A one-day cherry blossom viewing tour in Gifu, Japan | Gifu Castle, Kinkazan Ropeway, Sunomata River Cherry Blossom Avenue | Round-trip transportation from Nagoya
- Stunning Mountain City Views | Jinhua Mountain × Gifu Castle
Climb Gifu Castle and enjoy panoramic views of the Nagara River and Gifu City. Take the cable car to the summit of Mt. Kinka; in spring, cherry blossoms surround the castle, creating a rich and layered landscape that's a must-see for photographers.
- Jinhuashan Squirrel Village
Feed squirrels up close in Jinhuashan Lisi Village and immerse yourself in the natural forest environment – a popular experience for families.
- Cherry Blossom Viewing in the Park | Spring Scenery of a Japanese Garden
Strolling through Gifu Park, cherry blossoms bloom around the moat and garden paths, creating a rich spring atmosphere.
- Ancient town tour｜Lunch in Kawahara Town
Stroll through Kawaramachi, a town that retains its Edo-era charm, surrounded by wagashi (Japanese sweets), miso kushiyaki (skewered miso), and cafes, and enjoy a local lunch.
- Famous Sakura Castle | Sumamata One Night Castle
Explore the legendary Sengoku period castle, Sunomata Castle. In spring, cherry blossoms line the river surrounding the castle, creating a pink sea of flowers that frames the castle tower, making it a popular cherry blossom viewing spot in Gifu.
- Direct round trip from Nagoya
No need to transfer trains, enjoy a relaxed and comfortable day trip to both Gifu cities and cherry blossom viewing.
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Transfer from meeting point |
| Departure Time | Standard Departure (8-9 am) |
| Minimum participant requirement | 6 travelers |
| Meal arrangement | Arrange yourself |
| Additional service & facility | Transfer included |
| Family-friendly | Free for children under 2 (no seat) |
| Seasonal | Spring Cherry Blossom |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights, Japanese castles, Historic site tour, Food tour・Izakaya Hopping, Forest bathing |
| Transport | Bus tour |
Product Info
The content of this product is provided by machine translation and may not reflect the actual information, please take this into consideration before booking.
Enjoy a limited-time spring cherry blossom viewing day trip in Gifu. Starting from Nagoya, ascend Mt. Kinka to visit the iconic Gifu Castle atop the mountain, overlooking the Nagara River and the city skyline, experiencing the magnificent interplay of Sengoku history and springtime blossoms. Stroll through Gifu Park, where cherry blossoms and Japanese gardens create a picturesque scene, elegant and tranquil, perfect for photos. Explore the old town of Kawaharamachi, preserving its Edo-era charm, and freely sample local delicacies and snacks, leisurely experiencing Gifu's slow pace of life. Then, visit the renowned cherry blossom spot, Sunomata Castle, where rows of cherry trees line the riverbanks. When in full bloom in late March, they form a romantic cherry blossom tunnel; walking along the riverbank amidst the endless sea of pink blossoms is a popular springtime photography hotspot. Additionally, the itinerary includes a visit to a local specialty gift shop at the foot of the mountain, where you can freely purchase representative Gifu souvenirs, samurai-themed memorabilia, local sake, and adorable sweets and confectionery such as ayu (sweetfish) to create lasting memories of your trip. With a private car for round-trip transportation, you can easily explore the historic city and cherry blossom scenery in one day and enjoy a romantic spring trip to Gifu.
Kinkazan Ropeway: A 4-minute cable car ride takes you to the summit. At the top, you'll find the famous Gifu Castle, the red three-story pagoda, and stunning views of Nagoya's skyscrapers and the Nagara River. Squirrel Village and Cuisine: A "Squirrel Village" at the summit allows you to get up close and feed squirrels. The summit restaurant offers Hida beef yakiniku (grilled beef over rice) and family crest ice cream, among other specialties. Local Products: A specialty shop at the foot of the mountain sells representative Gifu souvenirs, samurai-themed merchandise, and unique Nobunaga banana-themed desserts. Travel Tips: May is the best time to see the long-tailed oak trees bloom, turning the mountains golden, and enjoy a magical sunset in the evening.
