Introduction to Gifu Prefecture
Gifu Prefecture is a tourist destination that the author, Fishing Bata, loves and has visited many times. In particular, I love the old streets of Hida Takayama and Hida beef. Despite its inaccessibility, Hida Takayama has been attracting a lot of attention from foreign tourists in recent years. Many people go to Kyoto or Osaka for the Japanese atmosphere, but Gifu Prefecture also has many spots where you can feel the good old Japanese culture, and since there are not as many tourists as in Kyoto, it is now a good place to visit. The city is cashless and globalized, and the whole town is welcoming to foreign tourists, and the people are friendly and very at home in this tourist area.
One of the most notable recent scenic spots is the “Pond with No Name” (also known as Monet’s Pond) in Seki City, which has been attracting a lot of attention for its beautiful scenery. Gifu Prefecture is full of places of interest, such as Hida Takayama, Shirakawa-go, and Gokayama, and is home to many natural beauty and traditional sightseeing spots.
Geographic location
Gifu Prefecture is located roughly in the center of Japan, is an inland prefecture, and is bordered by seven prefectures. The prefecture includes the Hida region in the north, known for its heavy snowfall, and the Mino region in the south, where temperatures vary widely. Especially in winter, snowfall in the Hida region can reach several meters. In summer, Tajimi City in the Mino region records the highest temperature in Japan and is known as the “hottest city in Japan.
History
Gifu Prefecture, called Mino Province and Hida Province, was the scene of historical battles and incidents from the Warring States Period to the Azuchi-Momoyama Period. Many generals and great figures were produced during this period, and there are many historical sightseeing spots. Gifu Prefecture is a place worth visiting for history buffs, and is home to warlords and historical legacies.
One of the most important historical spots in Gifu Prefecture is Oda Nobunaga, who was active during the Warring States Period. Nobunaga used Gifu as a base from which to conquer the surrounding area and rise to prominence as a feudal lord in the Warring States period. Gifu Castle was used as his base of operations and remains a symbol of Gifu Prefecture and Gifu City today.
Gifu Castle was once called “Inabayama Castle,” but when Nobunaga entered this castle, it was renamed “Gifu,” a name that still remains today. Gifu Castle was abandoned after the Battle of Sekigahara, but was managed by Nobunaga’s family and close military commanders. The castle was known as impregnable, and hiking trails still exist today, accessible via the Kinkasan Ropeway.
Culture
Gifu Prefecture has several UNESCO World Cultural Heritage sites, Intangible Cultural Heritage sites, ICID World Irrigation Facility Heritage sites, and FAO World Agricultural Heritage sites. Representative examples include “Shirakawa-go Gassho-Zukuri Village” and “Honmino Paper,” as well as “Sodai Water Supply” and “Ayu (sweetfish) from the clear Nagara River.
Another traditional culture of Gifu Prefecture is the traditional doll called “Sarubobo. This is a doll from the Hida region, meaning “baby monkey,” and is believed to bring good luck, happiness in the home, and the absence of misfortune. It is said that the doll was made by a mother to wish for her daughter’s good marriage, safe delivery, and the growth and health of her child.
Gifu City is one of the three major cutlery production centers in the world, and “Seki cutlery” in particular has a history of over 800 years, producing kitchen knives, nail clippers, scissors, and other items. Along with Solingen and Sheffield, Seki cutlery is highly regarded worldwide.
Mino ware is a pottery produced in the Tono region of Gifu Prefecture and has a history of approximately 1,300 years. The region is blessed with high-quality potter’s clay, which is the raw material for ceramics, and the gently sloping hills, which make it easy to dig holes to make kettles, were ideal for pottery production. During the Azuchi-Momoyama period, the tea ceremony became popular, and tea masters established the golden age of Mino pottery.
Tourist attraction
Gifu Prefecture has many tourist attractions to visit.
Shirakawa-go
“Shirakawa-go” is a village located in the mountains between northern Gifu and western Toyama prefectures, and mainly refers to Shirakawa Village. The area is covered with heavy snowfall in winter, and was once called “the unexplored region. The people of Shirakawa-go have long been familiar with snow and have lived in harmony with it.
