2025 Gifu Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in March)

Gifu City, located in central Japan, is renowned for its rich history and culture. However, beyond the popular Gifu Castle and Nagara River, the city harbors many lesser-known attractions that are worth exploring. Here, I will recommend a few hidden gems in Gifu City that offer a unique charm different from typical tourist spots. Shino Park Shino Park is a tranquil place surrounded by lush trees, featuring beautiful flowers and open lawns, making it an ideal spot to relax. Here, you can stroll along the park's pathways and enjoy the serenity of nature. Especially in spring, the park's cherry blossoms attract many photography enthusiasts. It is also a popular spot for locals to walk and exercise, giving you a glimpse into the daily life of Gifu City. Conclusion Gifu City is not just about its popular tourist attractions; it also hides many places worth exploring. These spots not only allow you to experience the local culture and history but also offer a peaceful atmosphere with fewer crowds. If you have the chance to visit Gifu City, don't forget to check out these hidden gems to make your trip more enriching and colorful.

Gifu Castle, located on Mount Kinka in Gifu City, is not only a significant cultural heritage site but also a paradise for hiking enthusiasts. This time, I decided to challenge myself by climbing to Gifu Castle and experiencing the beautiful forest journey. Anticipation at the Start Early in the morning, I took public transportation to Gifu City and then walked to the Kinka Ropeway Station following the signs. Along the way, I felt the tranquility and beauty around me, with lush greenery and fresh air invigorating my spirit. The ropeway ride took about ten minutes, and through the glass windows, I enjoyed the scenic views as the majestic landscape of Mount Kinka gradually unfolded before my eyes. The Challenge of the Hiking Route After reaching the upper ropeway station, I began my hike up the mountain. Although the distance to Gifu Castle was not long, it required some physical effort. The path was lined with dense trees and colorful flowers, prompting me to stop and savor the gifts of nature. Along the way, I encountered other hikers, and we encouraged each other, cheering each other on. As the altitude increased, the path became steeper, and I felt the allure and challenge of the exercise. My breathing quickened, my heart rate increased, but I also felt the joy of achieving my goal. There were several observation decks along the way where I paused to enjoy the beautiful scenery and overlook the spectacular view of Gifu City. The Joy of Reaching Gifu Castle After some effort, I finally arrived at the gates of Gifu Castle. The castle's exterior was ancient and majestic, as if telling me stories of history. The castle was originally built in 1583 by the famous Sengoku warlord Oda Nobunaga and later became a symbol of Gifu. Inside the castle, I was captivated by the exquisite architecture and ancient artifacts. The castle houses a museum displaying many items related to Gifu Castle and its history. Here, I not only learned about the castle's past but also experienced the life and culture of the people at that time. A Stunning Viewing Experience The most anticipated part was the observation deck of Gifu Castle. Standing at the highest point of the castle, I overlooked the entire Gifu City and the surrounding mountains. The magnificent scenery made my heart surge with excitement. The distant Gifu Bridge and Nagara River shimmered like a ribbon under the setting sun. This moment of beauty made me appreciate the value and significance of hiking. Conclusion The journey to Gifu Castle was not only a physical challenge but also a spiritual cleansing. The grandeur of nature intertwined with the profound human history made me deeply appreciate the beauty of life. If you also love hiking and exploring, consider climbing to Gifu Castle to experience the wonderful journey of nature and history.

"Washoku Noodle Shop Sagami Gifu Kagamishima Branch" is one of the "Sagami" group stores located in Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture, and serves a menu centered on Japanese cuisine and soba. The lunch set menu features a variety of Japanese dishes such as seafood and tempura. The spacious interior is perfect for families and groups, and the calm Japanese atmosphere is popular✨ ୨୧ ‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥୨୧ Location: Japanese Noodle Shop Sagami Gifu Kagamishima Branch Address: 2-4-48 Kagamishima Seika, Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture Access: Approximately 10 minutes by car from JR Gifu Station Opening hours: 8:00-23:00 Closed: None Parking: Free parking available ୨୧ ‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥୨୧ #Japanese lunch #Gifu gourmet #Soba #Japanese food #Family restaurant #Tempura #Set meal #Gifu lunch #Gifu city #Japanese gourmet 2024

