Gifu Prefecture offers tourist attractions such as Ibukiyama, Gero Onsen, and Tsujido; sightseeing events such as the Gujo Odori Dance, Air Festival, and Harukoma; and local delicacies such as mizu-manju, botan-nabe, and sweetfish sweets.
Gifu Prefecture is a prefecture in the central region of Japan, with the Hida Mountains in the north and the Nobi Plain in the south, a land of many ups and downs. Six rivers flow through the prefecture, the Jinzu River, the Sho River, the Kiso River, the Yahagigawa River, the Kuzuryu River, and the Shonai River, each of which has a separate basin.
The Hida mountain range in the north has a higher percentage of forest than other mountains, reaching 92.5%, making it a truly green prefecture. The Hida Mountains in the north are more heavily forested than other mountains, at 92.5%, making it a truly green prefecture. The 600-meter-high mountains surrounding the basin make it a land of distinct seasons, with warm summers and cold winters.
Gifu Prefecture has a number of famous tourist spots, including Shirakawa-go, which is registered as a World Heritage site. Shirakawa-go is a village in the Hida region, one of Japan's heaviest snowfall areas, with rows of gassho-houses with sharply angled thatched roofs for sericulture.
The sharply angled roofs minimize wind resistance and allow the roofs to dry quickly, and the landscape and technology of such buildings were registered as a World Cultural Heritage in 1995.
Many people have probably seen the beautiful scenery of Shirakawa-go in snowy landscapes in photos and videos. Shirakawa-go has been awarded three stars in the Michelin travel guide and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Gifu Prefecture.
Gifu Prefecture is also home to several limestone caves, including the Otaki Cave, which is said to be over 200 million years old, and the Hida Grand Limestone Cave, which was discovered in 1965. The Otaki Cave is a 700-meter long limestone cave where visitors can enjoy a variety of stalactites.
The Hida Daishongnyudo Cave is one of the largest limestone caves in Japan, with a length of 800 meters. The cool and cool cave is a popular tourist spot, especially in summer.
The Hida region is famous for its agricultural products produced by the abundant nature and delicious water, which should be enjoyed along with your trip. Hida beef produced in the Hida region is a must-try for meat lovers, as the beef is suitable for both steak and shabu-shabu.
Gifu Prefecture, with its delicious water, meets the requirements for producing delicious sake, and there is a wide variety of locally brewed sake available. In Shirakawa-go, a World Cultural Heritage site, doburoku, a mellow, fragrant sake, is produced, and events such as the Doburoku Festival are held there.
A Historic Hot Spring Resort Surrounded by Mountains Gero Onsen is one of Japan’s most celebrated hot spring resorts, renowned for its long history and high-quality mineral waters. During the Muromachi period (1336–1573), it was recognized as one of Japan’s Three Great Hot Springs, alongside Kusats...»
A Timeless Japanese Landscape Preserved in the Mountains Shirakawa-go is a historic settlement nestled in the mountainous region of Gifu Prefecture, renowned for its remarkable collection of traditional gassho-style houses, many of which were built between the late Edo period (1603–1868) and the la...»
A Mountain Castle with a Rich Samurai History Gifu Castle was a mountain fortress located on Mount Kinka, which rises 329 meters above sea level in Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture. Its history dates back to the Kamakura period (1185–1333), making it an important landmark in Japan's medieval history. Th...»
Hida Takayama is renowned for its beautifully preserved historic streets, where the atmosphere of old Japan remains alive. Among its most popular attractions is the Old Townscape, a district that preserves the appearance of the Edo period (1603–1868) and attracts visitors from around the world. Desi...»
Kokeizan Eihoji Temple is a temple of the Nanzenji branch of Rinzai Zen Buddhism, located in Tajimi City, Gifu Prefecture. Its mountain name, Kokeizan, means “Tiger Gorge Mountain” and is said to have been inspired by the resemblance of the surrounding valley to the scenery of Mount Lu in China. Th...»
Gujo Odori is a traditional summer dance festival held in Hachiman-cho, Gujo City, Gifu Prefecture, from mid-July to early September each year. Known as Japan's longest-running Bon Odori festival, it features dancing over a total of 32 nights and attracts enthusiastic participants from across Japan....»
