Gifu Hidden Gems
Mountain Japan at its most photogenic — thatched farmhouses, a preserved Edo townscape in Takayama, and river towns still fishing with cormorants.
5 spots
Climate & Best Season
Hida in the north is cold and snowy; the southern plain is hot and humid. April–May and October–November are ideal.
Famous For (Food)
- Hida beef
- Ayu (sweetfish)
- Keichan
- Gohei-mochi
Signature Sights
- Shirakawa-go (UNESCO)
- Takayama old town
- Gero Onsen
- Gujo Hachiman
Gifu Castle — Mountain Fortress Above the Clouds
Gifu Castle (岐阜城) crowns Mt. Kinka (329m), a dramatic mountain rising from the Nagara River plain. Originally built in 1…
Nagara River Cormorant Fishing (Ukai) — 1,300-Year Tradition
Ukai (鵜飼, cormorant fishing) happens after dark on the Nagara River between May 11 and October 15. Fishermen in traditio…
Mino Washi — 1,300-Year Paper Tradition (UNESCO)
Mino washi (美濃和紙) is handmade paper produced in Mino City using techniques designated UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritag…
Magome to Tsumago Hike — Nakasendo Trail Villages
The Magome-Tsumago hike follows a 7.8km preserved section of the Nakasendo (中山道) — the Edo-period mountain route connect…
Seki Knife Forging — Japan's Blade Capital
Seki (関市) has been Japan's blade-forging center for 800 years, originally producing samurai swords and now crafting some…