Kakamigahara, Japan

Reading Time: 5 minutes

Kakamigahara, Japan

Region: Gifu Prefecture

---

Geographic Coordinates: 35.398800, 136.848000

Climate: Seasonal.

Population: 143641

Language: Japanese

---

Kakamigahara is a city located in the Gifu Prefecture of Japan. The city has a population of over 140, 000 people and covers an area of approximately 61 square kilometers. It is situated on the eastern side of the Nagara River and surrounded by beautiful mountains, Making it an ideal location for outdoor activities. The history of Kakamigahara dates back to the Jomon period when humans first inhabited this area. During the Edo period, Kakamigahara was known for its production of high-quality silk fabrics, Which were exported to various parts of Japan and overseas.

Today, Kakamigahara is famous for its aerospace industry with companies such as Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation having their main factories located here. One popular attraction in Kakamigahara is Takayama Park, Which covers an area of approximately 100 hectares. The park has several walking trails that lead visitors through lush greenery and beautiful cherry blossom trees during springtime. There are also several ponds within the park where visitors can enjoy fishing or boating. Another notable attraction in Kakamigahara is Gifu Air Base Museum which showcases aircraft used by Japan’s Self-Defense Forces (JSDF).

Visitors can learn about Japanese aviation history as well as see various planes up close including fighter jets such as F-15 Eagle and T-4 Trainer. For those who enjoy shopping, Aeon Mall Kita-Kakamigaoka offers a wide variety of stores selling everything from fashion items to electronics. The mall also has a cinema complex showing both Japanese and foreign films.

Kakamiagharra also hosts several festivals throughout the year including Takayama Festival held in April where locals dress up in traditional clothing and parade through town with portable shrines called mikoshi on their shoulders; Obon Festival held in August where families gather together to honor ancestors; And Hida Furukawa Matsuri held in October which features a parade of beautiful floats decorated with intricate carvings and paper lanterns. Kakamigahara is a vibrant city with a rich history and plenty of attractions for visitors to explore. From its beautiful parks to its aerospace industry, There is something for everyone in this Japanese city.

Whether you are interested in history, Shopping or outdoor activities, Kakamigahara has it all.

---

---

1. Kakamigahara Aerospace Science Museum
2. Gifu Air Base
3. Sunomata Castle Ruins
4. Kiyomizu-dera Temple
5. Shohoji Temple
6. Gifu Park
7. The Museum of Fine Arts, Gifu
8. Nagaragawa Convention Center
9. Gujo Hachiman Castle
10. Nagaragawa Onsen

---

• Kakamigahara, Japan is renowned for its aerospace industry and boasts several major companies in the field, such as Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Kawasaki Heavy Industries.
• Additionally, other industries in the city include machinery manufacturing, electrical equipment production, and precision instrument fabrication.
• The city’s proximity to Gifu Castle and other historical sites has also led to a flourishing tourism industry.

---



Noteable History

1. The Battle of Sekigahara was a significant battle in Japanese history that occurred in 1600 near Kakamigahara. It led to the establishment of the Tokugawa shogunate, which ruled Japan for over 250 years.
2. Yamamoto Isoroku was a Japanese admiral during World War II who is best known for planning the attack on Pearl Harbor. He was born in Nagaoka, which is now part of Kakamigahara.
3. Nakamura Shidō II was a famous kabuki actor born in Kakamigahara in 1922. He became one of the most renowned performers of his time and received numerous awards for his work.
4. The Gifu Air Base is located near Kakamigahara and played an important role in Japanese military history since its establishment during World War II.
5. Kiso Yoshinaka was a samurai warrior who fought alongside Minamoto no Yoshitsune during the Genpei War (1180-1185). He is said to have been born in Kakamigahara.
6. Saito Dosan was a powerful daimyo (feudal lord) who controlled much of central Japan during the late 16th century and built several castles throughout the region, including one at Inabayama near modern-day Kakamigahara.
7. Hida Kokubun-ji Temple dates back to the early eighth century and played an important role in spreading Buddhism throughout Japan at that time period.
8. Takayama Ukon was a Christian convert who lived during Japan’s Christian Century (1549-1650). He was born in Kakamigahara and played a significant role in spreading Christianity throughout the region.

