Mino (Gifu) Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Mino (Gifu) with our comprehensive travel guide. Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, local food & culture, safety tips, and how to get there.


Introduction to Mino (Gifu)

Mino (Gifu) is a small city located in the Gifu prefecture of Japan. It is known for its traditional paper-making industry, which was added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2014. Mino (Gifu) boasts a rich culture, beautiful natural scenery, and authentic Japanese experiences that will make any traveler fall in love with this quaint city. In this travel guide, we will share with you everything you need to know before you plan your trip to Mino (Gifu).

List of Places to Visit in Mino (Gifu)

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Mino Washi Museum
  • Sobue Castle Ruins
  • Kyu Iwasaki-tei Garden

Natural Attractions of Mino (Gifu): Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Takayama Shin Hotaka Ropeway
  • Mount Kinka
  • Tono Nature Park

Hiking/Biking Routes of Mino (Gifu)

  • Tokai Fureai no Michi Hiking Trail
  • Takayama Hiking Course
  • Mino Cycling Road

Best Things to Do in Mino (Gifu): Activities and Tours

  • Attend a Washi paper making workshop
  • Visit the Oishi Shrine during the summer Shinto festival
  • Have delicious local food at Mino Ramen and Saji Farm café

Week-Long Itinerary for Mino (Gifu)

Day Plan
Day 1 Arrive in Mino (Gifu); visit Mino Washi Museum
Day 2 Trekking to Mount Kinka; trip to Kyu Iwasaki-tei Garden
Day 3 Visit Tono Nature Park
Day 4 Visit Sobue Castle Ruins
Day 5 Cycling on Mino Cycling Road; eat lunch at Saji Farm Cafe
Day 6 Tour of Takayama Shin Hotaka Ropeway
Day 7 Go to Oishi Shrine’s summer Shinto festival; depart Mino

Food and Drink Scene of Mino (Gifu)

Must-Try Dishes

  • Mino Ramen
  • Hida Beef
  • Kiritanpo

Local Beverages

  • Sake
  • Miso Soup
  • Matcha Tea

Where to Stay in Mino (Gifu): Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Mino Park Hotel
  • Mino Yado Shinmeikan
  • Miyamae Ryokan

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

  • Washi paper handmade with Mino Washi techniques
  • Hida beef
  • Local saké

Local Culture and Customs of Mino (Gifu)

  • Traditionally dressed women can be found in the city
  • Sake and Miso Soup are significant in the city
  • The local paper-making industry is a UNESCO recognized intangible cultural heritage of humanity

Best Time to Visit Mino (Gifu)

The best time to visit Mino (Gifu) is between September and mid-November when the weather is mild and dry, and the autumn leaves are at their peak. Spring is also a lovely time to visit Mino (Gifu) with the blooming of cherry blossoms, but the crowds in touristic places can be overwhelming.

Do’s and Don’ts of Mino (Gifu)

Do:

  • Practice good manners when visiting the temples and shrines.
  • Try the city’s famous ramen noodles and sake.
  • Take off your shoes when entering guesthouses, a home of a Japanese family, and temples and shrines.

Don’t:

  • Speak loudly or play music on public transportation.
  • Touch or step over sacred stones in a shrine or temple.
  • Smoke in designated non-smoking areas.

Safety and Health

Safety in Mino (Gifu)

Mino (Gifu) is a safe city, and crime rates are low. However, visitors should take the same precautions as they would in any other city, such as keeping an eye on their belongings and staying in well-lit areas at night.

Health in Mino (Gifu)

The city has excellent health facilities; however, travelers should ensure they have health insurance before visiting Mino (Gifu), and water is safe to drink from the tap.

Getting to Mino (Gifu): Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Mino (Gifu)

The nearest airport is Chubu Centrair International Airport, which is approximately 90 kilometers from Mino City.

Bus Stations Near Mino (Gifu)

Gifu Bus Company connects travelers from Nagoya, Takayama, and Gifu to the city of Mino (Gifu) by bus.

Other Options

Visitors can travel to Mino (Gifu) by Japan Rail (JR) or Shinkansen, but there is no direct train line to Mino (Gifu). The nearest train station, Gifu Station, is approximately 30 minutes from Mino City, and then visitors can take a local bus to the city’s center.

How to Get Around in Mino (Gifu)

Mino (Gifu) City is relatively small, and many areas of the city are accessible on foot. Visitors can also take local city buses in Mino (Gifu) to reach areas of the city that are further out, such as Tono Nature Park.

Where to Go Next from Mino (Gifu): Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Kyoto - Japan’s spiritual and historical heartland
  • Takayama - Homely Vintage Town in the Mountains
  • Shirakawa-Go - A Japanese remote village that showcases traditional gassho-zukuri houses

Conclusion

Mino (Gifu) is a must-visit destination in Japan. With its rich culture and history, outdoor adventures, and warm hospitality, visitors can have an authentic travel experience. Indulge in local cuisine, marvel at natural beauty, and immerse yourself in age-old traditions during your stay here. So, plan your trip to Mino (Gifu) and discover the hidden secrets of this charming city.

Historic Udatsu Area Historic Udatsu Area