Gifu

Gifu, the capital city of Gifu Prefecture in central Honshu, occupies a pivotal place in Japanese history and culture. Strategically located at the intersection of major routes connecting eastern and western Japan, the city was famously renamed from Inokuchi to Gifu by the legendary warlord Oda Nobunaga in 1567. Nobunaga's occupation of Gifu Castle, perched atop the 329-meter Mount Kinka, marked a significant step in his quest to unify the warring states of Japan under his rule. The city's geography is defined by the pristine Nagara River, which is celebrated as one of the cleanest rivers in the country and is the site of the ancient tradition of Ukai, or cormorant fishing. This 1,300-year-old practice, traditionally patronized by the Imperial Household, involves masters using trained birds to catch ayu (sweetfish) under the glow of fire baskets at night, a spectacle that remains a major tourist draw. Economically, Gifu emerged as a powerhouse in the textile and apparel industry following World War II, particularly in the wholesale district surrounding Gifu Station. The city also takes great pride in its traditional crafts, such as Gifu lanterns, Gifu umbrellas, and high-quality Mino washi paper, all of which are recognized for their exquisite craftsmanship and historical value. A key cultural landmark is the Gifu Great Buddha (Gifu Daibutsu) at Shoho-ji Temple, which is one of Japan's three largest Great Buddha statues and is unique for its basketwork construction method. The city is also a center for higher education and research, anchored by Gifu University. For recreation, residents and visitors frequent Gifu Park, a sprawling green space at the base of Mount Kinka that contains museums, traditional tea houses, and the cable car station leading to the castle. The local culinary scene is highlighted by Hida beef and various preparations of Nagara River ayu, reflecting the region's rich natural resources. With its blend of Sengoku-period history, unique riverside traditions, and a thriving modern industrial base, Gifu provides a compelling and multi-layered destination for those exploring the heart of the Japanese archipelago.

Nearby cities

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Tsu

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Gamagori

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Matsusaka

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Lake Biwa

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Toba

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Tsuruga

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Fukui

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History & landmarks

Gujo Hachiman

A charming riverside town famous for its pure water canals, hilltop castle, and the month-long Gujo Odori dance festival.

Hikone

A historic castle town by Lake Biwa, famous for one of Japan's best-preserved original castles.

Ise

Ise is home to the Ise Jingu, Japan's most sacred Shinto shrine complex, set amidst ancient forests.

Nature

Kiso River

A major river in central Japan, known as the Japan Rhine for its scenic beauty.

More places

Sekigahara Battlefield

The site of the decisive battle in 1600 that paved the way for the establishment of the Tokugawa shogunate.

Historic Villages of Shirakawa-gō and Gokayama

These villages are famous for their traditional Gasshō-zukuri farmhouses, whose steep thatched roofs resemble hands clasped in prayer.

Hida Folk Village (Hida no Sato)

An open-air museum in Takayama featuring over 30 traditional houses from the Hida region.

Magome-juku Post Town

A beautifully restored post town in the Kiso Valley that served the Nakasendo route.

Port of Nagoya

The largest trading port in Japan by cargo volume, especially important for automobile exports.

Yokkaichi Industrial Complex

One of Japan's largest petrochemical complexes.

Minamichita Beach Land

An amusement park and aquarium on the coast of the Chita Peninsula.

Toyota Tahara Plant

One of Toyota's most advanced automobile manufacturing plants, known for producing premium Lexus brand vehicles.