Set in the heart of Honshu, Gifu Prefecture offers the discerning visitor splendid natural sites, fresh and soothing waters, along with a special brand of Japanese traditional culture.
Gifu Prefecture in the center of Japan's main island, offers it all to the visitor, from idyllic alpine landscapes in the Japanese Alps soaring a lofty 3,000 meters in Northern Hida Region, to the rich water resources at sea level of the Southern Mino Region. Once known as 'Inokuchi' translating as 'mouth of the river', the province consists of two distinct areas; Mino, a land of uncommonly good waters, and Hida, that of majestic mountains. Gifu is the 7th largest prefecture in Japan with a population surpassing 2 million energetic, happy residents. It is a particularly well integrated in terms of nature, economy and society as symbolized by plentiful natural beauty, an ancient and varied culture as well as a vibrant technology base. Discover the very best of authentic Japan amidst the soul satisfying beauty of Gifu!
Gifu's location in the geographical center of Japan is a most convenient asset. The Tokaido Shinkansen Line (Bullet Train) is easy and exciting to use from Tokyo in a fast 2 hour trip and from Osaka in just 60 minutes A visit to Gifu is an excellent option to invigorate body and spirit after time spent in the quick paced and stress filled cities of Tokyo, Osaka, or Nagoya.
From Tokyo/Nagoya Area
To Gifu/Ogaki
To Takayama/Gero
Tokyo (Nozomi(98min.), Hikari(106min.)) -> Nagoya (JR Limited Express (18min.)) -> Gifu (JR Limited Express (11min.)) -> Ogaki
Tokyo (Nozomi(98min.), Hikari(106min.)) -> Nagoya (JR Express "Hida"(93min.)) -> Gero (JR Express "Hida" (41min.)) -> Takayama
To Gujohachiman / Mino
To Nakatsugawa / Ena
Tokyo (Nozomi(98min.), Hikari(106min.)) -> Nagoya (JR Express "Hida" (40min.)) -> Mino Ota (Nagaragawa Train (30min.)) -> Mino City (Nagaragawa Train (1hr.)) -> Gujohachiman
Tokyo (Nozomi(98min.), Hikari(106min.)) -> Nagoya (JR Express "Shinano" (40min.)) -> Ena (JR Express "Shinano" (8min.)) -> Nakatsugawa
Much of Gifu's drinking source is tapped directly from the Japanese Alps. The superb quality of this crystalline water is a particularly favorable gift of nature, much appreciated by the locals as well as visitors who marvel at the simple but pleasurable act of drinking a glass of cool, pure Gifu drinking water. It's not surprising there are numbers of folktales featuring this watery treasure as if to symbolize Gifu's wonderful, good luck.
Local Sake
Water is the decisive ingredient for producing the finest sake, the renowned Japanese rice wine. Only top quality Gifu water, nearly free of chemical impurities (a rarity in today's increasingly polluted environment) is used locally to produce the finest brands of sakes, saturated with natural flavors and a delicate touch to the palate. Taste and enjoy sake in Gifu !
Hida Beef
Hida beef is recognized by great chefs as providing amazingly succulent meat, so expertly aged and tender it melts on the lucky diner's tongue. A must-do, mouth watering dining experience for any visitor to Gifu, it is a culinary feast always to be remembered.
Physical and mental exhaustion is relieved and healed with care and expertise in Gifu Province
A lush natural environment, fresh water, relaxing hot springs, and the fine hospitality of the local population are the backbone of resources offering bone-weary travelers uncompromising comfort and healing from the aches and pain of hard work, stress and aging. Dating back to the 12th century, Gifu's citizens have a proven history of providing shelter to political fugitives; and during the Edo Era (1608-1868), locals protected Christians even though Shogun Tokugawa promulgated anti-Christian edicts. This humanist trait accounts for an uplifting episode during World War II, when Gifu native, Chiue Sugihara, Japan's vice consul to Lithuania in 1940, issued transit visas for approximately 6,000 Jewish refugees thus saving them from the well-documented horrors of Nazi persecution. Gifu hospitality, once experienced, is long after remembered and appreciated. "Gifu, a place to open your heart."
