GIFUGifu PrefectureGIFU

Where is Gifu Prefecture located?

Gifu Prefecture is located almost in the center of Honshu, with traditional villages, like Gujo Hachiman, and the popular skiing destination Takayama nestled in the mountains.

What are some foods from Gifu Prefecture?

Gifu Prefecture has a unique food culture, nurtured by its rich natural environment, history, and culture, that offers many delicious dishes. Here are some representative examples:

Chicken dishes (Kei-chan)

This dish involves marinating chicken in soy sauce or a miso-based sauce and then grilling it with vegetables, such as cabbage. It’s a simple but addictive dish.

Gohei Mochi

Gohei mochi is a dish where partially milled rice, where some grains remain, is skewered and grilled with a sauce. It is widely enjoyed throughout Gifu Prefecture, especially in the eastern Tono and Hida regions.

Hida Beef

Hida beef is a top-tier meat, having won first place in competitions judging the quality of Wagyu beef nationwide. The beautiful marbling is both a characteristic and an aesthetically pleasing feature of this beef.

What are some of the tourist spots in Gifu Prefecture?

Gifu Prefecture offers a variety of tourist spots featuring nature, history, and culture. Here are some notable examples:

Hida Takayama

Hida Takayama is a tourist destination located in the northern part of Gifu Prefecture that is known for its Edo-era streetscapes, Hida beef, and clear rivers. This area is well preserved with ancient buildings, and the old town and Takayama Jinya of Hida Takayama are popular tourist spots. Also, Hida beef is delicious, and there are many restaurants in Takayama City where you can enjoy it. At the foot of Mount Norikura, there are hot springs that are popular with tourists. Various events are held each season, attracting many tourists.

Shirakawa-go

Located on the border of Gifu and Toyama Prefectures, Shirakawa-go is a World Heritage site with a preserved gassho-zukuri village. Gassho-zukuri is an architectural style characterized by a roof that resembles praying hands. It was developed as a snow-resistant structure for heavy snowfall areas. Shirakawa-go still has many historic gassho-zukuri houses, and it offers different landscapes, depending on the season. Nearby, there are museums, like the Shirakawa-go Gassho-zukuri Folk Village, and hot springs that attract many tourists.

Gifu Castle

Gifu Castle in Gifu City was built during the Edo period. It was the residence of many daimyo, including the Kuroda and Tokugawa clans, and was known as the center of the Sonno Joi movement （a movement revering the Emperor）in the late Edo period. The castle tower, modeled after the original castle built by Yamagata Masakage during the Sengoku period, was rebuilt in 1956. Gifu Castle Park has famous cherry blossom spots, a zoo, and Gifu City Museum, attracting many visitors. Access from Gifu City is also convenient, making it a great base for sightseeing.

Yoro Tenmei Hantenchi

Located in Nakatsugawa City, Gifu Prefecture, Yoro Tenmei Hantenchi is a natural phenomenon where the Earth’s magnetic field is said to be reversed and a “reverse slope phenomenon” occurs, where cars can appear to roll uphill. While it is actually a downhill slope, the surrounding terrain and scenery are thought to cause an optical illusion. The area around Yoro Tenmei Hantenchi has famous spots for autumn leaves, hot springs, and cherry blossoms, attracting many tourists. It is popular as a place where visitors can experience the reverse slope phenomenon.

Gero Onsen

Gero Onsen, located in Gero City, Gifu Prefecture, is one of Japan’s representative hot spring areas. There are many natural hot springs with water flowing directly from the source that are known for their beautifying and relaxing effects and which have been loved since ancient times. The hot spring town has many ryokans and hotels, most of which have open-air baths and large public baths. Nearby, there are tourist spots, such as the famous Hida beef production area and Gero Country Club, attracting many visitors. In winter, the hot spring town is lit up and illuminated, creating a magical atmosphere.

【Gero Onsen】 Charming natural hot spring with a high temperature of 84 degrees Celsius

Gero Onsen is a renowned tourist destination that is known as one of the "top three hot springs of Japan," alongside Gunma's Kusatsu Onsen and Hyogo's Arima Onsen. Many people visit this hot spring town seeking relaxation and rejuvenation. The town is lined with ryokan (traditional Japanese inns) and hotels, and there are three communal bathhouses where you can enjoy the hot springs. Furthermore, there are numerous free footbaths scattered throughout the town, allowing visitors to enjoy the hot springs at their leisure while strolling around.