Best Places to Visit in Gifu Prefecture | Travel Guide (2024) | Things to Do, See & Eat
Gifu Prefecture Travel Guide
Quick overview of Gifu Prefecture with our expert tips and insights. Jump to any section.
- Gifu Prefecture Travel Videos
- Plan Gifu Prefecture Trip
- Best Places To Visit In Gifu Prefecture
- Hotels Map Of Gifu Prefecture
- Tours And Activities In Gifu Prefecture
- Food And Drinks To Try In Gifu Prefecture
- Best Time To Visit Gifu Prefecture
- Flight Calendar For Gifu Prefecture
- Transportation To Gifu Prefecture
Welcome to Gifu Prefecture, Japan! Nestled in the heart of the country, Gifu Prefecture offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and cultural experiences. From the majestic peaks of the Japanese Alps to the tranquil waters of the Nagara River, this region is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Gifu Prefecture is also home to several historical sites, including the iconic Takayama Old Town, where traditional wooden houses and narrow streets transport visitors back in time. Additionally, the prefecture is renowned for its hot springs, such as the famous Gero Onsen, providing a perfect opportunity to relax and rejuvenate. With its stunning landscapes, fascinating heritage, and warm hospitality, Gifu Prefecture is a must-visit destination for those seeking an authentic Japanese experience.
Gifu Prefecture Travel Videos
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Best Places To Visit in Gifu Prefecture
1. Takayama: Located in the mountainous region of Gifu Prefecture, Takayama is a charming city known for its well-preserved traditional streets and historic buildings. Visitors can explore the Old Town area, where they can admire beautifully crafted wooden houses and shop for local crafts and souvenirs. The city is also famous for its Takayama Festival, held twice a year, which showcases stunning floats and traditional performances. Nature lovers can venture into the nearby Hida Mountains to enjoy hiking trails and hot springs.
2. Gero: Gero is a picturesque town renowned for its hot springs and serene atmosphere. The town is home to several onsen ryokans, traditional Japanese inns with hot spring baths, where visitors can relax and rejuvenate. Gero's hot springs are said to have healing properties and are particularly popular during the autumn season when the surrounding foliage turns vibrant shades of red and orange. Additionally, Gero offers scenic walking trails along the Hida River and opportunities to try local delicacies such as Hida beef.
3. Shirakawa-go: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Shirakawa-go is a must-visit destination in Gifu Prefecture. This historic village is famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, characterized by their steep thatched roofs resembling hands in prayer. Visitors can explore the village and even stay overnight in one of the farmhouses turned guesthouses to experience the local way of life. The village's charm is further enhanced during the winter months when the farmhouses are covered in snow, creating a magical winter wonderland.
4. Gujo Hachiman: Known as the "Water City," Gujo Hachiman is a town renowned for its intricate network of canals and crystal-clear water. Visitors can take leisurely boat rides along the canals, admiring the traditional houses and bridges that line the waterways. The town is also famous for its Bon Odori dance festival held in August, where locals and visitors come together to dance and celebrate. Gujo Hachiman offers a tranquil and authentic experience of rural Japan.
5. Gifu City: The capital city of Gifu Prefecture, Gifu City offers a blend of modernity and history. The city is dominated by the iconic Gifu Castle, perched on top of Mount Kinka, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. Visitors can also explore the Nagara River and take a scenic boat ride through the Nagaragawa Gorge. Gifu City is also famous for its cormorant fishing, a traditional fishing method where trained birds catch fish under the guidance of fishermen.
6. Mino: Mino is a small town known for its rich history of washi paper production. Visitors can visit the Mino Washi Museum to learn about the traditional paper-making process and even try their hand at making their own paper. The town is also home to the Mino Falls, one of Japan's most beautiful waterfalls, surrounded by lush greenery. Mino offers a peaceful and cultural experience for those seeking a deeper understanding of Japanese craftsmanship.
7. Inuyama: Inuyama is a historic city famous for its Inuyama Castle, one of Japan's oldest surviving castles. Perched on a hill overlooking the Kiso River, the castle offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Inuyama is also home to the Meiji Mura, an open-air museum showcasing over 60 historic buildings from the Meiji period. Visitors can immerse themselves in the atmosphere of old Japan while exploring the museum's exhibits.
8. Tajimi: Tajimi is a city renowned for its ceramics and is often referred to as the "City of Pottery." Visitors can visit various pottery studios and kilns to witness the craftsmanship behind Tajimi's famous ceramics. The city is also home to the Tajimi Monochrome Ceramic Museum, where visitors can learn about the history and techniques of ceramic production. Tajimi's annual Ceramic Festival attracts pottery enthusiasts from around the world.
