GIFU
Splendid natural sites along with a special brand of traditional Japanese culture
From the picturesque landscape of the northern Hida Region, to the lush waterways in
the Mino Region to the south, Gifu Prefecture offers peaceful surroundings and
traditional sites. The World Heritage Site Shirakawa-go provides a glimpse into
the past, and its steep, thatched-roof farm houses are a must-see. Hida Takayama
is famous for the gorgeous Takayama Festival. Additionally, the old houses and
shops that line the streets in the historic district are reminiscent of Kyoto. The
traditional craftwork industry has thrived in Gifu for centuries, being kept
alive by master artisans called takumi.
Experience a unique culture and spirit of tranquility here in Gifu Prefecture!
Shirakawa-go is a picturesque farm
village that has been designated as
a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Some of the houses have been
standing for over 250 years. The
houses are built in the gassho style
with steep thatched roofs in order
to prevent the build up of snow
during the winter. Ogimachi is the
main attraction in Shirakawa-go.
Here, visitors can stay the night at
Japanese style Bed and Breakfasts
called minshuku. Experience the
traditional Japanese life style; sleep on a futon in a tatami mat room, sample delicious local
cuisine, or try your hand at a variety of traditional crafts such as weaving, dyeing, or pottery.
Furukawa is a quiet castle-town situated in the Japanese
Alps, which rise to a height of 3,000 meters in the Hida
Region, located in northern Gifu Prefecture. The town
is home to the well known Furukawa Festival. The
festival is held every spring to celebrate the end of
another long winter and features large taiko drums,
which are carried aloft by men dressed in traditional
white undergarments.
Takayama City is famous for the Takayama Festival
that is held in the spring and autumn every year. The
festival is counted among the three most beautiful
festivals in Japan. It is given in celebration of the
arrival of spring and in gratitude for a plentiful
harvest in the fall. The rows of houses and shops in
the historic district have been beautifully preserved
for four centuries. Enjoy the stirring ambience of the
samurai period in Gifu's "Little Kyoto!"
Enjoy a breathtaking view of the mountains while
soaking in the natural spas at Oku Hida Hot Spring
Villages located at the base of the Northern Alps.
This peaceful spa resort has long been famous
for the excellent quality of its natural hot
springs. In fact, Gero Spa is known as one of
Japan's three best hot springs, and the relaxing
nature of the warm waters has long been
important for maintaining and improving one's health. Visitors can also enjoy traditional
entertainment such as local kabuki performances, festivals, and try out regional cuisine
like ayu (sweetfish) taken from the Maze River, which runs through the town.
Crisscrossed by canals brimming with
clear water from the Nagara River, Gujo
City overflows with natural beauty and a
pleasant atmosphere. In summer, visitors
and locals delight in the sound of Gujo
and Shirotori folk music. In winter, local
hot springs provide a soothing escape
from the cold. Don't forget to take a
leisurely stroll around Gujo Hachiman
Castle and other historical buildings.
During the Edo
Period (1603-1868),
a network of 5 roads
was constructed in
order to improve
transportation across
Japan. One of these
roads, the
Nakasendo, ran from
Kyoto to Edo
(modern day Tokyo)
and passed through
Nakatsugawa City.
Travelers often
stopped at Magome-juku in order to
restock and recuperate. This post town
has been beautifully restored and offers
an elegant taste of Edo Period life along
the Nakasendo.
The Ena Gorge stretches between Oi
Dam and the headwaters of the
Nakatsugawa River. The valley's steep
cliffs and unusually shaped rock
formations were created by years of
erosion. The beauty of the area is
heightened by the presence of
waterfowl, blooming cherry and
azalea in spring, deep green summer
foliage, and colorful autumn leaves.
Minokamo City is located near the
central stretch of the Nakasendo, a
foot-road that once connected Kyoto
and Edo (modern day Tokyo). The look
of a traditional post down has been
preserved in the Ota-juku area. The Kiso
River, which runs along the southern
side of the Nakasendo is nicknamed
"The Japanese Rhine" after the River
Rhine in Germany. Ride in a tour boat
and take in 13 kilometers worth of the
magical riverfront scenery and
interesting rock formations.
Gifu City is the capital of Gifu Prefecture and one of
Japan's most important castle towns. The area was
once called "Inokuchi," but was renamed "Gifu" by
Oda Nobunaga, a great samurai who unified most of
Japan in the mid-sixteenth century. Visit the historic
Gifu Castle for a glimpse of traditional life from this
period. Cormorant fishing on the Nagara River is
another popular attraction. The practice dates back
1,300 years and is considered an important cultural
asset. The birds are directed by the fishermen as they
skillfully dive for river fish.
Ogaki City is known as the "Water Capital" because of
its rich supply of ground water.
Although landlocked, an excellent water transportation
system was developed thanks to a network of rivers and
canals. This town was also the final stop on the
legendary poet Matsuo Basho's famous literary journey
entitled "Oku no Hosomichi," which took him into the
deep north of Japan.
Hida Beef is recognized
by great chefs around the
world as an amazingly
succulent meat. Expertly aged and so tender that it
melts in your mouth, this culinary feast is one dining
experience visitors to Gifu should not miss.
