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There are an array of things to do in Japan, with Gifu sharing quite a few of those!
Nestled in the heart of Japan, Gifu beckons with irresistible charms like a captivating siren.
With its stunning natural beauty, cultural richness, and captivating traditions, Gifu offers a plethora of experiences that leave an indelible imprint on every traveler’s mind.
Whether it’s exploring historic castles, indulging in delectable cuisine, or immersing yourself in the soothing waters of hot springs, Gifu awaits with open arms.
Join us as we take you through the thrilling journey of the top things to do in Gifu.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Gifu:
1. Takayama Old Town
A beautifully preserved historic district in the city of Takayama, Gifu Prefecture in Japan.
What to see or do: Take a stroll along the picturesque streets lined with traditional wooden houses, sake breweries and shops selling local crafts and souvenirs.
Visit the Takayama Jinya, a former government office dating back to the Edo period, to learn about the region’s history and culture.
Explore the Takayama Festival Floats Museum to see the stunningly ornate floats used in the city’s famous festivals.
Don’t miss: Trying the local cuisine including Hida beef, grilled river fish and sake from one of the many breweries in the area.
Take a hot spring bath at one of the traditional ryokans in the Old Town for a truly authentic Japanese experience.
Insider travel tips: Visit during the spring or autumn seasons for ideal weather conditions and fewer crowds. Consider staying overnight in one of the traditional ryokans to fully immerse yourself in the local culture.
Try to time your visit with the Takayama Matsuri, one of the most famous festivals in Japan, held twice a year in April and October.
2. Shirakawa-go
A UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the mountains of Gifu, Japan known for its unique traditional architecture and scenery.
What to see or do: Take a stroll through the historic village and admire the gassho-style houses, which are constructed with steep thatched roofs to withstand the heavy snowfall in the region.
Visit the Wada House, one of the largest houses in the village and a museum showcasing the lifestyle of a wealthy farming family during the Edo period.
Don’t miss: The illumination event during the winter months, when the village is lit up with thousands of twinkling lights, creating a magical atmosphere.
Insider travel tips: Although Shirakawa-go can be visited year-round, it is especially beautiful during the snowy season. Be prepared for cold weather and wear warm clothing and boots.
Avoid peak tourist season (June to August) to have a quieter and more relaxed experience. Arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds.
3. Hida Folk Village
Hida Folk Village is an open-air museum in Takayama, Gifu Prefecture, showcasing traditional houses from the Hida region of Japan.
What to see or do: Explore the old thatched-roof houses, watermills, and workshops that give you a glimpse of Japan’s rural lifestyle from the Edo period (1603-1868).
Some houses feature demonstrations of traditional crafts like woodworking, indigo-dyeing, and weaving.
Don’t miss: The view of the Japanese Alps is breathtaking from the village, particularly in winter when they’re covered in snow.
Don’t miss the chance to take a photo with Taro, the friendly statue of a giant tanuki (raccoon dog), a mascot of the village.
Insider travel tips: Visit during the spring cherry blossom or autumn foliage seasons for even more spectacular views.
Check the seasonal events calendar before visiting; you can join one of the cultural activities like tea ceremony, mochitsuki (rice cake making), or Hinamatsuri (Girls’ Day) celebration.
The souvenir shop sells handcrafted items from local artisans, including traditional Hida furniture and sake.
4. Gujo Hachiman Castle
A historical castle located in Gujo Hachiman, Gifu Prefecture, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can tour the castle and admire its unique architecture, which features a multi-layered, white-walled exterior and a red roof. The interior of the castle has been turned into a museum displaying feudal-era artifacts and artworks.
The castle is surrounded by a beautiful park and garden with walking paths and picnic areas.
Don’t miss: The view from the top floor of the castle, which offers stunning vistas of the scenic countryside and the city of Gujo Hachiman.
Insider travel tips: Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, as there are several flights of stairs to climb to reach the castle’s top floor.
Visitors can also explore the nearby historic district of Gujo Hachiman, which is known for its traditional architecture and narrow streets.
The town is also famous for its spring water, which is said to be some of the purest in Japan, so be sure to try some while you’re there.
5. Gero Onsen
Gero Onsen is a small town located in Gifu Prefecture, Japan, known for its natural hot springs.
What to see or do: Visitors can relax in the hot springs at one of the many ryokans (traditional Japanese inns) in town. There are also public baths available for those not staying at a ryokan.
Take a stroll along Hida River or check out the views from Mount Ontake.
Don’t miss: The Gero Onsen Gassho Traditional Village, a recreation of a traditional Japanese village with thatched-roof houses. Yudokoro Kanetanaka is a must-visit for the complete onsen experience.
Insider travel tips: To avoid large crowds, visit Gero Onsen during the week instead of the weekends. Look out for local events like the Gero Onsen Summer Festival and the Hida Beef Festival.
The onsen water is very hot, so be sure to follow the rules and soak for only short periods of time.
6. Nagara River Ukai Cormorant Fishing
Nagara River Ukai Cormorant Fishing is a traditional fishing method that has been practiced on the Nagara River in Gifu for over 1,300 years.
What to see or do: During the fishing season which runs from May to October, visitors can watch skilled fishermen who use trained cormorants to catch ayu (sweetfish) and other fish.
The fishermen work aboard a traditional boat, guiding the birds to dive into the river to catch fish with a rope tied to their necks.
Don’t miss: Visitors should not miss the lovely night-time illumination of the fishing boats.
The sight of glowing traditional fishing boats against the backdrop of the dark waters creates a magical atmosphere that is truly unforgettable.
Insider travel tips: Be sure to arrive early to snag the best viewing spots. It is recommended to book in advance for guaranteed seats.
Combine the fishing experience with a visit to the nearby Gifu Castle or the old town of Takayama for a full day of cultural immersion.
