activities, where visitors can try their hand at making Warazori (traditional straw sandals), making Soba noodles, etc. (please note that advance booking is required for these activities).

Visited Shirakawa-go during the wintee illumination night last Jan 26. Unfortunately, there was no snow. Lots of tourists during that time. The place was still nice, but I think it will be more...
Wada House

4.0

304 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.

you can learn a little bit of history about Gassho architecture and the last head of the Wada family, who was the mayor of Ogimachi also for a few terms, while visiting this house.
Takayama Museum of History and Art

4.0

159 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.
Chiyobo Inari Shrine (Ochobo-san)

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...
Ogaki Castle

3.5

187 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...
Kiso Sansen National Government Park Kiso Sansen Park Center

4.0

102 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.

The view from the tower is really beautiful, you get to see a lot of rice fields and nature. Furthermore is a nice place to take a walk and relax. I only visited the Kiso Sansen Park Center for...
Hida Great Limestone Cave

4.0

151 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.

The reason for the 3 stars is generally for the lack of English description. If not, I will give 4 as the lighting is great inside unlike some others, signage is good and the route is not slippery...
Mt. Kinka Ropeway

4.0

178 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)

4.0

146 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

4.0

167 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...
Kanda House

4.0

185 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Gifu Pref. Onogunshirakawamura Ogimachi 796

This old private house with a gassho-zukuri sloping roof was built in the late Edo period (around 1850). It's approximately seven minutes on foot from the Shirakawa-go Bus Terminal. It belonged to the Kanda family who brewed sake in Shirakawa-go. Because of the layout and the many handprints from the carpenters on the roof trusses, it's considered an outstanding example of gassho-zukuri slope roofed architecture. The fire in the traditional irori hearth burns year-round, and you can enjoy homemade wild herb tea brewed with water heated over it in an iron kettle. Looking around the rest of the building is fine too, and you can bring your pet with you if you hold it. Reservations are recommended.

I loved this house. Best of the three to visit. Lots to see, and use a QR reader for much more information.
Hirugano Kogen Bokka no Sato

4.0

96 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

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.

Great place for family outing, kids will love this place! My daughter loves feeding animals so this is the place for her!
Eihoji Temple

4.5

90 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Gifu Prefecture Tajimi Tottoriyama Town 1-40

This temple was founded in the Kamakura period (1185-1333) by Muso Soseki. Its honorary name Kokeizan comes from how the surrounding mountain scenery resembles China’s Kokei Ravine at Lushan. Eihoji’s garden is superbly beautiful and has been designated a Historic Site and Natural Monument. There are many sights you shouldn’t miss, like the Kaisando and Kannondo, both National Treasures. The principal object of worship, an image of Kanzeon Bosatsu, is a Prefectural Cultural Property. There are also sacred items like an image of Binzuru, a deity with healing powers, and a collection of Sentai Jizo statues.

Hidden at the bottom of a hill on the outskirts of town is a pituresc set of temples and a wonderful tree. We have made several trips here. You need to walk but with the exception of winter (when the...
Oku Hida Bear Park

3.5

94 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Gifu Pref. Takayamashi Okuhidaonsengouhitoegane 2535

Oku Hida Bear Park is located in Okuhida Onsengo Hitoegane. Nearly 100 black bears and brown bears are kept here, and visitors can feed them, take photos, and see bear-themed shows. The “Forest Product Store” sells “bear oil,” “bear power drinks,” stuffed animals, and other bear-themed merchandise.

We visited the bear ranch without reading any reviews prior. It was a vast contrast to the otherwise beautiful nature and experiences of Japan including the Shinhotaka Ropeway in Takayama. We...
Mosaic Tile Museum, Tajimi

4.0

70 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Gifu Pref. Tajimishi Kasaharachou 2082-5

This tile museum is in Kasahara-cho, Tajimi City, Japan's leading mosaic tile production area. They have an array of displays, including a huge collection of domestic tiles from the Showa period, descriptions of the manufacturing process and tile history, and the latest in tile information. The building itself is a must-see. Designed by the world-renowned architect Terunobu Fujimori, it's inspired by a saidojo pottery clay pit. You can also try your hand at making original accessories at their workshop.

Visited this place with family 2 years old child. Have all kids facilities like strollers can be taken in side have kids diaper changing room and elevators. Museum is nice and building architecture...

Gifu

Hida Takayama Tono Chuno Seino Gifu

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Gifu Areas

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.