Particularly famous is the Ogimachi district of Shirakawa Village, known for its gassho-zukuri style villages. The area’s beautiful scenery and traditional Gassho-zukuri architecture are in harmony, and in 1976 it was designated as a Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Japanese Buildings, and in 1995 it was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The gassho-zukuri villages are in harmony with the magnificent nature, and the autumn leaves create beautiful scenery in fall, while the snowy landscape is even more attractive in winter.
With its registration as a World Heritage site, it has become well known, and with its well-developed transportation network, it attracts more and more domestic and foreign tourists every year.
Old Town
The three streets of Takayama’s castle town, Kamimachi and Shitamachi, are called “old streets. The Kamimachi area is bustling with liquor stores, traditional craft stores, and stores selling Mitarashi dumplings, while the Shimo-machi area retains old-fashioned stores and a good old-fashioned atmosphere. Hida Takayama is known for its retro and fun townscape and is bustling with tourists. There is also a historic “Jinya” (camp), which can be reached from Nagoya Station in about 2.5 hours by limited express Hida or Nobi bus. There are several sightseeing spots around JR Takayama Station.
Gifu Castle
Gifu Castle was once the residence of Prince Dosan Saito, who was especially famous for his capture by Prince Nobunaga Oda, who pacified the region. Gifu Castle is still being built today and offers a beautiful view from its observatory. Located on Kinkasan (Mt. Inabayama) in Gifu City, the top floor offers a panoramic view of the clear Nagara River, surrounding mountains, and plains. The view from the observatory is spectacular, and access is convenient via the Kinkasan Ropeway. The ruins of Gifu Castle have been registered as Japan Heritage Site No. 1 by the Agency for Cultural Affairs, and are of increasing historical value.
Kinkasan Ropeway
The Gifu Kinkasan Ropeway connects the Gifu Park Sanroku Station to the Kinkasan summit station in just 4 minutes. From the gondola, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of Gifu City and the Nobi Plain, as well as the changing scenery of the four seasons. Gifu Castle, perched atop Mt. Kinka, was once famous as the residence of Lord Doso Saito and Lord Nobunaga Oda. Gifu Castle is a magnificent 360-degree view of the beautiful Nagara River, Mount Ibuki, and the Northern Alps, especially from the top floor of the castle tower. During nighttime operation, you can also enjoy the night view.
Takayama Jinya
The Takayama Jinya is the only remaining major building in Japan that is still standing. It was a residence for the deputies sent from Edo (Tokyo) and their families during the Edo period. Today, the living room and tea ceremony room used for the daily life of the deputies and county commissioners still remain. This camp is the only one remaining in Japan, and is an important historical spot where visitors can catch a glimpse of what it was like in those days. In modern times, it could be compared to a courthouse or a tax office. The local people used to store rice, interrogate criminals, and perform police duties. It is one of the spots you should visit at least once when you come to Hida Takayama.
[Official] Takayama Camp｜National Historic Site｜Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture
Gero Onsen
Gero Onsen is a popular hot spring resort that enjoys a high reputation both in Japan and abroad, not only for the quality of its hot springs and accommodations, but also for the surrounding tourist attractions and gastronomy. The clear, colorless water has a subtle fragrance and is smooth to the touch, earning it the reputation as the “hot spring of health” and the “hot spring of beauty. The quality of the spring is favored by many people, and the water is characterized by its soft, clear, colorless water that is like a beauty essence. Gero Onsen is one of the three best hot springs in Japan, with a history of more than 1,000 years. The slippery texture of the water gently teases the skin, leaving it silky smooth. Gero Onsen Street is a picturesque town where visitors can enjoy different atmospheres during the day and at night.
Food culture
Gifu’s culinary culture is colored by fresh mountain produce and local specialties.