---



Museums and Things To See

1. Gifu Kakamigahara Air and Space Museum
2. Kakamigahara Aerospace Science Museum
3. Gifu Prefectural Ceramic Museum
4. Kakamigahara City History and Folklore Museum
5. Sessho-seki (Kakamigahara Stone Circle)
6. Oyada Shrine
7. Seiryu-ji Temple
8. Kaisei-ji Temple
9. Togan-ji Temple
10. Takatomi Castle Ruins

---



---



Sports Teams

1. Toyota Red Terriers: The Toyota Red Terriers are a professional baseball team that originated as the Toyoda Automatic Loom Works Baseball Team in 1946. Later, they became the Toyota Motors Baseball Team before adopting their current name in 2005. Over the years, they have won several championships including the Japan Series in 1950 and 2006.
2. Denso Airybees: The Denso Airybees are a professional women’s volleyball team that was founded in 1969 as part of Denso Corporation’s sports program, which also includes teams for soccer, softball, and table tennis. They have won multiple championships in Japan’s V.League including three consecutive titles from 2013-2015.
3. Aichi Steel Softball Club: The Aichi Steel Softball Club is a women’s softball team based in Kakamigahara that competes both nationally and internationally. They have won numerous championships over the years including six consecutive Japan Softball League titles from 1997-2002.
4. Chukyo University Baseball Team: Located just outside of Kakamigahara, Chukyo University has an impressive baseball program that has produced many professional players throughout history. Their high school division (Chukyo High School) has won multiple national championships and produced stars such as Shohei Ohtani (now with MLB’s Los Angeles Angels) and Yuki Yanagita (now with Nippon Professional Baseball’s Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks).

---

---



Cultural Events

1. Kakamigahara Fireworks Festival – This festival is held every August and features a spectacular fireworks display.
2. Takayama Autumn Festival – This festival takes place in October and features traditional Japanese music, dancing, and food.
3. Gifu Matsuri – This festival is held annually in July or August and celebrates the culture of Gifu Prefecture with parades, performances, and food stalls.
4. Kobo Daishi Birthday Celebration – This event honors the birth of Kobo Daishi (also known as Kukai), a famous Buddhist monk who founded the Shingon sect of Buddhism. It takes place on March 21st each year at Tojiin Temple in Kakamigahara.
5. Hida Furukawa Matsuri – Held annually in April or May, this festival celebrates springtime with parades featuring traditional costumes and floats decorated with cherry blossoms.

Please note that these events may be subject to change or cancellation due to COVID-19 restrictions or other unforeseen circumstances.

---



Cuisine

• Hida beef: This is a type of wagyu beef that is raised in the nearby Hida region and is known for its marbling and tenderness.
• Unagi (eel): There are several restaurants in Kakamigahara that specialize in unagi dishes, such as grilled eel over rice.
• Miso katsu: This dish consists of deep-fried pork cutlets served with a thick miso sauce. It’s a popular comfort food in the area.
• Soba noodles: Kakamigahara has several soba noodle shops that serve freshly made buckwheat noodles with various toppings.
• Izakaya (Japanese pub) food: There are many izakayas in Kakamigahara where you can try local dishes like chicken wings, grilled squid, and takoyaki (octopus balls).

Some recommended restaurants to try these dishes include:

• Katsukichi: A restaurant specializing in miso katsu located near Gifu University.
• Taniya Soba: A soba noodle shop with a cozy atmosphere and delicious noodles.
• Unagi no Seiromushiya Iwamoto: A restaurant serving steamed eel dishes using locally sourced ingredients.
• Torikin Yakitori Bar: An izakaya offering an extensive menu of yakitori skewers and other Japanese pub fare.
• Yakiniku Rikyu Gifu Airport Branch: A yakiniku (grilled meat) restaurant located near Gifu Airport featuring Hida beef options on their menu.

---



Parks and Recreation

1. Kakamigahara Aerospace Science Museum: This museum showcases the history of aviation and space exploration in Japan.
2. Kakamigahara Park: This park has a large playground, a baseball field, tennis courts, and walking paths.
3. Sunomata Castle Ruins: These ruins are the remains of a castle built during the Sengoku period.
4. Gifu Prefectural General Sports Center: This sports center has facilities for various sports including swimming, basketball, volleyball, and soccer.
5. Ogase Dam Park: This park is located near Ogase Dam and offers hiking trails and picnic areas with scenic views.
6. Kiso River Cycling Road: This cycling road follows the Kiso River through Kakamigahara city with beautiful scenery along the way.
7. Hida-Takayama Hot Springs: These hot springs are located about an hour’s drive from Kakamigahara city and offer relaxation in natural hot springs surrounded by mountains.

---



Find Yourself Again.

---