Gifu Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Gifu with our comprehensive travel guide, including must-visit attractions, outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, where to stay, and more.


A Comprehensive Travel Guide to Gifu

Welcome to Gifu, a prefecture located in the Chubu region of Japan. Offering numerous cultural and natural treasures, Gifu is a true treasure trove for travelers.

List of Places to Visit in Gifu

Here are the must-visit attractions in Gifu:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Gifu Castle: Originally built in 1201, this castle played a significant role in Japanese history and offers breathtaking views of the city below.
  • Gujo Hachiman: A preserved Edo-period town famous for its canals and traditional festivals.
  • Gifu City Museum of History: A museum showcasing historical artifacts, including the castle’s architectural models and samurai weapons.
  • Shirakawa-go: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Shirakawa-go is a picturesque mountain village with traditional thatched-roof houses.
  • Ukai (cormorant fishing): Witness the traditional Japanese fishing method using trained cormorants.

Natural Attractions of Gifu: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Mount Kinka: A scenic mountain overlooking the city with hiking trails and a cable car.
  • Takayama: A charming town known for its well-preserved buildings and unique culture.
  • Hida no Sato Folk Village: An open-air museum showcasing the traditional life and culture of the Hida region.
  • Gujo River Cruise: Enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the crystal-clear waters of the Gujo River.
  • Kamikochi: Located in the Northern Japan Alps, Kamikochi offers breathtaking views of the mountains and a serene atmosphere.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Gifu

Gifu has various hiking and biking trails for travelers to explore. Here are some of the most popular routes:

  • Nakasendo Trail: Follow the footsteps of the samurai on this historic trail connecting Tokyo and Kyoto.
  • Magome-Tsumago Trail: A scenic route with post towns and traditional houses.
  • Enakyo Valley: A beautiful valley with hiking trails, waterfalls, and natural hot springs.
  • Hirayu Great Falls: A stunning waterfall and a perfect place for a scenic hike.
  • Mount Ontake: An active volcano with hiking trails and hot springs.

Best Things to Do in Gifu: Activities and Tours

Gifu has various activities and tours for travelers of all ages. Here are some of the best things to do in Gifu:

  • Sake Brewery Tour: Discover the brewing process of sake and enjoy tastings.
  • Kimono Experience: Try on a traditional Japanese garment and learn about its cultural significance.
  • Karakuri Ningyo Show: Enjoy a traditional Japanese puppet show.
  • Snowshoeing: Experience the beauty of winter in Gifu by exploring the snow-covered mountains.
  • River Rafting: Brave the rapids of Gifu’s rivers for an adrenaline rush.

Week-Long Itinerary for Gifu

Here’s an itinerary for a week-long trip to Gifu:

Day 1: Gifu City and Gifu Castle Day 2: Gujo Hachiman and Gujo River Cruise Day 3: Magome-Tsumago Trail and Hida Folk Village Day 4: Shirakawa-go Day 5: Mount Kinka and Karakuri Ningyo Show Day 6: Takayama and Sake Brewery Tour Day 7: Kamikochi and Hirayu Great Falls

Food and Drink Scene of Gifu

Gifu’s food and drink scene offers a range of traditional dishes and local beverages.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Hida Beef: A high-quality beef that is famous for its marbling and flavor.
  • Ayu (sweetfish): A freshwater fish grilled over charcoal and seasoned with salt.
  • Warabi Mochi: A traditional dessert made from bracken starch and sweet syrup.
  • Miso Katsu: A deep-fried pork cutlet topped with a thick miso-based sauce.
  • Gohei Mochi: A grilled rice cake topped with sweet and savory sauce.

Local Beverages

  • Sake: Gifu is known for producing high-quality sake, including the rare gohyakumangoku rice variety.
  • Hida Wine: Made from locally grown grapes, Hida Wine offers a unique taste of Gifu.
  • Gujo Tea: A green tea variety with a refreshing taste and aroma.