View the products of the skilled Takumi (Master artisan)
Skillful Takumis have thrived in Gifu since ancient times in the areas of textiles, ceramics, earthenware, blacksmithing (sword forging), woodwork, and papermaking. Traditional skills have been jealously preserved while new techniques have been simultaneously adopted by the talented Takumi of this era, ensuring that ancient arts and crafts still flourish in Gifu. Over the years, newly introduced practices were studied, tested and only then slowly and carefully integrated by the wise and timetested Takumi who absorbed its strengths, re-defined them, and finally created a new product.
Traditional Haiku (Japanese poem) lives on!
"Such stillness - The cries of the cicadas sinks into the rocks." A famous Japanese haiku translated by Dr. D. Keene, renowned scholar of Japanese literature. The revered author Matsuo Basho (1644 ? 1694) wandered across the Japanese landscape musing, composing and placing a unique stamp on this particularly expressive form of poetry. Gifu celebrates the fine tradition of Basho-style haiku.
Located in the furthermost north area of Gifu Prefecture it boasts grand scenic sites in the Japanese Alps soaring 3000 metres to azure skies above. Furukawa a nicely preserved town in the mountains and the centre of the rural community of Hida City, is well-know as a castle town. It is a quiet and small town, but it offers the famous Furukawa Festival in the spring celebrating the end of yet another winter featuring large drums, scantily dressed men.
Nestled around pine trees, houses with thatched roofs in Shirakawago, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where villagers still inhabit ancient homes in one of the most scenic areas of Japan. A steep sixty degree sloped thatched roof (in the form of hands held in prayer) to ward off heavy snow falls must be reroofed every thirty to forty years with the entire community lending a hand. Visitors can enjoy the local hospitality and traditional meals in local 'minshuku' guesthouses.
Takayama City is famous for its magnificent Spring and Fall celebrations known as the 'Takayama Festivals'. Hida region yearly braves harsh and cold winters and the local folks first celebrate through exuberant festivities having survived till spring safely and later in autumn having garnered an abundant harvest. A historic row of houses four centuries old has been preserved as 'old streets and houses' and tourists enjoy the stirring ambiance of the samurai period. At the base of the North Alps Okuhidaonsengo where visitors enjoy an outdoors hot spring and relax with splendid nature in full sight.
Gujo City is surrounded by natural beauty with the limpid waters of the Nagara River running through it. During the summer season, the folkloric sounds of the Gujo and Shirotori traditional music entertain locals and visitors alike. A light-hearted festival atmosphere reigns along the streets of this happy city. Gujo Hachiman Castle is surrounded by an elegant historical town definitely worth a leisurely stroll. Local hot spring spas offer an escape from winters chill soothing the mind and body. The northern part is a skiers' mecca, with crisp powder snow - Gujo City will host "NOKIA Snowboard FIS World Cup" in 2008.
A beautiful transparent Maze River filled with delicious 'ayu' fish and the splendor of Green Mountains awaits you in Gero City. One of eight local hot springs is renowned as one of the three most prized spas in Japan. Hot springs are excellent to foster and maintain health as discovered since ancient times. Each hot spring in Gero City is unique and specializes in cases of neuralgia, stomach disorder, digestive organ disorder, high blood pressure and other specific ailments. Traditional culture abounds and ancient art such as kabuki (Japanese classical drama) is interpreted by residents and festivals celebrated yearly attest to an active community life.
In olden days 'Gokaido', five massive and important high roads bore nationwide transportation on their shoulders during the Edo Era in Japan and one of them called Nakasendo ran through Nakatsugawa City. This high road connected Edo (now Tokyo) and Kyoto where one of the ancient emperors resided. Historically the power of the Shogun in Edo and that of emperor in Kyoto conflicted with each other until finally Japan was united under one leader. The large, cumbersome and intricate marriage caravans ferrying a princess to her spouse (or vice versa) to ease relations between the emperor and shogun families marched through in regal splendor along this highway.
Ogaki City is known as 'Water City' due to its abundant supply of excellent ground water used by the chemical and fiber industries. Recently inaugurated, the Softopia Japan for Advanced Technology confers new status as an information city continuing vibrant growth as Gifu's largest industrial city. Although landlocked over the years it developed a fine system of water transportation thanks to a network of rivers and canals. It is the site of a beloved haiku (Japanese poem) 'Okunohosomichi' (The narrow road to Oku) composed by the famed Edo Era poet Basho Matsuo, it has been much imitated but never duplicated.
