Gifu Prefecture, located almost in the center of Japan, boasts diverse landscapes, from majestic Alps to vast plains. It is brimming with attractions that captivate travelers, such as Hida’s historic old townscapes, World Heritage gassho-zukuri farmhouses, and historical stages where samurai warriors once galloped.
In this article, we’ve carefully selected four major spots in Gifu that are ‘absolutely unmissable’ from countless tourist attractions. Beyond textbook descriptions, a professional travel writer’s perspective provides thorough insights into the local atmosphere, best visiting times, and deep hidden gems.
Gifu Castle
📍 Address: Tenshukaku 18, Gifu, Gifu Prefecture 500-0000, Japan
An impregnable mountain castle, famously lauded with the saying, ‘Whoever controls Mino controls the nation.’ Originally known as Inabayama Castle, the stronghold of Saitō Dōsan, it was captured by Oda Nobunaga in Eiroku 10 (1567), renamed ‘Gifu Castle,’ and became his base for unifying the nation.
The view from the castle keep, towering atop Mount Kinka (approx. 329m above sea level), is truly breathtaking. The panoramic vista, encompassing the Nagara River, Nōbi Plain, and distant Japanese Alps, allows you to re-experience Nobunaga’s vision of ‘Tenka’ (unification of the nation).
While the Mount Kinka Ropeway offers a 3-minute ride from Gifu Park at the base to near the summit, the more athletic might enjoy hiking the ‘Meisō no Komichi’ (Path of Meditation) or the challenging ‘Umanose’ (Horse’s Back) route, with its steep rocky terrain. As a deeper highlight, the ‘Gifu Castle Museum’ located right next to the keep features an elaborate wax figure of Masahiro Motoki, who played Saitō Dōsan in the historical drama ‘Kirin ga Kuru,’ making it a hidden gem for history enthusiasts.
After descending, it’s recommended to relax at the newly established ‘Gifu Castle Rakuichi’ at the base. Here, you can savor ‘Yuzuke,’ a dish Nobunaga is said to have eaten before battles, or enjoy zunda sweets made with local edamame.
Shirakawa-go
📍 Address: Ogimachi, Shirakawa-mura, Ono-gun, Gifu Prefecture 501-5627, Japan
Registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in 1995, this village showcases Japan’s quintessential original landscape. The sight of 114 gassho-zukuri farmhouses with their thatched roofs standing side by side is simply breathtaking. However, its greatest charm is that it’s not merely an open-air museum, but a ‘living village’ where approximately 1,600 people still reside.
In this region, one of Japan’s heaviest snowfall areas, the spirit of ‘Yui’ (mutual assistance) thrives, enabling residents to survive the harsh nature. This spirit is passed down through practices like the roof re-thatching work, which involves hundreds of people. Within the village, you can closely observe the structure of vast attics, once used for silkworm farming, in places like the ‘Wada House,’ a nationally designated Important Cultural Property and one of the largest.
As for recommended routes, taking photos at the ‘Ogimachi Castle Ruin Observation Deck,’ which offers a panoramic view of the village, is a must. However, be aware that the observation deck’s parking lot is closed in winter, requiring a walk from the Seseragi Park parking lot at the foot of the hill. During your stroll, a bowl of ‘Tochi no Mi Mochi Zenzai’ (sweet red bean soup with horse chestnut mochi) by the irori (traditional sunken hearth) will provide ultimate warmth and comfort to your chilled body.
Furui Machinami (Old Town)
📍 Address: Kami Sannomachi 90, Takayama, Gifu Prefecture 506-0846, Japan
Located in the heart of Hida Takayama, this area, centered around Kami Sannomachi, is often called ‘Little Kyoto.’ Lined with historic wooden buildings that flourished as a merchant town from the late Edo period to the Meiji era, it’s designated as a National Important Preservation District for Groups of Historic Buildings. As you walk, gazing at the clear waterways flowing under the eaves and the beautiful latticework townhouses, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into a historical drama.
The greatest charm of this area is the incredible abundance of ‘street food and sake brewery tours.’ At sake breweries, marked by ‘Sugidama’ (cedar balls) hanging from their eaves, you can enjoy generous services like purchasing a sake cup for around 500 yen (approx. 450 yen) and self-tasting over 10 types of local sake, or unique experiences like ‘Ochoko Gacha’ (sake cup capsule toy).
For gourmet food, the ‘Hida Beef Nigiri Sushi’ (where shrimp crackers are used as plates, a popular style) which always has a queue, and Mitarashi Dango (skewered rice dumplings glazed with sweet soy sauce) with its fragrant soy sauce aroma, are absolute must-try local foods.
Since it gets very crowded with international tourists during the day, for those who want to take atmospheric photos or leisurely soak in the town’s ambiance, a morning stroll around ‘9 AM,’ when shops begin to open, is the most highly recommended time.
Magome-juku
📍 Address: Magome, Nakatsugawa, Gifu Prefecture 508-0502, Japan
‘Magome-juku’ flourished as the 43rd post town along the Nakasendō route, connecting Edo (Tokyo) and Kyoto. A steep, 600-meter-long stone-paved slope winding along a mountain ridge, flanked by houses with charred cedar board walls, and vigorously turning water wheels, creates a nostalgic world. Also known as a place associated with Shimazaki Tōson, it’s characterized by an air of literature.
For your stroll, don’t miss out on local road-side delicacies like Goheimochi, grilled with plenty of this region’s unique ‘walnut miso,’ and the famous ‘Kuri Kinton’ (candied chestnuts). From the ‘Miharashidai’ (Observation Deck) at the top of the slope, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the majestic Mount Ena, experiencing both a sense of accomplishment and openness.
A common pitfall for travelers to note is that most shops in Magome-juku close around 5 PM. However, it’s actually ‘from dusk into the night’ when tourists recede, and the soft glow of lanterns illuminates the cobblestones, creating the most beautiful and magical atmosphere. If you have time, we highly recommend staying overnight in the area to enjoy the serene magic hour of the night or a private early morning stroll.
Tips for Building Your Perfect Gifu Itinerary!
Gifu Prefecture is vast, with cultures and climates varying greatly by region. It can be broadly divided into two areas: the northern ‘Hida Area,’ home to Shirakawa-go and Takayama, and the southern ‘Mino/Tōno Area,’ where Gifu Castle and Magome-juku are located.
Since these two areas are more than a 2-hour drive apart even with expressways, trying to pack ‘Shirakawa-go, Gifu Castle, Magome-juku…’ into a 1-night, 2-day trip will result in spending most of your time traveling. When planning your trip, the biggest secret to a satisfying journey is to focus on a specific area and stay longer. For example, ‘This time, I’ll explore the World Heritage sites and old townscapes in the Hida Area,’ or ‘Next time, I’ll visit historic castles and the Nakasendō in the Mino Area.’