If you go through the JR Gifu Station "Central North Exit", you will see a square called "Nobunaga Yume Square" in front of you. The golden statue beyond is the "Golden Nobunaga Statue". The stairs connecting "Nobunaga Yume Square" to the second floor deck are called "Nobunaga Yume Stairs". I have always been curious about the Nobunaga statue, which can be seen from the JR train. It is a little high up, so I recommend a high-performance camera to capture his expression. It seems that "Oda Nobunaga" is still loved by the local people in Gifu, and you will see his name wherever you go. This time, many food trucks gathered at "Nobunaga Yume Square". There was also a performance by people dressed in costumes from the Sengoku period! The performance of a person who seemed to be Nobunaga defeating enemies with a sword was a delight for tourists. Many events are held at "Nobunaga Yume Square". Why not visit Gifu to see the "Golden Nobunaga Statue"? There is also a Gifu Bus JR Gifu Information Center nearby, so please use it as a reference for sightseeing. 100m from JR Gifu Station 290m from Meitetsu Gifu Station "Golden Nobunaga Statue" 1-100 Hashimotocho, Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture 500-8856 #Gifu #GifuTrip #GifuTourism #OdaNobunaga #WalkingaroundGifu #DomesticTrip

There are many facilities in Gifu and Gifu Park where you can enjoy sightseeing in Gifu, such as the Kinkazan Ropeway. The Gifu City Museum of History is also one of the places you should definitely visit. Many things can be photographed at the Gifu City Museum of History, but there are also exhibits that are prohibited from being photographed, so be sure to listen to the explanation when purchasing your ticket. The admission fee is 310 yen for adults, and you can enjoy everything. The common admission fee is 520 yen for adults. It supports many payment functions, so QR payments are also possible. The Rekihaku Selection "The Beautiful World of Gifu Lanterns" was being held, so photography was allowed, so I took a picture of the beautiful and richly designed Gifu lanterns. There was a detailed explanation of lantern production, so I was able to enjoy it along with the collection. There is also an exhibition of the Inabayama Castle Town Diorama, so please enjoy the Sengoku period diorama. 30m from the bus stop "Gifu Park History Museum" "Gifu City History Museum" 2-18-1 Omiyacho, Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture 500-8003 Gifu City History Museum #Gifu #GifuPark #GifuTourism #GifuTrip #GifuWalk #Museum #DomesticTravel

It's already summer. Walking around Gifu Park makes you sweat. At times like this, you might want to take a break. There are several rest areas in Gifu Park. This time, I took a break at Kinka-chaya. Shaved ice starts at 350 yen, Mitarashi dango is 100 yen, Okonomiyaki is 500 yen. This time, I ordered shaved ice. Shaved ice with plenty of strawberry syrup. Simple but delicious to look at and eat. There are also seasonal flies! There is no air conditioning, but the shaved ice was delicious even in the heat. There are also tables where you can take off your shoes, so if you're tired, I recommend using them. Kinka-chaya is on the Gifu City Museum of History side of Gifu Park. Try to head towards the fountain and goddess statue. It's close to the bus stop, so it's easy to stop by after you arrive and before waiting for the bus! Bus: 100m from Gifu Park History Museum 160m from Kinkasan Ropeway's foothills station Kinka Chaya 500-8004, Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture, Senjojiki Shimodaido Nishi #shaved ice #Gifu Park #Gifu #Gifu sweets #Gifu trip #Gifu sightseeing #Gifu stroll #domestic travel

#TravelJapan: Visiting Shirakawa-go Village, a famous World Heritage village in Japan, during the autumn foliage season is another highlight worth experiencing. Shirakawa-go is part of Shirakawa Village, located in the northwest of Gifu Prefecture in the Chubu region. It was founded around 1919 and consists of 16 villages. The most popular area for tourists is “Ogimachi Village”, which is the largest village and is known as “Shirakawa-go Village”. A very famous feature here is the ancient Japanese houses with high roofs in the form of praying hands called “Shirakawa-go”, which are hundreds of years old and have been well preserved to the present day. In addition, the houses are open as museums for visitors and tourists can stay overnight as “Homestays”, which is an opportunity to experience the lives of the villagers living here. It is something that cannot be missed. #ilovetrips #shirakawago #shirakawago #japanisightseeing