Gifu City is the seat of government for Gifu Prefecture. In the old days this area was called 'Inokuchi' until Nobunaga Oda, Japan's great samurai who unified most of Japan in the midsixteenth century conferred the name of 'Gifu' to the surrounding land. Visitors can catch a glimpse of traditional daily life by visiting historical Gifu Castle. The tradition of cormorant fishing on the Nagara River dates back thirteen centuries and is still practiced by local fishing masters. An important cultural asset it is a great tourist sight to observe the cormorants as they dive into the river to catch fish, including sweetfish.
Minokamo City flourishes in the central area of Nakasendo. Otajuku preserves old buildings so that visitors can imagine themselves walking in the historical days of yore. The Kiso River runs along the southern side of the Nakasendo, and it is called 'The Japanese Rhine' because the beauty of the river is reminiscent of its world famous counterpart in Germany. Visitors can enjoy sailing down the Japanese Rhine in a tour boat for thirteen magical kilometers. Many unusual shaped large boulders dot the riverside and passengers are tremendously thrilled to avoid crashing against these jagged rocks.
A wealth of history and culture in Gifu developed in harmony with the surrounding natural re sources, in mountainous Hida and water rich Mino, resulted in scores of successful local industries. Local products are excellen t and touring to observe the actual working process gives the visitors an in-depth appreciation for the high quality workmanship.
Lanterns -Gifu Lanterns-
Produced since the middle 18th century, socalled 'Gifu lanterns' are legendary craftworks created with top quality bamboo and the famed Mino Japanese paper locally produced since ancient times. Their shapes and the colored pictures on the hibukuro (paper covering) are elegant; the lantern's bamboo string ribs and Japanese paper are extremely thing with beautifully painted patterns of nature. The shape, spherical or oval and their sophisticated finish and artistry represents the best in special craft value in Japan. They were designated as 'legendary craftwork' by the Ministry of Economy , Trade and Industry in April, 1995.
Ozeki Co., Ltd In the beginning of the Meiji Period (1868-1912), the first owner, Jishichi Ozeki started not only to sell lanterns but also to create his product. His company continues to use the latest technology and acquired many patents for utility models, and design registrations. Shopping is available during operation hours.
During the Kamakura Period (1192-1333) Japanese sword-makers seeking the finest soil and pure water for tempering high tensile steel to produce their legendary samurai swords ? they found the best of what was required in Seki. 'Magoroku of Seki' are swords famously reputed as 'break-proof or inflexible, but cutting extremely well'. Deeply held traditional customs, beliefs and technique have been carried on to date, leading to Seki's current worldwide reputation, (rivaling Solingen in Germany,) as producing outstanding cutlery. Following the Meiji Restoration, a variety of cutlery was produced, easing the sometimes difficult passage from an ancient era to the adoption of modern technology and thriving commerce.
Seki Swordsmith Museum On view are the techniques of production by local Seki sword masters since ancient times through graphics, documents, and exhibition. Also on display are valued documents concerning the history of Seki smiting and sword creation. Famed and ancient Japanese swords produced locally are exhibited in the sword exhibition room. Modern cutlery and workmanship of knife craftsmanship, domestic and international, are exhibited on the second floor.
Address: 9-1Minamikasuga-machi, Seki, Gifu Tel: 0575-23-3825 Open: Mon, Wed-Sun: 9:00-16:30 Closed: Tues. and the day after any National holiday Fee: Adult 200 yen / Student 100 yen (Under 15 yr. old)
Pottery -Minoyaki-
Minoyaki(Minoware) is categorized as a specific ceramic designation for wares produced only in South-East Gifu Prefecture with centers in Tajimi, Toki, Mizunami City, and Kasahara town, the area once designated as the country of Mino, thus the appellation derives from this source. Minomomoyama wares are honored as a vital product of the 'Eastern Renaissance' movement and the production of tea wares included in the protective policy of Nobunaga Oda, builder of the nation, during the Momoyama Period. Presently a wide variety of ceramics carry the prestigious name of Minoyaki, combining traditional workmanship and modern day creativity.
