Gifu Prefecture is located in central Japan.
It shares borders with seven other prefectures.
Toyama prefecture is to the north, Ishikawa is to the northwest, Fukui is to the west, Shiga is to the southwest, Aichi is to the south, Nagano prefecture is to the east, and Mie is to the southeast.
The Hida Mountains run through the northern part of Gifu Prefecture, which is mostly hilly.
The southern part is mostly flat.
It’s next door to me and my family, and I love camping in Gifu in the summer and autumn.
And sometimes skiing in winter.
It’s not as well known as other places in Japan, even among the Japanese.
But despite this, there are a lot of things to do.
Gifu Prefecture
Gifu, in the heart of Japan, is the perfect place for nature lovers.
The area has some of the best hot springs and is a popular spot for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.
You can enjoy the cherry blossoms in spring.
When the temperature drops from December to February, it’s great for winter activities.
I’d go as far as to say this is my favourite prefecture in the whole of Japan.
While the capital city, Gifu, can be done in a few hours, get off the beaten path and enjoy all this place has to offer.
Historic Sites
If Japanese culture is your thing, then you’ll love Gifu due to its rich history.
Gifu Castle
Gifu City is a castle town.
When you visit Gifu, you must explore Gifu Castle, located atop Mount Kinka.
To reach the castle, take the Mt. Kinka Ropeway for an enjoyable journey with scenic views.
As you explore Gifu Castle, you’ll learn about its exciting history and enjoy stunning city views.
It’s only a 15-minute bus ride from Gifu station.
Naegi Castle Ruins
For a lesser-known castle in the prefecture, check out Naegi Castle.
It’s a popular destination for locals.
but lesser known for foreign tourists.
As for the current structure, The Kazafuki Gate is the only original part that has been preserved.
There are some easy walking paths to the top.
Takayama Old Town
Takayama Old Town is an unmissable historical attraction in the northern part of Gifu prefecture.
And one of the top attractions in the area.
As you stroll through the picturesque streets of Hida Takayama, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
Here, you can:
- Marvel at the beautifully preserved wooden buildings.
- Visit local museums showcasing regional history and culture.
- Shop for unique souvenirs at various souvenir shops.
Takayama is also an excellent place to sample local sake, as the town is known for its breweries.
The last time I came here, we enjoyed eating delicious food like Hida beef and ayu, Japanese river fish.
The beef is similar in quality but much cheaper than Kobe beef.
All while sampling the relaxing atmosphere and unique architectural style.
You can get here quickly from Nagoya.
The Shirakawa-go bus goes from Nagoya Station to Takayama Station.
Shirakawa-go Traditional Village
Shirakawa-go is a UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled in the mountains of Gifu prefecture.
This enchanting village is renowned for its traditional gassho-zukuri houses with thatched roofs.
To make the most of your visit, you can:
- Explore the open-air museum, showcasing traditional houses
- Have a scenic picnic at the observation deck, which offers a beautiful view of the entire village.
- Participate in seasonal events, such as the winter light-up festival, for a truly magical experience.
Iwamura Castle
Iwamura Castle Town was named Japan’s 48th most culturally significant.
It got the title in 1998 for its historic building preservation area.
It was Gifu’s third, following Sanmachi in Takayama and Ogimachi in Shirakawa-go.
The electric cables and telephone poles were all buried beneath the ground, and the project was completed in March 2013.
This contributed to the region regaining its authentic, historic atmosphere.
Here is a video walk around the castle ruins.
Natural Wonders
This mountainous area is blessed with some amazing natural landmarks.
Nagara River
Discover the beauty of the Nagara River, which flows through the prefecture.
Take a leisurely boat ride, enjoying the picturesque landscapes and opportunities for bird watching.
Additionally, you can partake in activities like fishing and riverside strolls for a relaxing day filled with nature.
If you like cycling, you can even ride along the Nagara River on one of many tours available.
The Great Limestone Cave of Hida
Explore the Great Limestone Cave of Hida.
It’s a magnificent underground wonder filled with stalactites and stalagmites.
Admire the unique formations.
They formed over hundreds of thousands of years.
Take guided tours to learn about the cave’s geology.
Enakyo
Delight in the breathtaking beauty of Enakyo, a gorge along the Kiso River known for its stunning cliffs and rock formations.
I stopped off to take this photo on the way home to Nagoya.