Address: 9-14 Kanda-cho, Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture, 500-8833 Atmosphere/Facilities: Meitetsu Gifu Station Features: Sukiya is a Japanese chain restaurant that specializes in beef bowls, which can be paired with different sets. We ordered kimchi beef bowl and eel rice. I personally recommend the beef bowl. The set can be paired with lettuce or soup. Ordering is done on a tablet, so it's not too awkward to eat alone. The food is served quickly, so people who are in a hurry can go and try it. Price per person: 1000 Jpy Rating: 4.0

Gifu Gifu Tourism There are many tourist spots in Gifu, but this time I was limited to sightseeing in the area around JR Gifu Station. As a finale to my Gifu sightseeing, I went to Inaba Shrine, which was recommended by the tourist information center at Gifu Station. ✅ Inaba Shrine ✅ 1-1 Inaba-dori, Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture Inaba Shrine is a shrine with a history of over 1900 years?! It is known as a power spot. The grounds are large and there are many torii gates, so I strolled around thinking that it was a rare shrine. Looking back from the top, you can see Gifu city, which is quite a view. It was a tourist spot that was a fitting finale to my Gifu sightseeing. #Gifu #Gifu Tourism #Gifu Trip #Inaba Shrine #Gifu Inaba Shrine #Domestic Travel

Gifu Gifu Tourism There are many tourist spots in Gifu, but this time, I limited my sightseeing to the area around JR Gifu Station. This time, I took a walk around the old townscape from Nagara River to Kawaramachi, so I'll share it with you. ✅ The old townscape of Kawaramachi ✅ Tamai-cho, Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture Speaking of the Nagara River, it's cormorant fishing. It wasn't cormorant fishing season when I visited, but it was nice to see the wide Nagara River. The old streets of Kawaramachi are also very charming and seem to be a popular photo spot. A long-established Japanese confectionery shop known for its Gifu specialty sweets. A shop selling traditional crafts, Gifu fans. Long-established inns, etc. The streets are very charming, and it's fun just to stroll around. #Gifu #Gifu sightseeing #Gifu trip #Nagara River #Old streets of Kawaramachi #Cormorant fishing #Domestic travel

The unagi here is really delicious!!! it doesn't taste fishy or smells of mud. cooked with special spices and cooked perfectly. smells really good!! combined with a truly complete lunch set.it tastes great! everything in this set is delicious. the menu served is also quite a lot but the star of this food is the unagi. although the price of this set is a little expensive but this is suitable for pampering our taste buds i really really like this. I really want to eat this every day. This set also includes cold ocha which can be refilled. The unagi meat is very soft even though the outside is grilled until crisp. price range : 3000 yen - 12000 yen for the set menu that I ordered the price : 4380Yen Address: Nishimachi, Minokamo City, Gifu Prefecture business Hours: 11:00 15:00 and 17:00~21:00 #foodie #japanese Food

Although the autumn season is already over, the autumn leaves were so beautiful that it was worth a stroll. Kyoto and other places are popular during the autumn foliage season, but if you look around you will find many quieter, more relaxed places where you can take beautiful photos of the autumn leaves. I definitely recommend visiting Gifu as well.

As you walk along the long, wide approach to the shrine, you will come across a huge torii gate ⛩. The path is beautiful and easy to walk on 👍 It is an ancient shrine with a history of over 1900 years. The grounds, with their magnificent tower gate, worship hall, and main hall, have a solemn atmosphere. I also received a goshuin (stamp), which was very beautiful 🌟 It seems that the shrine is crowded with many people during the cherry blossom season 🌸 #Gifu Prefecture #Inaba Shrine

I was curious to go and see the "Buddha in a cage" on the tourist information map in front of the station! I was so glad I went! The gentle, smiling expression and solemnity of the Buddha, and the quiet interior of the Great Buddha Hall were truly a healing space and I was deeply moved😂 I was so impressed by the Great Buddha Hall and the substitute amulet made of washi paper that I also purchased one😊 *Take the bus from JR Gifu Station, get off at "Gifu Park History Museum Mae" and it is about a 3-minute walk from there. 220 yen one way #GifuCity#Shohoji#GreatBuddha

