Gifu

Gifu Prefecture is located in central Japan, with both deep Sengoku-period history and World Heritage villages, as well as stunning natural scenery. Since its attractions are fairly spread out, it is usually recommended to use Nagoya as a transit base and explore by area. Below is a guide to Gifu’s core travel highlights:

Itinerary Planning

• One-day trip (Gifu City): Suitable for a same-day round trip from Nagoya. Route: JR Gifu Station → Shōhō-ji Temple (Gifu Great Buddha) → Gifu Park → Ropeway → Squirrel Village → Gifu Castle → City Hall Observation Deck → Return.
• Two-day trip (Hida Takayama + Shirakawa-go): Day 1: Take a limited express train from Nagoya to Takayama, explore Takayama’s old streets and Jinya, and stay overnight in Takayama; Day 2: Head to Shirakawa-go to see the gassho-zukuri village, then return in the afternoon or continue to Gero Onsen.
• Off-the-beaten-path leisure trip (Gujo Hachiman + Magome-juku): Day 1: Visit Gujo Hachiman to experience its Edo-period streets and quiet nighttime atmosphere, and stay overnight at an onsen ryokan; Day 2: Walk or take transport to Magome-juku and experience a hike along the old Nakasendo trail.

Must-Visit Attractions

Gifu Prefecture is quite large, with attractions mainly concentrated in the city area, the Hida region, and central small towns. Below are the key highlights in each area:

• Gifu Castle: Located at the summit of Mount Kinka, it was once the base of Oda Nobunaga. From the castle keep, you can overlook the entire city of Gifu, and on clear days even see Nagoya. It is recommended to take the ropeway up the mountain, or choose a hiking trail for some exercise.

• Shirakawa-go: A World Cultural Heritage site famous for its distinctive gassho-zukuri thatched-roof houses. Visiting in the early morning or around dusk is recommended to avoid crowds, and it becomes especially dreamlike during the winter illumination events.

• Hida Takayama: An old town that preserves the atmosphere of the Edo period, with lively morning markets. You can visit Takayama Jinya, one of Japan’s only remaining former government offices from the feudal domain era, and taste authentic Hida beef.

• Gujo Hachiman: A peaceful small town where the clear Yoshida River runs through the center. When the lanterns light up at night, it has a strong *Spirited Away* atmosphere, and in summer it is also home to the famous Gujo Odori dance festival.

• Magome-juku: A well-preserved Edo-period post town, where stone-paved slopes and old wooden streets feel highly cinematic. You can hike to Tsumago-juku and experience the classic old Nakasendo trail.

Local Food Guide

When visiting Gifu, in addition to the famous Hida beef, there are many highly distinctive local dishes you should not miss:

• Hida Beef: One of Japan’s top wagyu brands. Grilled beef or beef sushi is recommended; it melts in your mouth and is exceptionally tender.

• Hitsumabushi: Eel rice is divided into three portions and enjoyed in three ways: plain, with condiments, and with hot tea or broth poured over it. The flavors are richly layered, and long-established restaurants such as Satagawa are very popular.
• Ayu Sweetfish Dishes: A summer specialty of the Nagara River. Charcoal-grilled ayu with salt has a fragrant, crisp skin and tender flesh. At Yana restaurants in Gujo Hachiman, you can enjoy it while admiring the river view.

• Gohei Mochi: A local specialty found throughout Gifu. Rice cakes are grilled and brushed with miso sauce; they can be found at small street-side shops, with a chewy texture and deeply savory flavor.

Transportation and Practical Tips

• Long-distance transport: Departing from Nagoya is the most convenient. The JR Tokaido Main Line reaches Gifu City in 20 minutes; the JR Limited Express on the Takayama Line reaches Takayama in about 2.5 hours; to reach Shirakawa-go, take a bus from Takayama Station or Nagoya.
• City pass: At the bus ticket counter in JR Gifu Station, you can buy a “One-Day Castle Visit Pass” (about 1,700 yen), which includes city buses, the Mount Kinka Ropeway, and admission to Gifu Castle, offering excellent value.
• Accommodation suggestions: For city sightseeing, stay near JR Gifu Station; for a Takayama trip, stay near Takayama Station or in Gero Onsen; if you prefer tranquility, choose a long-established onsen ryokan in Gujo Hachiman.
• Notes: Attractions in Gifu are far apart, so if you plan to visit multiple small towns, self-driving or hiring a car is the most convenient; there are many mosquitoes and insects in the mountains and forests in summer, so bring insect repellent; some old restaurants do not accept reservations, so it is best to queue early.