Popular Sightseeing Tours in Gifu City

There are many charming destinations around Gifu City perfect for a day trip. For example, you can visit 'Gujo Hachiman', steeped in history, to experience its ancient streets reminiscent of a 'little Kyoto' and its pristine springs. Alternatively, explore 'Inuyama Castle Town' to admire Inuyama Castle, one of Japan's oldest original castles, and wander through its nostalgic streets. For those interested in traditional crafts, the 'Mino Washi Paper Village' is highly recommended to learn about and experience the papermaking process of Mino Washi. These locations will enrich your Gifu journey, allowing you to deeply experience the local culture and history.

To thoroughly experience the local culture of Gifu City, we recommend an itinerary of two to three days. On the first day, you can visit Gifu Castle and Mount Kinka to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of samurai history, and in the evening, witness the traditional Cormorant Fishing (Ukai) on the Nagara River. The second day can be spent strolling through the old streets of Kawaramachi, experiencing traditional crafts and local cuisine, or delving into the city's development at the Gifu City Museum of History. If you have extra time, a third day can be dedicated to a day trip to nearby areas like Mino City or Gujo Hachiman, offering a more comprehensive appreciation of the unique charm and cultural depth of the Gifu region.

Gifu City and Nagoya City offer distinct tourist attractions. Nagoya, as the transportation hub and modern metropolis of the Chubu region, is known for its bustling commercial districts, contemporary architecture, abundant shopping opportunities, and unique culinary culture (such as miso katsu and unagi hitsumabushi). Gifu City, on the other hand, focuses more on historical, natural, and traditional cultural experiences. Here, you'll find Gifu Castle, symbolizing samurai history, the scenic Nagara River, the thousand-year-old Ukai fishing tradition, and the atmospheric old streets of Kawaramachi. Gifu City offers a more relaxed, in-depth, and historically rich travel experience, allowing visitors to escape the hustle and bustle and feel the simplicity and beauty of old Japan.

The cherry blossom season in Gifu City typically falls from late March to early April each year, when cherry blossoms bloom beautifully in places like Gifu Park and along the Nagara River. As for watching the Nagara River Cormorant Fishing, the activity period runs from May 11th to October 15th annually. You can witness this thousand-year-old traditional fishing method every evening during this period (except on some special dates). July and August are usually the peak seasons with the largest crowds, while September and October offer the charm of cormorant fishing amidst the deepening autumn colors. Visitors are advised to choose months that best suit their preferences.

Traveling from Nagoya to Gifu City is very convenient. The most common and recommended method is by JR train. From Nagoya Station, take a rapid or local train on the JR Tokaido Main Line, which takes approximately 20 minutes to reach JR Gifu Station. Alternatively, you can take the Meitetsu Railway. From Meitetsu Nagoya Station, board an express or rapid train on the Meitetsu Nagoya Main Line, which will take about 30 minutes to reach Meitetsu Gifu Station. Both options have frequent services, allowing you to reach Gifu City quickly and easily from Nagoya city center to start your journey.

Must-visit attractions in Gifu City include the historic Gifu Castle, the panoramic views from Mount Kinka, the picturesque Nagara River, and the nostalgic Kawaramachi old town. A recommended itinerary would be for one or two days: for a one-day trip, take the Mount Kinka Ropeway in the morning to visit Gifu Castle and the Squirrel Village, stroll along the Nagara River and explore Kawaramachi's ancient streets and traditional shops in the afternoon, and arrange to watch the Nagara River Cormorant Fishing in the evening. For a two-day trip, you can explore museums in more depth or plan a visit to nearby Mino City to experience Mino Washi papermaking, adding more depth and breadth to your trip.

Gifu Castle is located atop Mount Kinka and is easily accessible by the Mount Kinka Ropeway. Besides exploring the castle's interior to learn about Oda Nobunaga's history, you can enjoy panoramic views of Gifu City and the Nagara River from the castle keep. The summit also features a Squirrel Village, making it a fun spot for families. Nagara River Cormorant Fishing is a thousand-year-old traditional fishing method, with the viewing season running from May to October annually. Visitors can opt for a viewing boat to closely observe the fascinating cooperation between the cormorant masters and their birds, while also enjoying a meal onboard. It is advisable to book viewing boat tickets in advance, especially during peak seasons. Understanding the history and culture of cormorant fishing before watching will greatly enhance your experience.

In Gifu City, two main areas are recommended for accommodation: one is near JR or Meitetsu Gifu Station, offering convenient transportation and complete surrounding commercial facilities. The other is the Nagara River Onsen area, which boasts many hot spring inns where you can enjoy a bath while admiring the beautiful Nagara River scenery; some inns even offer Cormorant Fishing viewing boat services. For must-try local delicacies, the sweet and clear Nagara River Ayu (sweetfish) is highly recommended, delicious whether grilled with salt, simmered in sweet soy sauce, or served as sashimi. Additionally, try Hoba Miso (朴葉味噌), where miso mixed with ingredients like mushrooms is grilled on a magnolia leaf, releasing an enticing aroma and pairing perfectly with rice. If you have the chance, also savor Hida beef dishes to experience their melt-in-your-mouth texture. These culinary experiences will surely enhance your trip.

Gifu City offers several unique experiences perfect for families with children. You can take them on the Mount Kinka Ropeway to the summit to visit Gifu Castle and interact with cute squirrels at the Squirrel Village, which promises to be an unforgettable experience for children. In the evening, watching the Nagara River Cormorant Fishing is also a highly educational activity, teaching children about traditional Japanese fishing methods and the bond between humans and birds. Furthermore, if time permits, visiting the nearby Gifu City Science Museum with its interactive exhibits can spark children's curiosity. Strolling through Kawaramachi and sampling local snacks also allows families to collectively experience the charm of old Japan.

Winter travel in Gifu City offers a different kind of charm compared to other seasons. Although the Nagara River Cormorant Fishing is suspended in winter, there might be winter illuminations in the city area to create a romantic atmosphere. Gifu's winter temperatures are low, and occasional snowfall can occur, so it's essential for visitors to pack warm clothing, such as heavy coats, gloves, scarves, and waterproof, non-slip shoes. Please also pay attention to weather forecasts when using public transportation, as snow may cause delays. With fewer tourists in winter, you can visit indoor attractions like Gifu Castle and historical museums more leisurely, experiencing the unique tranquility and atmosphere of the season.