Koubei-Pottery The oldest ceramic pottery produced in the Ichinokura area created by the original owner, Koubei Kato in 1804. Priceless Persian ceramic research documents and ancient Mino ceramic collections are exhibited in the resource center in the main building. There are 'warehouse market' days on the second week of Saturday and Sunday in April and an 'autumn fair market' during the first week, on Saturday and Sunday in October.
Address: 4-124 Ichinokuracho, Tajimi, Gifu Tel: 0572-22-3821 Open: (Mon-Fri, 1st & 3rd Sat) 9:00-17:00, (2nd & 4th Sat, Sun, National Holidays) 10:00-17:00 Closed: Seasonally or due to regular maintenance schedule (inquire first) Fee: Adult 300 yen/ Student 150 yen/ Free under 15 yr. old.
Paper -Mino Washi (Japanese paper)-
Hand-made Mino washi is created through a very particular method using a screen frame and passing the raw material by shaking side to side and back and forth, resulting in a thin but sturdy paper. Long reputed for attractive high-grade quality it is widely used for Japanese paper sliding-doors found in elegant Japanese-style rooms, resulting in the gentle filtering of harsh sunlight flooding into tatami rooms. A particularly splendid quality of Mino washi is retaining its original color and strength for hundreds of years.
MINO-WASHI Museum The thematic displays focus on paper created in the local production area of Mino-washi (rice paper) with its magnificent 1300 years history. Re-creating the history of Mino-washi, the techniques of paper production, and its future potential are on view in the museum. Enthusiastic visitors can have fun and learn for themselves the creative process of making handmade paper at special displays. (A modest 500 yen additional charge for the hands-on experience.)
Address: 1851-3 Warabi, Mino, Gifu Tel: 0575-34-8111 Fax: 0575-34-8280 Open: Mon, Wed-Sun: 9:00-17:00 Closed: Tue, following day of a National holiday, Dec.29 through Jan 3 Fee: Adult 500 yen/ Student 250 yen(Under 15 yr. old)
PM : Exploring in Takayama Enjoy a leisurely stroll in the ancient, centuries old cityscape.
Stay in Takayama
Day 2
Takayama(Bus) -> Shirakawago
Touring Shirakawago UNESCO World Heritage Site where privately owned houses are opened up to the public as museums. Thatched roofs houses offer 'minshuku' style stays for visitors avid for a taste of traditional welcome.
AM : Tokyo/Osaka(JR Tokaido Shinkansen) -> Nagoya(JR Chuo Line) -> Tajimi
PM : Experience ceramic art at the town of pottery View and admire exquisite ceramic art in the town famed for classic pottery. The ceramics museum is a must see.
Stay in Tajimi
Day 2
Tajimi(JR Chuo Line) -> Nakatsugawa
Strolling in Magome-shuku An enjoyable glimpse into Japanese literature at the memorial center for Toson Shimazaki, a great literary figure is also an enjoyable option. The energetic tourist can also take a walk to nearby Tsumago-shuku.
Stay in Magome
Day 3
Nakatsugawa(JR Chuo Line) -> Tajimi(JR Chuo Line) -> Nagoya(JR Tokaido Shinkansen) -> Tokyo/Osaka
PM : Gifu City Tour Ascending Mt. Kinka via a ropeway and reaching Gifu Castle is worth the effort. Unobstructed panorama of Gifu can be enjoyed from castle tower. Descending Mt. Kinka, discover and admire Gifu's outstanding colossal image of Buddha. Visitors can enjoy and feel the ancient ambiance of Kawaramachi Castle town. From May 11 to October 15, cormorant fishing on the Nagara River can be observed up-close from tour boats.
Stay in Gifu
Day 2
Gifu(Bus) -> Mino
Try your hand at creating Mino-Washi(Japanese Paper) Enjoy a unique experience making hand-made washi in Mino City justifiably famous for producing beautiful Japanese paper. This small city exudes a wonderful authentic Japanese ambiance with many fine shops displaying souvenir items created with washi.
Mino(Bus or Nagaragawa Railway) -> Gujohachiman / Stay in Gujohachiman
Day 3
strolling Gujohachiman 'water-town' Gujohachiman, is blessed with fine water supplied from close-by pristine mountains. Residents cannot do without their pure water while the gentle murmur emitting from irrigation canals soothes people's souls. Famed too for realistic wax creations (typical Japanese food samples) visitors can try to create their own at the craft center.