Hida beef
Hida beef is one of the best Wagyu beef in Japan and is beautiful to look at, especially the Hida beef nigiri. It has beautifully marbled, cherry-red meat with a delicate, tender texture, and a light aftertaste with no tartness or odor, making it suitable even for those who do not like fatty meat. It is raised in clean water and beautiful nature, and is characterized by the time-consuming and loving upbringing of the producers. Hida beef has been recognized for its high quality by winning the Best Carcass Award at the National Wagyu Beef Competitive Beef Show for two consecutive years.
Torichan
Torichan is a local dish of Gifu Prefecture, and was created around 1950. Inspired by jingisukan, local butcher stores and izakayas (Japanese-style pubs) have improved the dish, and it has become a dish that can be enjoyed with different tastes in each region. Torichan is a dish made by stir-frying chicken and vegetables with a special sauce, and is popular mainly in Gero City and Gujo City. When it was first made, it was a special occasion treat, but now it has become a widely loved local dish. Variations in seasoning, ingredients, and sauce vary from region to region and household to household, with variations including miso, soy sauce, and salt flavors.
Takayama Ramen
“Takayama Ramen” is a popular local delicacy in Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture. Its main characteristics are soy sauce flavor, thin, chigere noodles, and basic ingredients: chashu pork, menma (pickled bamboo shoots), and Hida leeks. Most restaurants make their own soup, noodles, and chashu pork. The soup is based on chicken bones, pork bones, and vegetable broth, and has a distinctive dark soy sauce aroma. There are many famous restaurants in Takayama City, among which Menya Shirakawa, Hida Chinese Soba Takasago, and Chinese Soba Specialty Restaurant Tsuzumisoba are popular and loved by tourists and local customers. These restaurants are popular among tourists and locals alike for their traditional flavors, which are made with high quality broth and unique cooking methods that give the noodles a deep, rich flavor.
Hoba Miso
Hoba Miso, a local delicacy of Gifu Prefecture, is made by mixing ginger, green onions, and other condiments, placing them on the sturdy leaves of a Hou tree, and grilling them, giving the dish a deep flavor and savory aroma. It is made by adding mirin (sweet cooking rice wine) and sugar to miso in the Hida region, giving it a sweet richness and flavor. Hoba miso is commonly eaten over white rice or used in grilled rice balls. It also goes well with white or blue fish, and is recommended for use with foil or meat. Hoba miso and Hida beef go well together, making it an enchanting local dish that will make you eat many bowls of rice.
Gohei-mochi
Gohei-mochi is a traditional food widely eaten in the Tono region of Gifu Prefecture, the Kiso and Ina regions of Nagano Prefecture, and the Mikawa region of Aichi Prefecture, and is made by rolling rice on a skewer, dipping it in sauce, and baking it. The shape varies from region to region, with Gifu and Nagano prefectures having a dango shape, while other regions have flat oval or round rice cake types. The name “gohei-mochi” comes from its similarity in shape to a “koban” (small oval shaped rice cake), which is offered to the gods (various theories exist). They come in a variety of shapes and flavors, and there are three types of sauce: miso-flavored, soy sauce-flavored, and mixed. In some regions, walnuts, sesame seeds, peanuts, and bee larva (hebo) are added to give each store a different flavor.
Pickled steak
Pickled steak is a local dish from the Hida region of Gifu Prefecture. It is made by baking pickles and tossing them with an egg. The pickled vegetables are baked and then covered with an egg, topped with bonito flakes and red pickled ginger to taste. This dish was invented in the Hida region in order to thaw pickles that had frozen over during the extremely cold winter.
Activities
Many activities can be enjoyed in Gifu.
Goshikigahara Forest at the foot of Mt. Norikura
Goshikigahara Forest at the foot of Mt. Norikura is a 3,000-hectare forested area in Chubu-Sangaku National Park, and is a full-scale nature trail area that aims to both protect and use nature. Takayama City ordinances mandate mountain entry regulations, accompanying guides, a maximum number of users, and a fee system. The designated manager, the Goshikigahara Forest Guides’ Association, strives to protect the rich natural environment and to use the area as a place for learning. The forest was formed by lava flows from the Norikura volcanic body and is home to diverse nature, including columnar-jointed rock walls, waterfalls, mountain streams, ponds, and wetlands. The three trails (chamoshika, shirabiso, and goswara) offer a variety of seasonal expressions and are expected to serve as a base for learning.