In front of Gifu Station, a golden statue of Nobunaga was standing there welcoming us!! So cool❤️ I took a bus🚌 from the station to Gifu Castle using the "Gifu Castle Ticket"😊It costs 1,400 yen for the Kinkazan Ropeway, Gifu Castle, and unlimited bus rides for one day! It's a great deal👍 I was underestimating Gifu Castle💦💦 After getting off the ropeway, I had to climb a steep staircase for about 7 minutes before I could finally see the castle😂The view of the castle town from the castle tower was misty and mysterious as it was raining lightly, and it was very beautiful😊 #GifuCastle#Castle

Shirakawa-go is a village in the middle of a valley surrounded by nature that you must visit at least once. No matter what season, it is beautiful in a different way. This village was recognized as a world heritage site in 1995 and is a popular tourist destination. The houses here have a distinctive Gasso shape, which means praying hands. They are called this because the roof of the house looks like two hands praying together. Inside the village, there are photo spots, shops, and souvenirs to walk around and see.

Visiting the Old Wooden House, Magome-juku, #gifu Prefecture Magome-juku is a small town in Nakatsugawa City, Gifu Prefecture, Japan. In the past, Magome-juku was known as an extremely prosperous city located on the important Nakasendo route connecting Tokyo and Kyoto during the Edo period.

With the coming of autumn, here are the places we want you to visit on your "Gifu Trip with Autumn Flavors"✨✨ The Active G where JR Gifu Station is located and the square with the golden statue of Oda Nobunaga✨ Gifu Station is a station that shows off the magic of beautiful light with its design and night lighting✨ This time, we took the Tokaido Shinkansen from Osaka to Nagoya Station, and then the JR Special Rapid to JR Gifu Station✨ We also recommend taking a comfortable Shinkansen trip✨✨ #AutumnTrip

We have previously introduced Gifu Castle and Mt. Kinka where it is located. At the foot of Mt. Kinka is Gifu Park. "Gifu Park" is one of the 100 selected historical parks in Japan, so it is worth visiting. 📍 1 Omiya-cho, Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture 🚊 Take the Gifu Bus from JR Gifu Station or Meitetsu Shin-Gifu Station, get off at Gifu Park History Museum-mae, and walk for 2 minutes Gifu Castle was once used as a base by Oda Nobunaga for nine years, and the current Gifu Park is said to be Nobunaga's residence, so the park has facilities such as Nobunaga's castle ruins and the Gifu City History Museum. After visiting Gifu Park, you can also visit Gifu Castle via four different trails. The most recommended trail is the Hyakuma Trail, which offers views of Gifu City and Mt. Ibuki. The entrance to the trail is next to Zenrinji Temple. The trail is about 1.1 kilometers long and takes about 40 minutes, but it is somewhat difficult and may not be suitable for children or the elderly. #seetheearthinthemoment #overseastravel #Japan #Gifu #GifuPark #Kinkasan #Hiking #Hyakuma Hiking Trail #OdaNobunaga #japan

Gifu Castle is located about 10 minutes by car from Gifu Station. It is located on the top of Kinka Mountain, which is over 300 meters above sea level. It is one of the top 100 castles in Japan. 📍 Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture 18 🚎 At JR [Gifu Station], transfer to the "N80" Gifu bus or the city loop left-turn bus towards Takatomi, get off at [Gifu Park and History Museum], and then transfer to the Kinkasan Ropeway at Gifu Castle 🎫 "Gifu Castle Museum" Adults 200 yen / Children (4 to 15 years old) 100 yen 🚡 Kinkasan Ropeway Adult round trip 1,080 yen, one way 620 yen / Child (4 to 11 years old) round trip 540 yen, one way 280 yen "Gifu Castle" was called "Inabayama Castle" before it was conquered by the famous general Oda Nobunaga. It was also his final battle to conquer Mino Province after six years of war with the Saito army. After Oda Nobunaga conquered "Inabayama Castle", all the powerful families and retainers in Mino surrendered to the Oda family, allowing Nobunaga to completely occupy Mino Province and renamed the castle "Gifu Castle". About nine years after the Battle of Inabayama Castle, Oda Nobunaga used this castle as a base and the ruling center of the Oda regime, and began to use the seal of "Tenka Fubu". If you want to climb Mt. Kinka and visit Gifu Castle, you can choose to hike for an hour or pay to use the Kinkasan Ropeway. The ropeway only takes about 4 minutes. The scenery you see from the two locations is completely different. If you have time, it is recommended that you take the cable car up the mountain and then slowly walk down the mountain. Kinkayama is 329 meters above sea level, so the view from the Castle Observatory on the top of the mountain is extremely open and unique. For example, you can see the Alps to the north, and the vast Nobi Plain, the streets of Gifu and the Nagara River flowing through it to the south. After seeing the beautiful scenery outside Gifu Castle, I felt that this trip was extremely worthwhile. In addition to the charming scenery overlooking the castle tower, looking up from the foot of the mountain at Gifu Castle, which was Nobunaga's base for unifying the world, and the natural flowers and plants of Kinka Mountain, one will also be moved by Nobunaga's lofty ambitions and feel sorry that he was unable to achieve his wish in the end. When you come to Gifu, it is worth taking the time to visit this famous city that was once occupied by the world's overlord! #See the Earth in an Instant #Overseas Travel #Japan #Countryside Series #Gifu Prefecture #Gifu Castle #Oda Nobunaga #Tenka Fubu #Warring States #Historical Buildings #japan #gifu