Where to Stay in Gifu: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Gifu has plenty of accommodation options for all types of travelers. Here are some of the best places to stay in Gifu:

  • Hotel Resol Gifu: A modern hotel with a central location and comfortable rooms.
  • Takayama Ouan: A traditional ryokan with tatami-matted rooms and onsen baths.
  • Hida Takayama Guesthouse Tomaru: A cozy guesthouse with a friendly atmosphere.
  • Backpacker’s Japan: A budget-friendly hostel in Gifu City.
  • Gokayama Minshuku: A traditional Japanese inn offering a unique experience in a mountain village setting.

What to Buy in Gifu: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Hida Furniture: Traditional Japanese furniture made by skilled craftsmen.
  • Hida Takayama Crafts: Traditional crafts, including pottery, lacquerware, and textiles.
  • Sarubobo Dolls: Cute handmade dolls that bring good luck and happiness.
  • Hida Beef Jerky: A delicious and unique snack made from high-quality Hida beef.

Local Culture and Customs of Gifu

Gifu has unique customs and traditions that reflect its rich history and culture. Here are some of the local customs and practices:

  • Ukai: A traditional fishing method using trained cormorants.
  • Hida Satoyama Cycling: A farming experience where visitors can cycle around the countryside and learn about local agriculture.
  • Gassho-zukuri Houses: Traditional thatched-roof houses found in the mountainous regions of Gifu.

Best Time to Visit Gifu

The best time to visit Gifu is in the spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November), when the weather is pleasant and the scenery is stunning. Gifu also offers unique winter activities, such as snowshoeing and skiing.

Do’s and Don’ts of Gifu

Do:

  • Try the local cuisine, including Hida beef and local sake.
  • Participate in traditional Japanese culture and activities, such as kimono experiences and puppet shows.
  • Respect Japanese culture and customs, including bowing and removing shoes when entering temples and traditional buildings.

Don’t:

  • Disrespect Japanese culture and traditions.
  • Speak loudly in public areas, such as restaurants or trains.
  • Tip service staff, as it is not a custom in Japan.

Safety and Health

Safety in Gifu

Gifu is a safe destination, with low crime rates and friendly locals. However, visitors should take common-sense precautions, such as keeping valuables secure and staying aware of their surroundings.

Health in Gifu

Gifu has a high standard of healthcare, with modern facilities and well-trained medical personnel. Visitors are advised to take out travel insurance before their trip.

Getting to Gifu: Transportation Options and Logistics

Gifu is easily accessible by various modes of transportation.

Airports Near Gifu

  • Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO): The nearest airport to Gifu, located approximately 45 minutes away by train.

Bus Stations Near Gifu

  • Gifu Bus Center: A central bus terminal located in Gifu City, with bus connections to various destinations in Japan.
  • Takayama Nohi Bus Center: A bus terminal located in Takayama, with bus connections to various destinations in Gifu and other parts of Japan.

Other Options

  • Train: Gifu has excellent rail links, with various train stations connecting to major cities in Japan.
  • Car: Renting a car is a great option for exploring Gifu’s countryside and remote areas.

How to Get Around in Gifu

Gifu has an efficient public transportation system, including trains, buses, and taxis. Visitors can also rent a bike or car to explore the area at their own pace.

Where to Go Next from Gifu: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Gifu is located in a great location to explore other parts of Japan. Here are some of the best destinations and excursions to visit from Gifu:

  • Kanazawa: A charming city known for its well-preserved Edo-period buildings and traditional crafts.
  • Nagoya: A modern city with a thriving food and entertainment scene.
  • Kyoto: A cultural hub with stunning temples, gardens, and historic landmarks.
  • Osaka: A vibrant city with great food and shopping opportunities.

Conclusion

Gifu is a captivating destination with a unique mix of culture, history, and natural beauty. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures or cultural experiences, Gifu has something to offer for every traveler. We hope this comprehensive guide has inspired you to plan your next trip to Gifu. Safe travels!

Gifu Castle Gifu Castle cormorant fishing at Nagara River near Mt. Kinka cormorant fishing at Nagara River near Mt. Kinka Japanese kindergartners climb Kinka-zan Japanese kindergartners climb Kinka-zan