9. Ogaki: Located on the banks of the Yodo River, Ogaki is a city known for its beautiful castle ruins and scenic landscapes. Visitors can explore the remains of Ogaki Castle, which dates back to the 16th century, and enjoy the surrounding park area. The city also offers opportunities for outdoor activities such as cycling along the river or taking a boat ride. Ogaki's peaceful atmosphere and historical sites make it a delightful destination to visit.
10. Mizunami: Mizunami is a city famous for its limestone caves and natural beauty. Visitors can explore the Mizunami Fossil Museum, which showcases a wide range of fossils found in the area, including dinosaur remains. The city is also home to the Tsukiyomi-no-miya Shrine, known for its beautiful cherry blossom trees that bloom in spring. Mizunami offers a unique blend of geological wonders and cultural attractions.
Hotels Map Of Gifu Prefecture
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Tours And Activities In Gifu Prefecture
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Food & Drinks To Try In Gifu Prefecture
1. Hida beef: Gifu Prefecture is famous for its Hida beef, which is known for its marbling and tenderness. This high-quality beef is often served as steak or in hot pot dishes.
2. Gohei mochi: A traditional Gifu specialty, gohei mochi is a grilled rice cake skewered on a stick and coated with a sweet and savory miso sauce. It is a popular street food snack in the region.
3. Sekai-ichi apple: Gifu is known for producing some of the best apples in Japan, particularly the Sekai-ichi variety. These large, juicy apples have a sweet and crisp flavor and are perfect for enjoying fresh or in desserts.
4. Hoba miso: Hoba miso is a unique local dish where miso paste, vegetables, and meat are grilled on a magnolia leaf. The leaf imparts a distinct aroma and flavor to the dish, making it a must-try in Gifu.
5. Ayugashi: Ayugashi is a traditional sweet made from ayu fish, a local specialty in Gifu. The fish is dried and ground into a powder, which is then mixed with sugar and molded into various shapes. It has a unique taste and texture that is worth experiencing.
6. Mino-style soba: Gifu is known for its Mino-style soba noodles, which are made from buckwheat flour and have a slightly chewy texture. These noodles are often served cold with a dipping sauce or in hot broth with various toppings.
7. Hida milk: Gifu is also famous for its Hida milk, which is known for its rich and creamy flavor. It is often used in desserts and dairy products such as ice cream and yogurt.
8. Sake: Gifu Prefecture is home to several sake breweries, producing a wide range of high-quality sake. Visitors can enjoy tasting sessions and learn about the traditional brewing process while exploring the local sake culture.
9. Sansai: Gifu's mountainous terrain offers a variety of wild edible plants known as sansai. These include ferns, mushrooms, and bamboo shoots, which are often used in local dishes such as tempura or stir-fries.
10. Miso soup: Gifu is known for its flavorful miso soup, which is made from fermented soybean paste, dashi broth, and various ingredients such as tofu, seaweed, and vegetables. It is a staple in Japanese cuisine and a must-try in Gifu.
Best Time To Visit Gifu Prefecture
The best time to visit Gifu Prefecture, Japan, is during the spring and autumn seasons. In spring, which is from March to May, the weather is mild and pleasant, and the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, creating a stunning and picturesque landscape. This is a great time to visit popular attractions such as Takayama and Shirakawa-go. In autumn, which is from September to November, Gifu Prefecture is adorned with vibrant fall foliage, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and forests. The weather is also comfortable during this time, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking and sightseeing. It is important to note that Gifu Prefecture experiences hot and humid summers and cold winters, so it is best to avoid visiting during these seasons unless you are prepared for the extreme temperatures.
Flight Calendar For Gifu Prefecture
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Transportation To Gifu Prefecture
There are several transportation options to Gifu Prefecture, Japan.
1. By Air: The nearest airport to Gifu Prefecture is Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO) in Nagoya. From the airport, you can take a train or bus to Gifu Prefecture.
2. By Train: Gifu Prefecture is well-connected by train. You can take a Shinkansen (bullet train) from major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, or Kyoto to Nagoya, and then transfer to a local train to reach Gifu Prefecture.
3. By Bus: There are also bus services available from major cities to Gifu Prefecture. You can check with bus companies like Meitetsu or JR Bus for schedules and fares.
4. By Car: If you prefer driving, you can rent a car and drive to Gifu Prefecture. The prefecture is accessible via major highways like the Chuo Expressway or the Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway.
Once you are in Gifu Prefecture, there are local transportation options like trains, buses, and taxis to get around the different cities and attractions within the prefecture.