Gifu

Gifu Prefecture is an attractive prefecture located almost in the center of Japan, where abundant nature and deep history thrive. In the north lies Takayama, known as "Little Kyoto of Hida," where the old townscape, which preserves the atmosphere of the Edo period, makes you feel as if you have traveled back in time just by walking through it. At the World Cultural Heritage site "Shirakawa-go," a village of gassho-zukuri houses with steeply pitched thatched roofs spreads out, offering an encounter with Japan's original landscape. For history lovers, we recommend "Gifu Castle," the base from which Oda Nobunaga raised the banner of "Tenka Fubu," and "Sekigahara," where the decisive battle for control of the realm was fought. From Gifu Castle, towering on the summit of Mt. Kinka, you can take in a sweeping view of the vast Nobi Plain. In "Gero Onsen," one of Japan's three great hot springs, the silky waters that cling gently to the skin soothe travel-weary bodies. On the clear Nagara River, "Gifu Nagara River Cormorant Fishing," with a history of more than 1,300 years, is known as a summer tradition, and you can watch this traditional fishing method up close. The cuisine is rich too, and the brand beef "Hida beef," known for its fine marbling, and salt-grilled "ayu" sweetfish raised in clear water are superb. Along with the scenery of each season, we hope you will fully enjoy Gifu's distinctive culture and flavors.