Top 8 Interesting Things To Do In Gifu You Should Not Skip

Gifu is a mountainous prefecture in Japan’s Chubu area. Gifu is recognized for being a more rural place that is less developed than other big areas, but it does include a lot of picturesque spots that are worth a visit. Furthermore, it is ideal for (foreign) tourists interested in Japanese culture and history. In this essay, we will discuss the top Things To Do In Gifu!

Top 8 Interesting Things To Do In Gifu You Should Not Skip

1.  Visit the Gassho-Style Houses

Shirakawa-go villages were named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995 for the magnificent scenery and historically significant architecture they generate. The Gassho-style cottages are a sight to behold, and the wooden structures with steep-angled thatched roofs serve as the village’s everyday housing even after 300 years. Some of the buildings are open to the public, and you can even stay overnight, thus these are strongly recommended.

Wada-ke House is the largest of the several houses, so you should definitely go check it out. The Hirase Onsen (hot spring) region is located in the southern area of Shirakawa-go, where you can enjoy a steamy soak amidst an undisturbed expanse of brilliant green nature.

2. Shinhotaka Ropeway

Shinhotaka is Japan’s only ropeway with a two-story gondola, from which you can enjoy amazing views of the Okuhida region and the Hotake Mountain range, which has peaks that exceed 2000 meters in height. Each season brings a different breathtaking vista, making it a terrific place to visit at any time of year. There is also an observation deck on the roof of Nishihotakaguchi Station, where you may get a bird’s-eye view of the beautiful huge mountains, valleys, and forests. There are also many facilities to spend time in the area, such as a hot spring, restaurants, and souvenir shops.

3. Gero Onsen

Gero Onsen is a well-known hot spring resort in Gero City’s hilly area. It is regarded as one of Japan’s three greatest hot springs, along with Kusatsu Onsen in Gunma and Arima Onsen in Hyogo. The hot spring resort dates back over 1,000 years and was prominent throughout the Edo period. There are several Japanese traditional ryokan that provide travelers with lodging and local cuisine.

Gero Onsen’s hot spring water is soft and mellow, making it ideal for persons with delicate skin. Public foot baths are also free around the city, making it easier for international tourists to try onsen for the first time. There are more interesting locations where visitors can get historical and cultural experiences. It is unquestionably a must-see when you come!

3. Gifu Castle

During Japan’s Sengoku era (1467-1600), Gifu Castle was known as Inabayama Castle and served as the residence of Saito Dosan (a distinguished samurai and feudal lord). Most famously, Oda Nobunaga, the first shogun to unite Japan’s warring nations, demolished the castle and used it as a base for his eventual conquest of the country. The storied castle and its myriad antiques should appeal to anybody interested in history. Gifu Castle is also located near the summit of Mt. Kinkazan, and the observatory on the castle’s upper level provides a spectacular view over the Japanese Alps as well as Ise Bay.

4. Enakyo

Enakyo is a river valley in Ena city that is known as one of the most Interesting Things To Do In Gifu. The valley is located in the Kiso River’s middle course. It was constructed by artificial dam construction and has become a popular destination for travelers looking to immerse themselves in nature. It has a lot of unusual rock formations that make for a beautiful view with a quiet river running alongside it. The sightseeing high-speed boat is a wonderful way to see the river views. Other tourist attractions nearby include Ena Wonderland, a theme park ideal for families with children!

5. Sekigahara Battlefield

The Battle of Sekigahara fought between the Western army led by Ishida Mitsunari and the Eastern army led by Tokugawa Ieyasu, is one of the most important engagements in Japanese history and historical Things To Do In Gifu, serving as a pivotal point in determining Japan’s future at the time.

The site of the pivotal encounter is marked with a massive tombstone and flags carrying the Ieyasu and Tokugawa family crests. Traces of the war, such as locations and troop formations of the Ishida and Tokugawa armies, enable you to retrace the imprints left by the individuals who sought to genuinely claim the entire country as their own. You’ll definitely want to pay a visit, especially if you’re a history lover.

6. Magome-juku

Magome-juku was the 43rd station and the southernmost shukuba-machi (post-station) of the 11 lodges along Nakasendo, one of the two roads connecting Tokyo and Kyoto during the Edo period. During the time, the city thrived as a shukuba-machi, particularly for the sankin-kotai, a Tokugawa shogunate policy that required feudal lords (daimyo) to alternate residing between their territory and Edo.

The neighborhood has been well conserved, with cobbled walks along the mountainous roads resembling what was once usual for those living in Japan during this period. Shimazaki Toson was born in the town, and in the Toson Memorial Museum, you may read about the life of a naturalist whose work was undoubtedly impacted by the personality of his lovely hometown. It will be a wonderful Things To Do In Gifu. There are even locations where you may stay overnight in this wonderful neighborhood.

7. Otome Gorge 

Otome Gorge is a fantastic Things To Do In Gifu for a hiking trail in Nakatsugawa City that runs from the Otome Gorge Campsite to Meoto Falls. Meoto Falls will take roughly 1.5 hours to reach. It’s a reasonably easy hiking track, although it does involve some rugged mountain paths, so wear comfortable shoes or hiking boots.

Meoto Falls is an 80-meter-high dynamic waterfall. Other waterfalls, caverns, and lakes may be observed on the approach to Meoto Falls, and in the autumn, you can walk among the brilliant foliage in the mountain. The trail becomes an advanced hiking trail ahead of Meoto Falls toward Mt. Kohide, requiring prior preparation as well as climbing registration (you can submit the form at Otome Gorge Campsite).

8. Join in Ogaki Festival 

Finally, if you find Things To Do In Gifu in May, don’t miss the Ogaki Festival. The event, which began in 1648, is held every year in the middle of May for two days. It was inscribed on the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2016. From the ritual performance on the large floats in front of Ogaki Hachiman Shrine to the parade through the city. In the evening, the festival floats reassemble in front of the shrine and are gorgeously illuminated with lanterns. Approximately 500 food stalls line up during the event, and the entire town gets into the festive atmosphere.

Conclusion:

Above are our Top 8 Interesting Things To Do In Gifu includes from joining the festival, and visiting the castle to some historical places that must be put into your plan list for the next trip. I hope you like it and see you later!