From the picturesque landscape of the northern Hida Region, to the lush waterways in
the Mino Region to the south, Gifu Prefecture offers peaceful surroundings and
traditional sites. The World Heritage Site Shirakawa-go provides a glimpse into
the past, and its steep, thatched-roof farm houses are a must-see. Hida Takayama
is famous for the gorgeous Takayama Festival. Additionally, the old houses and
shops that line the streets in the historic district are reminiscent of Kyoto. The
traditional craftwork industry has thrived in Gifu for centuries, being kept
alive by master artisans called takumi.
Experience a unique culture and spirit of tranquility here in Gifu Prefecture!
Shirakawa-go is a picturesque farm
village that has been designated as
a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Some of the houses have been
standing for over 250 years. The
houses are built in the gassho style
with steep thatched roofs in order
to prevent the build up of snow
during the winter. Ogimachi is the
main attraction in Shirakawa-go.
Here, visitors can stay the night at
Japanese style Bed and Breakfasts
called minshuku. Experience the
traditional Japanese life style; sleep on a futon in a tatami mat room, sample delicious local
cuisine, or try your hand at a variety of traditional crafts such as weaving, dyeing, or pottery.
Furukawa is a quiet castle-town situated in the Japanese
Alps, which rise to a height of 3,000 meters in the Hida
Region, located in northern Gifu Prefecture. The town
is home to the well known Furukawa Festival. The
festival is held every spring to celebrate the end of
another long winter and features large taiko drums,
which are carried aloft by men dressed in traditional
white undergarments.
Takayama City is famous for the Takayama Festival
that is held in the spring and autumn every year. The
festival is counted among the three most beautiful
festivals in Japan. It is given in celebration of the
arrival of spring and in gratitude for a plentiful
harvest in the fall. The rows of houses and shops in
the historic district have been beautifully preserved
for four centuries. Enjoy the stirring ambience of the
samurai period in Gifu's "Little Kyoto!"
Enjoy a breathtaking view of the mountains while
soaking in the natural spas at Oku Hida Hot Spring
Villages located at the base of the Northern Alps.
This peaceful spa resort has long been famous
for the excellent quality of its natural hot
springs. In fact, Gero Spa is known as one of
Japan's three best hot springs, and the relaxing
nature of the warm waters has long been
important for maintaining and improving one's health. Visitors can also enjoy traditional
entertainment such as local kabuki performances, festivals, and try out regional cuisine
like ayu (sweetfish) taken from the Maze River, which runs through the town.
Crisscrossed by canals brimming with
clear water from the Nagara River, Gujo
City overflows with natural beauty and a
pleasant atmosphere. In summer, visitors
and locals delight in the sound of Gujo
and Shirotori folk music. In winter, local
hot springs provide a soothing escape
from the cold. Don't forget to take a
leisurely stroll around Gujo Hachiman
Castle and other historical buildings.
During the Edo
Period (1603-1868),
a network of 5 roads
was constructed in
order to improve
transportation across
Japan. One of these
roads, the
Nakasendo, ran from
Kyoto to Edo
(modern day Tokyo)
and passed through
Nakatsugawa City.
Travelers often
stopped at Magome-juku in order to
restock and recuperate. This post town
has been beautifully restored and offers
an elegant taste of Edo Period life along
the Nakasendo.
The Ena Gorge stretches between Oi
Dam and the headwaters of the
Nakatsugawa River. The valley's steep
cliffs and unusually shaped rock
formations were created by years of
erosion. The beauty of the area is
heightened by the presence of
waterfowl, blooming cherry and
azalea in spring, deep green summer
foliage, and colorful autumn leaves.
Minokamo City is located near the
central stretch of the Nakasendo, a
foot-road that once connected Kyoto
and Edo (modern day Tokyo). The look
of a traditional post down has been
preserved in the Ota-juku area. The Kiso
River, which runs along the southern
side of the Nakasendo is nicknamed
"The Japanese Rhine" after the River
Rhine in Germany. Ride in a tour boat
and take in 13 kilometers worth of the
magical riverfront scenery and
interesting rock formations.
Gifu City is the capital of Gifu Prefecture and one of
Japan's most important castle towns. The area was
once called "Inokuchi," but was renamed "Gifu" by
Oda Nobunaga, a great samurai who unified most of
Japan in the mid-sixteenth century. Visit the historic
Gifu Castle for a glimpse of traditional life from this
period. Cormorant fishing on the Nagara River is
another popular attraction. The practice dates back
1,300 years and is considered an important cultural
asset. The birds are directed by the fishermen as they
skillfully dive for river fish.
Ogaki City is known as the "Water Capital" because of
its rich supply of ground water.
Although landlocked, an excellent water transportation
system was developed thanks to a network of rivers and
canals. This town was also the final stop on the
legendary poet Matsuo Basho's famous literary journey
entitled "Oku no Hosomichi," which took him into the
deep north of Japan.
Hida Beef is recognized
by great chefs around the
world as an amazingly
succulent meat. Expertly aged and so tender that it
melts in your mouth, this culinary feast is one dining
experience visitors to Gifu should not miss.