Shin-Hotaka Ropeway
Located in Okuhida Onsenkyo, Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture, the Shin-Hotaka Ropeway is Japan’s only ropeway with a double-decker gondola that takes you to the 2,156-meter-high summit observation platform. The double-decker gondola provides a spectacular view for everyone from children to the elderly, and the view from above 2,000 meters above sea level is breathtaking. From the observatory at the top of the mountain, visitors can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view that was awarded two stars by the Michelin Green Guide Japon, and the beautiful natural scenery of the four seasons. Facilities include dining, souvenirs, and an open-air bath, and visitors can also enjoy gourmet food made from local ingredients.
Rail Mountain Bike Gattan Go!
Rail Mountain Bike Gattan Go! is an activity that makes use of the abandoned Kamioka Railroad. Visitors enjoy the sound and vibration of “Gattan, Gotton” as they ride through the nostalgic scenery of towns and valleys. The rear wheels of the mountain bike touch the rails directly, and pedaling the bike provides a unique experience of moving forward. A wooden trolley towed by a sidecar is also available, providing approximately 40 to 55 minutes of activity. There are no age restrictions, and the vehicles available vary according to height, with children under 145 cm using child seats or viewing seats; children under 1 year of age must call in advance.
Japanese sword making experience
This is a one-day experience that allows you to make a dagger with a blade length of less than 30 cm. The program includes charcoal cutting, tamaheshi, boiling, forging, unbending, fire making, clay setting, quenching, and kaji sharpening, and the sword and certificate of registration will be delivered to the participant’s home after the sword has been beautifully finished by the smith. This experience includes a visit to a blacksmithing forge and a chance for participants to actually experience blacksmithing with a mallet, providing a valuable opportunity to learn a traditional technique. Participants will also have the opportunity to listen to a swordsmith talk about the process of sword making and learn about the traditional techniques and history of Japanese swords in Seki.
Seasonal Recommendations
Gifu is a place where you can enjoy beautiful scenery and events in each of the four seasons.
Spring
This is the season of beautiful cherry blossoms and fresh greenery. It is the most pleasant time for driving or touring by motorcycle, and the author, Fishing Bata, has also visited by motorcycle in May.
Mino region
In the Mino region, heat of around 30°C can be felt from May onward. In the Mino region, snowfall is rare in spring, and because of its inland location, strong winds have little effect, humidity is low, and dry air prevails. Spring comes late in Takayama City, with the cherry blossoms blooming around mid-April, and beautiful cherry trees welcome tourists.
Hida region
Cooler weather will continue in the Hida region from April onward. Rainfall has increased in many areas, and in some parts of the Hida region, precipitation has conversely been decreasing, although there was a lot of snow in the winter. In the higher elevations, rainfall is heavy from early in the season, and in March there is widespread root snow remaining in the Hida region, and new snow may accumulate.
Attire
- March: sweaters and coats are required.
- April: long-sleeved shirts and cardigans are a good idea.
- May: Light clothing such as T-shirts is fine.
Summer
Summer temperatures in the Mino and southern Hida regions can be hot in mid-summer, sometimes reaching the highest temperatures in Japan, but the higher elevation Hida region has cool mornings and evenings, making it relatively comfortable. It is recommended to check the weather forecast and traffic information, and carry a folding umbrella.
Summer Gourmet
In summer in Gifu, visitors can enjoy sweetfish, Japanese sweets, and shaved ice, as well as seasonal Gifu fruit such as “Hida momos” and ripe “dragon fruit” grown in the hot spring heat of Okuhida.
Attire
June to August: Light clothing such as T-shirts is fine. It is advisable to use parasols, hats, and sunglasses to protect against the heat.
Autumn
The weather in the Hida region is stable and pleasant from September to November. However, September is often rainy due to an autumn rain front, and airy clothing is recommended. Temperatures in Gifu Prefecture differ between the Mino and Hida regions, with the Hida region experiencing colder mornings and evenings, and the lowest temperatures in the Hida region sometimes falling below freezing in November.
