Gifu, Japan

Reading Time: 6 minutes

Gifu, Japan

Region: Gifu Prefecture


Geographic Coordinates: 35.423200, 136.761000
Temperature Range: 10.0°C to 35.0°C (50°F to 95°F)
Climate: Seasonal.
Population: 400118
Language: Japanese

Gifu is a city located in the central part of Japan, Situated on the banks of the Nagara River. It is the capital city of Gifu Prefecture and has a population of approximately 410, 000 people. The city boasts a rich history and culture, Making it an interesting destination for tourists. One of Gifu’s most famous attractions is its castle, Which was built in 1201. The castle is perched on top of Mount Kinka and offers stunning views over the city.

Visitors can take a cable car to reach the castle or hike up one of several trails that lead to its summit. Another popular attraction in Gifu is the Nagara River, Which flows through the heart of the city. Visitors can take boat rides along this river to see some beautiful scenery and experience traditional Japanese culture. One such boat ride is called Ukai, Which involves fishermen using cormorant birds to catch fish at night while visitors watch from boats. For those interested in Japanese history and culture, There are several museums worth visiting in Gifu.

The Gifu City Museum of History showcases artifacts from throughout Japan’s history as well as exhibits about local traditions and customs. In addition to these cultural attractions, Gifu also has plenty to offer for outdoor enthusiasts. There are many hiking trails around Mount Kinka that offer breathtaking views over both urban areas as well as natural landscapes like forests or waterfalls nearby like Yoro Falls or Shirakawa-go village known for its traditional houses with steep roofs made out straw called gassho-zukuri style architecture.

but not leastly, GIFU CITY Tower 43 offers panoramic views over downtown area including landmarks such as Nagara River Bridge , JR station etcetera making it an ideal spot for those who want an overview before exploring more deeply into what makes this place special . All things considered, Gifu City has something unique to offer everyone who visits it whether they are interested in history, Culture, Nature or just want to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Japan.

With its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty, Gifu is definitely worth a visit for anyone who wants to experience the best of what this country has to offer.



Important Landmarks

  1. Shirakawa-go village
  2. Takayama Old Town
  3. Hida Folk Village
  4. Gujo Hachiman Castle
  5. Gifu Castle
  6. Nagaragawa Ukai Cormorant Fishing Experience
  7. Mt. Kinka Ropeway
  8. Inuyama Castle
  9. Meiji Mura Museum
  10. Yoro Park and Site of Reversible Destiny

Primary Industries

  1. Manufacturing
    • Traditional Japanese crafts such as ceramics, lacquerware, and textiles
  2. Tourism
    • Historical sites
    • Natural attractions
  3. Agriculture
    • Fertile land producing rice, vegetables, and fruits
  4. Healthcare
    • Provided by many hospitals and clinics throughout the city
  5. Education
    • Several universities located in Gifu attracting students from different parts of Japan as well as international students
  6. Retail trade
    • Thriving in the city with numerous shopping centers and department stores offering a wide range of products to consumers
  7. Transportation
    • Various transportation-related businesses such as logistics companies, trucking companies, and railway operators
  8. Information technology (IT)
    • Growing rapidly in the city with several software development companies located there

Noteable History

  1. The Battle of Sekigahara in 1600 was a significant event that marked the rise of Tokugawa Ieyasu as the shogun of Japan, and it took place in Gifu.
  2. Oda Nobunaga, who was born and raised in Gifu, played a crucial role in unifying Japan during the Sengoku period and is considered one of the most powerful warlords in Japanese history.
  3. The Hida Takayama Festival is an annual event that takes place in Takayama, which is located within Gifu Prefecture. It’s known for its elaborate floats and traditional performances and is considered one of Japan’s top three festivals.
  4. The Nakasendo Trail is an ancient road that connected Kyoto to Tokyo during the Edo period, with some parts running through Gifu.
  5. Shirakawa-go Village is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Gifu famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses with steep thatched roofs.
  6. Yamanaka Onsen hot spring town located within Gero City has been known for its healing waters and picturesque scenery since ancient times.
  7. Ishikawa Goemon was a legendary thief who attempted to assassinate Oda Nobunaga while he was staying at a temple in Gifu; he was born and raised in Kanazawa City within present-day Ishikawa Prefecture but became famous throughout all of Japan for his daring exploits.
  8. Kinkazan Observatory Deck offers stunning views over Nagoya city from across the river valley; it’s located on Mount Kinka within easy reach from downtown Nagoya by cable car or hiking trail.

Museums and Things To See

  1. Gifu Castle is a historic castle situated on top of a hill in the center of Gifu City.
  2. Takayama Old Town is an old town that has been preserved with traditional Japanese architecture and streets.
  3. Shirakawa-go is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses.
  4. Gujo Hachiman Castle, located in the town of Gujo Hachiman, is known for its beautiful cherry blossoms in spring.
  5. The Gifu City Museum of History showcases the history and culture of Gifu City and its surroundings.
  6. Inuyama Castle, located in Inuyama City near Nagoya, is one of Japan’s oldest surviving castles.
  7. The Seki Cutlery Museum is dedicated to traditional Japanese knives and swords and can be found in Seki City.
  8. The Mino Washi Paper Museum offers an interactive experience showcasing the history and artistry behind Mino washi paper, a traditional handmade paper from Gifu Prefecture.
  9. The Mt.Kinka Ropeway provides visitors with panoramic views over Gifu City and beyond via an aerial cable car ride to the top of Mt.Kinka.
  10. The Nagaragawa Ukai Museum introduces visitors to cormorant fishing -a unique tradition practiced every summer near Nagara River- through exhibits and demonstrations.