It is said to be the oldest wooden reconstructed replica castle tower in Japan. The castle itself is very similar to Ogaki Castle, which is also in Gifu Prefecture, and was modeled after it. Although the interior is made of wood, it has been reconstructed, so the stairs are not as steep as those of the existing castle tower and are easy to climb. The view from the top floor was beautiful, with a panoramic view of Gujo Hachiman city. If you go by car, there are many parking lots near the castle, but be careful as the roads are narrow and there is a lot of walking.

This community center is adjacent to the north side of Gifu City Hall. The library is on the second floor. The interior design is very artistic! All new libraries these days are beautiful, but this one is particularly stunning. The ceiling is a wooden lattice roof with beautiful, intricate curves. You can see Mt. Kinka right in front of you from the balcony. There is also a Starbucks and a convenience store inside.

This is in the mountains of Gifu. Gattango is an activity where you pedal a bicycle on an abandoned railway line! There are two courses: a valley course and a city course, and this time we chose the valley course! The city course is recommended for beginners, but since we came all the way here, we chose the valley course! The valley course is limited to two or three people. There are various city courses to choose from, so it might be a good idea to choose one according to the number of people! Although it is called a bicycle, it is an electric bicycle with fixed handlebars, so it is not that difficult to pedal and you can take lots of photos! And above all, the view is amazing!!! The color of the river is incredibly clear and there are places that are emerald green, and it really feels good to ride in nature!! ! ... We happened to call and make a reservation the day before, but if you look online it may be fully booked, so we recommend making a reservation early! #WesternJapan #BreathtakingView #Outdoors #ForestBathing #GifuPrefecture #Bicycle #CoupleTrip #Couple

Gifu Textile Wholesale District is an abandoned building in front of Gifu Station. With almost no stores still open, it has become like a ghost town. However, it seems that they are trying to attract customers by turning the buildings into wall art. It's quite large, and has become a new tourist attraction in Gifu. #QuintessaCampaign

It is pronounced "Koganeijinja." It is located about 15 minutes from Gifu Station. You will be greeted by a large, shining golden torii gate, which looks like it will bring you good fortune in terms of money. You can also purchase fortune slips, amulets, and temple seals. It is located just north of Yanagase Shopping Street, so if you are in the area, please be sure to stop by. #QuintessaCampaign

This comprehensive amusement park is located north of Gifu City, surrounded by greenery and nature. It is a 5-minute drive from the Miwa Smart Interchange on the Tokaido Loop Expressway. There is ample free parking. There are plenty of play equipment that you can play with for free, including go-karts and bobsleighs. By the way, dogs are not allowed inside. #QuintessaCampaign

This shrine is the guardian shrine of Gifu and enshrines the Ubusunokami (local deity). An Ubusunokami is a deity that resides on the land, and is the local god. As you walk up a gently curving slope, you will be greeted by a magnificent mountain gate. The vermilion torii gate along the way is also beautiful. If you are visiting Gifu Castle, we recommend visiting the Gifu Great Buddha as well. #QuintessaCampaign

There is a large lawn area and large play equipment, and it is crowded with children on weekends. Although it is small, there is also a coffee shop where you can get ice cream and light meals. The park is also fun to visit in the season of hydrangeas and roses. Originally, pigs, cows, and horses were raised here, but it seems that this has stopped due to the COVID-19 pandemic. I hope that it will resume soon. #QuintessaCampaign