Fall-leaf viewing
Gifu Prefecture is famous for its autumn foliage, and the best time to view the leaves lasts from late September to early December, gradually moving from higher elevation areas where the mountains begin to change color earlier to lower elevation areas. One of the features of Gifu Prefecture is that there are many roads where visitors can enjoy driving and touring while viewing the autumn foliage, and some toll roads in particular allow visitors to enjoy the autumn foliage for a long period of time despite the difference in elevation.
Attire
- September: Light clothing such as T-shirts is fine.
- October: long-sleeved shirts and cardigans are a good idea.
- November: Sweaters and coats are required.
Winter
The region is very cold and snowy in winter, with particularly cold mornings and evenings from late November through April.
From late November to March, snow can accumulate even in the urban areas, which can cause delays in transportation, so it is recommended to allow plenty of time for travel. There are also many hot spring resorts, ideal for warming up after a cold day.
Shirakawa-go Light-up Event
Shirakawa-go receives more than 1 meter of snow in winter, and light-up events are held from mid-January to mid-February, with reservations required due to the large number of visitors and crowds. This snow-covered scenery is fantastic, and winter nights are especially cold, so visitors need to be prepared for the cold.
Morning market
On winter mornings, the Miyagawa Morning Market is held along the Miyagawa River, a 10-minute walk from Takayama Station, where local vegetables, fruits, gourmet foods, and traditional crafts are sold. There is also the “Jinya-mae Asaichi” (morning market in front of the camp), also a 5-minute walk away, where visitors can enjoy sightseeing spots and gourmet information.
Attire
December to March: a good heavy jacket is required.
Local Culture
The culture of Gifu has many good old Japanese traditions and festivals. Traditional crafts in Gifu Prefecture include “Minoyaki”, “Mino Washi”, “Gifu lanterns”, “Gifu Wagasa”, and “Gifu Shibu Uchiwa”.
Mino ware
Mino ware is made from the high quality clay of Gifu and is available in a wide variety of styles, with Oribe ware in particular considered the pinnacle of Japanese ceramics.
Mino Washi
Mino Washi is Japan’s oldest Japanese paper, thin, strong, and beautiful, and is used in traditional crafts such as Mino lanterns and Mino Wagasa umbrellas. It will make the perfect souvenir to prove your stay in Japan.
Gifu lantern
Gifu lanterns are made of thin Japanese paper on which the seven autumnal flowers and bird-and-flower scenes are painted, and are a representative craft of Gifu.
Gifu Wagasa
Gifu Wagasa is especially appreciated for its beauty when folded, and Gifu produces snake umbrellas and parasols with a variety of designs.
Gifu Shibu Uchiwa
Gifu Shibu Uchiwa originated as a souvenir for spectators of cormorant fishing along the Nagara River, and are made of Japanese paper and bamboo from the Mino region and coated with persimmon tannin for a durable and insect-resistant fan.
Transportation
The following means of access to Gifu are available
Shinkansen
Shinkansen trains from Tokyo and Osaka are available and head to Nagoya Station. From Nagoya Station, you will transfer to the JR Tokaido Line to Gifu Station. You can enjoy a comfortable and time-efficient trip on the Shinkansen, the pride of Japan.
Airplane
Many flights, including international flights, operate from Central Japan International Airport (Centrair) for convenient access.
Express Bus
There is another way to get to Gifu Prefecture from the Tokyo metropolitan area by highway bus. Compared to using the Shinkansen bullet train + conventional train, it is a cost-effective way to get there, but it takes about 5 hours and 50 minutes one way, so it is recommended to use this method when you have enough time and want to keep costs down.
Lastly
Gifu Prefecture is a fascinating area where nature and tradition coexist, attracting visitors with its beautiful seasonal scenery, local cuisine, and traditional festivals. We invite you to enjoy the charms of Gifu, experience the local culture, and be healed by the beautiful scenery.