7. Inuyama Castle
Inuyama Castle is a Japanese castle located in Inuyama, Gifu Prefecture.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the castle and take in the stunning views of the surrounding town and the Kiso River.
Don’t miss: Be sure to check out the castle’s collection of historic artifacts, including armor and weaponry.
The cherry blossom season in spring and the autumn leaves in fall add an extra layer of beauty to the castle’s already picturesque setting.
Insider travel tips: Consider visiting the castle during the morning or early afternoon to avoid the crowds. Visitors can also enjoy a boat ride along the Kiso River for a unique perspective of the castle.
8. Meiji Mura
Meiji Mura is an open-air museum dedicated to preserving and showcasing Japanese architecture and culture from the Meiji period (1868-1912).
What to see or do: Visitors can see over 60 buildings from the period, including Western-style mansions, traditional Japanese homes, and public buildings like schools and shops.
There are also live performances, demonstrations, and exhibits on Meiji-era fashion and technology.
Don’t miss: The iconic Meiji-era Tokyo Station, which was moved to the museum and restored to its original grandeur.
Insider travel tips: Consider visiting during the autumn season to see the changing leaves and experience the museum’s Fall Festival, which includes traditional music and dance performances.
Make sure to wear comfortable shoes, as the museum covers a large area and there is a lot of walking involved.
9. Gifu Castle
Gifu Castle is a historic castle in Gifu City, Japan, that dates back to the 16th century.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the castle’s various structures, including the impressive main tower, which offers stunning views of the surrounding city and Nagara River.
Inside the castle, there are several exhibits that detail the history and culture of the area.
Don’t miss: The view from the top of the castle is a must-see, offering incredible panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscape.
Also, don’t forget to check out the nearby Gifu Park, a beautiful green space that features several walking trails and picnic areas.
Insider travel tips: Be sure to wear comfortable shoes as there are steep stairs and inclines to climb to reach the castle.
Also, consider visiting in the spring when the park is in full bloom with cherry blossoms, making for a picturesque and memorable experience.
10. Mt
Mt.
What to see or do: Visitors can take a cable car or hike up the mountain to reach Kinka Observation Deck, offering panoramic views of Gifu City and the surrounding area.
Don’t miss: The nighttime view of the city from the observation deck, particularly during the Gifu City Light Festival (Gifu no Yoake) in September.
Insider travel tips: It is recommended to visit during the autumn season (mid-October to late November) to witness the vibrant colors of the surrounding foliage.
Also, stop by the Giant Buddha Statue on the way up/down the mountain for an additional cultural experience.
11. Zengoro Falls
Zengoro Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in Gifu Prefecture, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can enjoy a short hike through the forest and cross a suspension bridge to get a stunning view of the waterfall.
The crystal-clear water cascading down the rocky cliffs and lush vegetation make for a beautiful sight.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss out on taking photos from the designated viewpoint near the observation deck. The waterfall is especially stunning during autumn when the leaves of the surrounding trees are changing color.
Insider travel tips: – Wear comfortable shoes for the hike, some parts of the trail can be slippery.
12. Yoro Park
Yoro Park is a picturesque park located in Gifu, Japan.
What to see or do: – See the famous Yoro Waterfall which flows upwards during certain times of the year due to a natural phenomenon.
Don’t miss: – The Yoro Park Observatory which provides a panoramic view of the park and the surrounding area.
Insider travel tips: – Visit during the autumn season when the park is ablaze with colorful foliage.
13. Shiraito Falls
Shiraito Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in the town of Seki, Gifu, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can enjoy hiking on the nearby trails and admire the natural beauty of the surrounding area. The waterfall has a height of 13 meters and is known for its stunning appearance resembling white silk.
Don’t miss: The observation deck offers a panoramic view of the falls and is a perfect spot for great pictures. Make sure to stroll along the walking path to appreciate the greenery of the forest.
Insider travel tips: Visitors should wear comfortable footwear when exploring the area. Avoid visiting on weekends as the falls can be crowded with local tourists.
Plan a trip during the week to avoid the rush and enjoy a peaceful experience.
14. Kiso Valley
The Kiso Valley is a picturesque region located in Gifu, Japan, known for its preserved historic towns, traditional architecture and beautiful hiking trails.
What to see or do: Walk the Nakasendo Trail, one of the five routes of the Edo period, and explore the post towns of Tsumago and Magome.
Visit the Fukushima-jinja Shrine, the Narai-juku and the Kiso-Fukushima Castle. Relax in one of the area’s hot springs or enjoy a traditional Japanese meal at one of the local restaurants.
Don’t miss: The Kaida highlands, a beautiful scenic area where you can hike, camp and enjoy breathtaking views of the valley.
Insider travel tips: To fully enjoy the Kiso Valley, plan to spend at least two days in the area.
Be sure to wear comfortable shoes for hiking, and consider hiring a local guide to learn more about the history and culture of the region.
Don’t forget to try the local specialty, soba noodles, made with buckwheat flour and traditionally served with a variety of toppings.
15. Magome-juku
A preserved town along the Nakasendo highway that connects Tokyo and Kyoto.
What to see or do: Stroll through the old town and admire the traditional architecture and shops. Visit the Magome Sekisho-kan museum to learn about the history of the Nakasendo highway and the toll station.
Take a hike on the well-preserved trail to the neighboring town of Tsumago.
Don’t miss: Trying some of the local specialties such as soba noodles, gohei mochi (grilled rice cakes coated in miso paste), and hida beef.
Insider travel tips: Avoid visiting during peak tourist season (mid-April to early May and mid-August to early September) to fully appreciate the quiet atmosphere of the old town.
Wear comfortable shoes if you plan to hike to Tsumago as the trail can be steep in some areas.