Much of Gifu's drinking source is tapped directly from the Japanese Alps. The superb quality of this crystalline water is a particularly favorable gift of nature, much appreciated by the locals as well as visitors who marvel at the simple but pleasurable act of drinking a glass of cool, pure Gifu drinking water. It's not surprising there are numbers of folktales featuring this watery treasure as if to symbolize Gifu's wonderful, good luck.
Water is the decisive ingredient for producing the finest sake, the renowned Japanese rice wine. Only top quality Gifu water, nearly free of chemical impurities (a rarity in today's increasingly polluted environment) is used locally to produce the finest brands of sakes, saturated with natural flavors and a delicate touch to the palate. Taste and enjoy sake in Gifu !
Hida beef is recognized by great chefs as providing amazingly succulent meat, so expertly aged and tender it melts on the lucky diner's tongue. A must-do, mouth watering dining experience for any visitor to Gifu, it is a culinary feast always to be remembered.
A lush natural environment, fresh water, relaxing hot springs, and the fine hospitality of the local population are the backbone of resources offering bone-weary travelers uncompromising comfort and healing from the aches and pain of hard work, stress and aging. Dating back to the 12th century, Gifu's citizens have a proven history of providing shelter to political fugitives; and during the Edo Era (1608-1868), locals protected Christians even though Shogun Tokugawa promulgated anti-Christian edicts. 
Skillful Takumis have thrived in Gifu since ancient times in the areas of textiles, ceramics, earthenware, blacksmithing (sword forging), woodwork, and papermaking. Traditional skills have been jealously preserved while new techniques have been simultaneously adopted by the talented Takumi of this era, ensuring that ancient arts and crafts still flourish in Gifu. Over the years, newly introduced practices were studied, tested and only then slowly and carefully integrated by the wise and timetested Takumi who absorbed its strengths, re-defined them, and finally created a new product.
Produced since the middle 18th century, socalled 'Gifu lanterns' are legendary craftworks created with top quality bamboo and the famed Mino Japanese paper locally produced since ancient times. Their shapes and the colored pictures on the hibukuro (paper covering) are elegant; the lantern's bamboo string ribs and Japanese paper are extremely thing with beautifully painted patterns of nature. The shape, spherical or oval and their sophisticated finish and artistry represents the best in special craft value in Japan. They were designated as 'legendary craftwork' by the Ministry of Economy , Trade and Industry in April, 1995.
During the Kamakura Period (1192-1333) Japanese sword-makers seeking the finest soil and pure water for tempering high tensile steel to produce their legendary samurai swords ? they found the best of what was required in Seki. 'Magoroku of Seki' are swords famously reputed as 'break-proof or inflexible, but cutting extremely well'. Deeply held traditional customs, beliefs and technique have been carried on to date, leading to Seki's current worldwide reputation, (rivaling Solingen in Germany,) as producing outstanding cutlery. Following the Meiji Restoration, a variety of cutlery was produced, easing the sometimes difficult passage from an ancient era to the adoption of modern technology and thriving commerce.
Minoyaki(Minoware) is categorized as a specific ceramic designation for wares produced only in South-East Gifu Prefecture with centers in Tajimi, Toki, Mizunami City, and Kasahara town, the area once designated as the country of Mino, thus the appellation derives from this source. Minomomoyama wares are honored as a vital product of the 'Eastern Renaissance' movement and the production of tea wares included in the protective policy of Nobunaga Oda, builder of the nation, during the Momoyama Period. Presently a wide variety of ceramics carry the prestigious name of Minoyaki, combining traditional workmanship and modern day creativity.
Hand-made Mino washi is created through a very particular method using a screen frame and passing the raw material by shaking side to side and back and forth, resulting in a thin but sturdy paper. Long reputed for attractive high-grade quality it is widely used for Japanese paper sliding-doors found in elegant Japanese-style rooms, resulting in the gentle filtering of harsh sunlight flooding into tatami rooms. A particularly splendid quality of Mino washi is retaining its original color and strength for hundreds of years.