Magome-juku is a historic post town that flourished as the 43rd station along the Nakasendo, one of the Five Routes of the Edo period (1603–1868). Traditional teahouses, souvenir shops, and general stores line the sloping cobblestone streets, evoking the atmosphere of the days when travelers journey...»
The lively hot spring district of Gero Onsen stretches along the Hida River, centered around Gero Ohashi Bridge. Its attractions, traditional inns, restaurants, and souvenir shops are all within comfortable walking distance, making it easy to explore the town on foot. Steam rises from hot spring fa...»
Yoro Tenmei Hantenchi is an extraordinary interactive art park featuring a huge oval-shaped depression dotted with Japanese archipelago formations of various sizes, hemispherical hills, and hollows. The park brings to life an artistic project by contemporary artist Shusaku Arakawa and poet Madeline ...»
Ryujin Falls is an impressive waterfall with a drop of approximately 8 meters, located in Yumori Gorge in Gifu Prefecture. Its exceptionally clear water is listed among the 50 Famous Waters of Gifu Prefecture and is said to change color as many as seven times a day, shifting between shades of cobalt...»
Located at the foot of Mount Ontake, which rises to 3,067 meters, Hida-Osaka is known for its abundant rainfall, steep mountain streams, and extensive forests. The area has more than 200 waterfalls with drops of at least five meters, making it one of Japan's most remarkable destinations for waterfal...»
A Beautiful Mountain Castle Overlooking a Historic Town Gujo Hachiman Castle stands near the summit of Mount Hachiman, at an elevation of approximately 130 meters, northeast of central Gujo City in Gifu Prefecture. Overlooking the historic castle town below, the castle rises dramatically above the ...»
Tsukechi Gorge, located in Nakatsugawa City, Gifu Prefecture, is a beautiful gorge near the headwaters of the Tsukechi River, a tributary of the Kiso River. Thanks to its exceptionally clear water, the river is also known as the “Blue River.” Flowing from the southern foothills of Mount Ontake, the ...»
Monet’s Pond is a small, unnamed pond near Nemichi Shrine in Itadori, Seki City, Gifu Prefecture. Its crystal-clear blue water, floating water lilies, and colorful koi create a scene reminiscent of Water Lilies, the famous series of paintings by French Impressionist artist Claude Monet. After photo...»
The Gifu Great Buddha is housed at Shoboji Temple, a temple of the Obaku school of Zen Buddhism located in Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture. This seated statue of Shakyamuni Buddha is counted among Japan’s Three Great Buddhas and is particularly remarkable for its immense size and distinctive construction...»
Kegonji Temple, affectionately known as “Tanigumi-san,” is a historic Buddhist temple renowned as the 33rd and final temple on the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage, a traditional pilgrimage route linking 33 temples dedicated to Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy. It is the only temple on this pilgrimage...»
Aquatotto Gifu is a four-story aquarium that recreates aquatic ecosystems ranging from the headwaters of the Nagara River to rivers and lakes around the world. Visitors can explore a fascinating world of water inhabited by approximately 250 species and more than 22,000 animals and plants, including ...»
Iwamura Castle is renowned as one of Japan’s Three Great Mountain Castles, alongside Takatori Castle in Nara Prefecture and Bitchu Matsuyama Castle in Okayama Prefecture. Originally built in the early Kamakura period, the castle is particularly famous for its association with Otsuya no Kata, an aunt...»
Located in central Gifu City, Gifu Park is an expansive historic park stretching across the foothills of Mount Kinka. The area is closely associated with the Sengoku-period warlords Saito Dosan and Oda Nobunaga, and is believed to include the site of Nobunaga’s former residence. Rich in history and ...»
The Takayama Festival is the collective name for two annual festivals held in Takayama, Gifu Prefecture: the Sanno Festival, the spring festival of Hie Shrine, and the Hachiman Festival, the autumn festival of Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine. The festival tradition is believed to have originated betwee...»