Sports Teams

  1. 1. FC Gifu is a professional football club situated in Gifu City, founded in 2007, and currently playing in the J3 League – Japan’s third tier of football.
  2. The Gifu Swoopers are a professional basketball team located in Gifu City, established in 2015, and competing at the top division of basketball in Japan – B.League.
  3. Ohashi High School Baseball Team has a rich history of success and has won multiple national championships.
  4. Gifu Seiryu Rugby Football Club was established back in 1972 and has been participating at different levels within Japan’s rugby league system.
  5. Nagara River Rowing Club is situated on Nagara River’s banks and has produced several Olympic-level rowers while continuously nurturing young talent from the region.
  6. Gifu Ice Falcons were a professional ice hockey team that played for one season (2016-2017) before disbanding due to financial difficulties.
  7. FC Nagaragawa Mizunami is a semi-professional football club based out of Mizunami City that competes at lower levels within Japan’s football league system.


Cultural Events

  1. Takayama Festival is held twice a year in April and October, and it’s one of the most famous festivals in Japan. The festival features elaborate floats, traditional dances, and music.
  2. Gujo Odori Dance Festival takes place during summer nights in August. This festival is known for its lively dancing and lantern-lit streets.
  3. Shirakawa-go Winter Light-Up illuminates the traditional thatched-roof houses of Shirakawa-go with thousands of lights from January to February each year.
  4. Gifu Castle Cherry Blossom Festival occurs when cherry blossoms are in full bloom during early April, allowing visitors to enjoy picnics under the blossoms while taking in views of Gifu Castle.
  5. Hida Furukawa Matsuri takes place on the third weekend of September each year, featuring a parade with floats decorated with flowers and paper lanterns.
  6. Inuyama Matsuri happens on the first weekend of April at Inuyama Castle every year, where visitors can enjoy traditional performances such as taiko drumming and yosakoi dancing.
  7. Mino Washi Akari Art Exhibition occurs from mid-October to early November at Mino City’s Washi-no-Sato Park every year where visitors can view beautiful illuminated washi paper lanterns created by local artists.
  8. Takayama Autumn Festival or Hachiman Matsuri is celebrated every October 9th at Hachiman Shrine with processions featuring ornate floats decorated with intricate carvings and textiles.

Cuisine

  • Hida beef: This is a type of wagyu beef that comes from the Hida region of Gifu. Some popular restaurants that serve Hida beef are Maruaki and Miyagawa.
  • Ayu (sweetfish): Ayu is a freshwater fish that is grilled and served with salt or soy sauce. Some popular ayu restaurants in Gifu include Nagara River Ayuya and Kisoji.
  • Mino-style soba noodles: Mino-style soba noodles are made with buckwheat flour and wheat flour, and they have a chewy texture. Some popular soba noodle restaurants in Gifu include Soba no Shoujiki, Tsukimizu Soba, and Sobaya Nakamura.
  • Gohei-mochi: Gohei-mochi is a type of grilled rice cake that is coated with miso paste or other seasonings. Some popular gohei-mochi restaurants in Gifu include Yamada-ya Honpo and Takayama Kanko Hotel.
  • Takayama ramen: Takayama ramen is a type of noodle soup that features thick noodles, pork broth, soy sauce, and other toppings like bamboo shoots and green onions. Some popular ramen shops in Gifu include Ramen Senkaizuke Nakamuraya and Ramen Jinya.
  • Unagi (eel): Unagi dishes can be found at some places around Gifu such as at Unagi no Nakamura restaurant located near Nagarabashi Bridge on the Nagara River.
  • River fish cuisine:River fish dishes like sweetfish(Ayu)and Char(Iwana)are very famous because there are many clear streams and rivers in Gifu. Some popular restaurants that serve river fish cuisine are Nagara River Ayuya, Kisoji, and Iwana no Sato.

  • Parks and Recreation

    1. Gifu Park is a large park that boasts cherry blossom trees, a tea house, and the iconic Gifu Castle.
    2. The Nagaragawa Convention Center offers visitors an array of recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and cycling.
    3. The Mount Kinka Ropeway is a cable car that takes tourists to the top of Mount Kinka for hiking and sightseeing.
    4. Golf enthusiasts will appreciate the Takayama Green Hotel Golf Course – an 18-hole golf course surrounded by breathtaking scenery.
    5. Gujo Hachiman Castle Park is a park surrounding Gujo Hachiman Castle with walking trails and picnic areas for visitors to enjoy.
    6. Shirakawago Village is a UNESCO World Heritage site with traditional Japanese houses and scenic views of the mountains – truly picturesque!
    7. Yoro Park is home to unique art installations, hot springs, waterfalls, and gardens – making it an ideal destination for families or anyone looking to unwind in nature’s beauty.
    8. Hida Furukawa Onsen offers visitors relaxing baths in its hot spring town known for its therapeutic waters – perfect after exploring all day!
    9. Gero Onsen has historic significance as a hot spring town famous for its healing waters; you won’t regret taking time out here!

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