Gifu Prefecture
Gifu Prefecture on the island of Honshu is known in the country as being the Heart of Japan. This is because much of the prefecture is made up of agricultural land and if you are looking to get out of the major city hubs of Japan, then this is a great spot to explore.
The capital city of Gifu Prefecture is called Gifu City and here you will find a nice blend of city attractions as well as some beautiful natural scenery. This is also the main hub of the prefecture if you want to travel to other places in the region.
Gifu Prefecture also prides itself in the ‘Japanese Alps’, and for this reason locals flock here to enjoy hiking and mountain climbing. In the winter months there are a range of places where you can enjoy skiing, and this is also a part of Japan that is well known for its onsen. As such, this makes a great destination for those wanting to explore the more natural side of Japan.
Getting to Gifu:
By plane:
There is no central airport in Gifu, but you can take the train from Gifu city to the Chubu International Airport which takes an hour and costs ¥1,350.
By train:
You can get to Gifu from Tokyo by train although there is no direct route, From Tokyo station you will need to take the Tokaido Shinkansen to Nagoya and then change to a local train on the Tokaido Line which will take you to Gifu. This take a little over two hours and costs around ¥11,000.
You can also take the Shinkansen from Kyoto or Osaka to Nagoya and then change to a local train that will make the final part of the journey to Gifu.
Tourist Attractions:
Gifu:
Gifu City is the capital of Gifu Prefecture and it has a wealth of attractions to enjoy. The old and the new blend seamlessly here and even though this is a city, you can also enjoy communing with nature in places such as Gifu Park or at Mount Kinka which is a majestic and graceful peak that sits next to the city. Another famous spectacle here is the cormorant fishing that has taken place in the city on the Nagara River for over 1,300 years.
Takayama:
The city of Takayama is known as the gateway to the Japanese Alps. Here you will find local buildings and historical and cultural activities. Some places to look out for while you are in Takayama are the Hida Folk Art Museum and the neighboring Hida Folk Village.
Shirakawa-go:
Probably the most famous attraction in Gifu is Shirakawa-go which is delightful area of villages full of traditional houses in the form of bathhouses, medical centers, and viewing platforms that let you take in the breathtaking rural scenery of this part of Japan. You will also find museums here that tell the story of this region from ancient times until the present and if you are visiting during the winter time, this is a definite must-see attraction.
Gero Onsen:
The town of Gero is known in Japan for being one is its best and most famous onsen towns. Here you will find one of Japan’s ‘Three Famous Springs’ which date from the Engi Era which started in 901. The main reason to come here is to soak in the warm waters which are also said to have medicinal properties. Gero is located high in the mountains, so if you enjoy craggy scenery and spectacular vistas, then this is the place to visit.
Shopping and Duty Free:
Sakaida Eikichi Honten:
Gifu is known for its wagasa which are traditional Japanese umbrellas that are made of paper. If you are looking to buy these as a souvenir, then one of the best places to find them is at Sakaida Eikichi Honten which is conveniently located close to JR Gifu Station. The craftsmanship here is exquisite and makes for an elegant souvenir.
Ozeki Chochin:
Gifu is known for its arts and craft and this also extends to its wonderful paper lanterns. One of the best places to buy these is at Ozeki Chochin which is close to the Higashi Betsuin Temple. So if you are visiting the temple, make sure to drop in at Ozeki Chochin, as the lanterns here are some of the most ornate in all of Japan.
Asty Gifu:
Asty Gifu is a top spot to visit if you are looking for some pleasant eateries and dining options in Gifu City. You will find a range of shops here selling items like apparel and gifts but the main reason to come here is for the range of restaurants and cafes that offer both local and international cuisine.
Deals:
Gifu City is particularly easy to get around and part of the attraction here can be enjoying the city on foot or on a bicycle. The latter of these options is one of the best deals in the city as you can rent a bike at one of three different Rent-a-Cycle stations dotted around town for just ¥100 per day.
Recommended times to visit:
When to visit Gifu depends very much on what you want to do. Cherry blossom season is in late April to May, so if you want to see the flowers in full bloom then this is the best time to do it. It can be hot in the summer and it can also rain, but around the months of October and November in autumn, you can experience cooler weather and less rain. If you want to see areas such as Shirakawa-go under a blanket of snow, or try some skiing in the area, then the winter months of December to February are a solid pick.
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