Hirayu Onsen is the oldest and one of the most historic hot spring resorts in the Okuhida region of Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture. Situated in a mountainous area at an elevation of approximately 1,283 meters, it is surrounded by the magnificent peaks of the Northern Japan Alps. The hot spring town...»
Gifu Seiryu Satoyama Park is an interactive theme park that recreates the atmosphere of a traditional Japanese rural village as it appeared in the 1950s. Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of activities, from nature walks and ziplining to shopping, dining, and relaxing in hot springs. The park featu...»
Yoro Falls is a magnificent waterfall measuring approximately 30 meters in height and 4 meters in width. Its crystal-clear waters plunge over rugged rocks, creating a powerful and impressive natural spectacle. The waterfall has been selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Waterfalls and is associated wit...»
A Taste of Autumn with a Soft Texture and Rich Chestnut Aroma Kurikiinton is a traditional Japanese confectionery that represents the flavors of autumn in the Mino region of Gifu Prefecture. Made primarily from chestnuts, this delicacy is prized for its naturally sweet flavor, delicate aroma, and s...»
Nestled in the rich natural surroundings of Hirugano Kogen, a highland area approximately 1,000 meters above sea level, Bokka no Sato is a spacious, hands-on theme park where visitors can enjoy seasonal flower gardens, creative workshops, and close encounters with animals. Popular activities includ...»
Chiyobo Inari Shrine, affectionately known as “Ochobo-san” or “Ochobo Inari,” is a popular shrine in the western Mino region of Gifu Prefecture and the Owari region of Aichi Prefecture. It is believed to bring good fortune in business prosperity and family safety. Many worshippers from within and be...»
The Shinhotaka Ropeway offers an unforgettable aerial journey to an elevation of approximately 2,200 meters above sea level. It is home to Japan's only double-decker gondola ropeway, allowing visitors to enjoy a unique ride high above the mountains and experience breathtaking panoramic views. The r...»
Amida Falls, located in Shirotori, Gujo City, Gifu Prefecture, is a spectacular waterfall with a drop of approximately 60 meters. Selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Waterfalls, it stands amid lush greenery and has captivated visitors for centuries. A walking path leads close to the base of the falls...»
Hirayu Great Falls is a spectacular waterfall measuring approximately 64 meters in height and 6 meters in width. It is considered one of the three great waterfalls of the Hida region and has been selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Waterfalls and one of Gifu Prefecture’s 50 Famous Waters. The waterf...»
Gero Onsen Gassho Village recreates the traditional rural scenery of Japan with ten historic gassho-style houses relocated from places such as Shirakawa-go. Visitors can explore the interiors of these distinctive buildings, including the former Ōdo Family Residence, which is designated as an Importa...»
Ogaki Castle played an important role in Japanese history from the Sengoku period (the Warring States period) through the Edo period. During the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600, the castle served as the main stronghold of the Western Army led by Ishida Mitsunari. Even after Mitsunari moved toward Sekig...»
Shinhotaka-no-Yu is a popular day-use hot spring in the Shinhotaka Onsen area of the Oku-Hida Hot Spring Villages. Located beside the Gamata River, this open-air bath offers a wonderful opportunity to relax in natural hot spring water while admiring the surrounding mountains. Visitors can enjoy lush...»
Hida Great Limestone Cave is a spectacular limestone cave located at an elevation of approximately 900 meters, making it one of Japan’s highest-altitude tourist caves. Inside, visitors can discover an enchanting underground world featuring illuminated formations such as “Night View of the Dragon Pal...»
Hida Folk Village, also known as Hida no Sato, is an open-air museum that recreates the traditional mountain-village landscape of the Hida region. The grounds feature relocated historic houses, including gassho-style farmhouses with steeply pitched thatched roofs, characteristic of heavy-snowfall ar...»
Hirugano Picnic Garden is a highland resort situated at an elevation of approximately 1,000 meters, where visitors can enjoy outdoor activities surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery and seasonal flowers. From the entrance, a scenic chairlift ride of around eight minutes takes visitors to the fl...»