Take a boat tour or hike along the riverside paths, soaking in this unique landscape’s natural beauty and clear water.
Yoro Falls
Visit Yoro Falls, a 32-meter-high waterfall situated within Yoro Park.
The lake’s pristine waters are believed to bring health and long life.
They are a great spot for reflection and relaxation.
Enjoy walking trails, local snacks, and the area’s enchanting atmosphere.
Off the Beaten Path
If you have access to a car, then the area has some amazing countryside you can explore.
Be careful with weather conditions, as the roads can be narrow.
Heavy snowfall in Winter means I would recommend either Spring or Autumn for a drive around this prefecture.
Cultural Experiences
Gero Onsen
Gero is an onsen town.
And it’s is an ideal spot for those seeking relaxation.
As you soak in the warm, therapeutic waters, you can feel your stress melting away.
During your visit to Gero Onsen, explore the surrounding area, which is full of traditional ryokans, shops, and restaurants.
Japan likes to list things in threes.
Gero Onsen is known as one of the top three Japanese onsen, along with Arima Onsen and kusatsu onsen
This truly is a beautiful hot spring resort town located at the base of the Hida River.
Magome
Magome is a beautifully preserved post town on the Nakasendo, a popular hiking trail.
As you stroll through the streets, you can imagine yourself back in the Edo Period, with charming wooden buildings and stone pathways.
Traditional cormorant fishing
Experience a unique and ancient method called cormorant fishing (Ukai) on the Nagara River in Gifu.
In the evening, join a tour to witness skilled fishermen using trained cormorants to catch fish.
This mesmerising spectacle has been practised for over 1,300 years and is a must-see.
Many years ago, we did this on the Nagara River and enjoyed the breathtaking scenery.
Gujo-Hachiman
Gujo hachiman is a beautiful village by a river. It is famous for its traditional crafts. These include making food samples and wooden kokeshi dolls.
Pop into a souvenir shop and pick one up for yourself.
Join hands-on workshops. Make replicas of Japanese cuisine. Or admire the artistry of local artisans.
Don’t forget to explore the historic castle and enjoy the town’s serene atmosphere.
Outdoor Activities
Okuhida Onsen Villages
The Okuhida Onsen Villages are nestled among the Japanese Alps.
They offer relaxing hot springs and picturesque landscapes.
Enjoy a soothing soak in the steaming waters while enjoying the breathtaking views.
They are also an excellent base for exploring nearby attractions. For example, the Shinhotaka Ropeway is perfect for admiring the stunning Alpine scenery.
Hida Folk Village
You can explore the quaint streets lined with traditional wooden houses and historical sites at the Hida Folk Village.
You will feel part of Japanese history.
Participate in some outdoor activities like:
- Cycling along the scenic Seto River
- Trekking through the surrounding lush hills
- Fishing for the famous Hida sweetfish.
Festivals and Events
Japan is full of festivals, and Gifu is no different.
Takayama Festival
If you visit Gifu in the spring, don’t miss the Takayama Spring Festival.
One of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage events occurs in the beautiful historic town of Hida-Takayama.
You’ll see grand, elaborately decorated floats paraded through the town, accompanied by traditional music and lively performances.
Gifu Nobunaga Festival
In June, Gifu Prefecture celebrates the great warlord Oda Nobunaga during the Gifu Nobunaga Festival.
This event is in Gifu Park and showcases reenactments of battles and other historical events.
You can also enjoy many cultural activities. You can eat local food at stalls throughout the festival.
Gujo Odori Dance Festival
Don’t miss the Gujo Odori Dance Festival, which takes place in the heart of the summer.
This traditional Japanese dance festival has a history of over 400 years and lasts for 31 nights.
Take part in the dance or watch.
Locals wear stunning yukatas and perform intricate dances to traditional music.
Toki Outlet Mall
When visiting Gifu Prefecture, stop by the Toki Premium Outlet.
This shopping mall offers you a variety of stores with a pleasant outdoor setting.
With its convenient location, the mall is just a 15-minute taxi ride from JR Tajimi Station or a 16-minute bus ride from JR Toki-shi Station.
For locals, this is one of the most popular things to do in Gifu.
Before You Go
Gifu prefecture is the best place in Japan for me.
Most international visitors go to Kyoto and Tokyo, which means this area is less visited.
This is one of the best things about it for me.
So, a visit to the Hida region of Japan will show you a different side of the country.