Located within the Hida-Kisogawa Quasi-National Park, Oniiwa Park is renowned for its dramatic landscape of enormous and unusual granite rock formations. Sculpted by wind and rain over millions of years, these rocks create a striking contrast with the surrounding greenery. The park has been designat...»
Hida Kokubunji is a historic temple of the Koyasan Shingon Buddhist sect, located in Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture. It is regarded as the oldest temple in the Hida region, with a history spanning more than 1,000 years. The temple is said to have been established by the revered Buddhist priest Gyōki...»
The Sekigahara Battlefield is where the famous Battle of Sekigahara took place, pitting the Eastern Army led by Tokugawa Ieyasu against the Western Army led by Ishida Mitsunari. Today, the former battlefield is surrounded by peaceful rural scenery, with stone monuments and banners bearing the crests...»
The Kinkazan Ropeway connects Gifu Park at the foot of Mount Kinka with the summit area of the 329-meter-high mountain in approximately four minutes. It provides a convenient and scenic route to Gifu Castle, which stands near the summit. Under normal conditions, gondolas depart every 15 minutes, wi...»
Sunomata Ichiya Castle is associated with a famous legend about Kinoshita Tōkichirō, the future Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who served under Oda Nobunaga. According to tradition, Tōkichirō built the castle in a single night. The story became an important part of Hideyoshi’s rise from humble beginnings to on...»
Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine in Takayama, Gifu Prefecture. According to tradition, its origins date back to the reign of Emperor Nintoku, around 377 AD. At that time, a fearsome figure known as Ryōmen Sukuna was said to have threatened the people living in the mountains o...»
Ena Gorge is a scenic gorge in Gifu Prefecture, stretching across Ena City and Nakatsugawa City. Formed when the Kiso River was dammed, the area is known for its striking rock formations, dramatic cliffs, and beautiful natural scenery. Visitors can explore the gorge aboard sightseeing boats and admi...»
Nichiryūbuji Temple, also known as Takazawa Kannon, is regarded as one of the oldest temples in Gifu Prefecture. Its main hall features a traditional elevated wooden stage reminiscent of Kiyomizu-dera Temple in Kyoto, earning it the nickname “Mino Kiyomizu.” The temple is located on the slopes of Mo...»
Located at the foot of Mount Iwakura, Sekigahara Limestone Cave offers a fascinating underground world formed by countless stalactites and stalagmites. Also known as Iwakurayama Limestone Cave, it was designated a natural monument of Sekigahara Town in 1968. The cave extends approximately 518 meter...»
A jinya was an administrative complex where regional governors and magistrates carried out government duties during Japan’s Edo period (1603–1868). Such complexes typically included official offices, residences for governors or magistrates, and government storehouses. Takayama Jinya served as the a...»
Karatani Falls is a powerful waterfall where water plunges dramatically into a spacious rocky basin with a thunderous roar. On a lucky day, visitors may even see a rainbow forming near the base of the falls. Nearby Akagane-toyo Falls is known for the mysterious emerald-green color of its plunge pool...»
Located in Hida-Osaka at the foot of Mount Ontake, which rises to 3,067 meters, Neo Falls is one of the area's most celebrated natural attractions. Hida-Osaka is known for its abundant rainfall, steep mountain streams, and extensive forests. With more than 200 waterfalls measuring at least five mete...»
Gan-date is a towering cliff located at the confluence of the Nigorigawa River and Sawarabi Valley in Ochiai, Osaka Town, Gero City, Gifu Prefecture. The surrounding area is known as Gan-date Gorge. Gan-date Park provides an excellent vantage point from which to admire this impressive geological fo...»
Located within the grounds of Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine, where the autumn Takayama Festival is held, the Takayama Festival Floats Exhibition Hall displays the magnificent floats used in this celebrated event. The Takayama Festival is one of the biggest annual events in Hida-Takayama. Held twice ...»
Gujo Hachiman Hakurankan Museum is a unique museum that combines modern exhibits with a nostalgic atmosphere. It occupies a former tax office built in 1920, during the Taisho period, and preserves the building’s distinctive Western-style architecture. The museum introduces the many attractions of G...»