Famous Cherry Blossom Viewing Spot: Approximately 1,000 cherry trees are planted along the Sai River embankment surrounding Sunomata Castle. Every spring, when they bloom, the pink sea of blossoms stretches for hundreds of meters, creating a spectacular cherry blossom walkway. Strolling along the riverbank, enjoying the beautiful scenery of the ancient castle and cherry blossoms while feeling the spring breeze, is a popular cherry blossom viewing spot and a hotspot for photography. Iconic Gourd (Senryo Hyotan): Gourd-shaped decorations can be seen throughout the castle, symbolizing Hideyoshi's representative symbol, the "Senryo Hyotan." Legend has it that the gourd symbolizes victory and prosperity, making it one of the important cultural symbols of Sunomata Castle and a popular element for tourists to take photos.
Gifu Kinkazan Squirrel Village: Japan's first squirrel village, offering year-round opportunities to interact and feed adorable squirrels. Located in front of Kinkazan Station at the summit, Gifu Kinkazan Squirrel Village was established in 1965 and is Japan's first interactive squirrel-themed park. The park houses squirrels from Taiwan, which do not hibernate, allowing for year-round feeding experiences. The park features a rooftop area, ensuring a safe visit even on rainy days, making it perfect for families and photo opportunities. The squirrels will nimbly leap onto your arms to collect food, providing a therapeutic and unforgettable close-up experience.
Kawaramachi Old Town: A well-preserved Edo-era old town along the Nagara River, perfect for leisurely strolls, photography, and appreciating local culture. Located along the Nagara River in Gifu Prefecture, Japan, Kawaramachi Old Town is a historic district that retains the charm of townhouses from the Edo to Meiji periods. Once prosperous due to the Nagara River's water transport, it was a hub for paper and timber merchants, and today it's a charming and nostalgic place to explore.
Purchase Notice
[Tourism Conditions]
Travel departure point and destination: Aichi and Gifu
Trip duration: Day trip
Transportation: Chartered bus
Bus company name: AMA Transportation
Meals: Breakfast 0 times, Lunch 0 times, Dinner 0 times
Accommodation facilities: None
Minimum group size: 6
Team Leader: 1 (Driver also serves as team leader for groups of 15 or fewer; 1 additional team leader for groups of 15 or more)
Tour guide: 0
【Travel Planning/Implementation】
Operating Company Name: KKT Corporation
Address: No. 1770-23, Kashiwai-cho 1-chome, Kawa City, Chiba Prefecture
License Number: Chiba Prefecture Governor's Registered Travel Agency No. 2-1131
Reminders
A minimum of 6 traveler(s) are required for the tour to depart. If the number of participants does not reach the minimum requirement, the tour will be canceled. An email regarding tour cancellation will be sent 4 day(s) before the departure date
In case of delays caused by traffic, weather, or other force majeure factors resulting in the cancellation of some itinerary attractions, please contact customer service. We will arrange a partial refund for you
In the event of inclement weather such as typhoons or snowstorms, a decision on whether to cancel the tour will be made 1 day(s) before departure (local time 18:00). Notifications will then be sent via email
Travelers with the following conditions or other health issues that could be worsened by excessive stimulation should not participate in this activity: Acrophobia, Epilepsy, Asthma, High blood pressure, Heart disease, Pregnant women
Please arrive at the designated location 15 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
An email with the tour leader and vehicle registration information for the following day will be sent between 6:00 PM and 9:30 PM the night before departure. Please check your inbox! If you do not receive it, it may be in your spam folder. Alternatively, you can contact customer service via the back-end system or leave a message the night before departure.
Infants under 3 years old who do not occupy a seat can join the tour for free. Each adult can only bring one infant who does not occupy a seat. If you are bringing an infant, please indicate this in the "Remarks" section when booking. If an infant occupies a seat, the price is the same as for adults.
The quality of the flowers during the blooming season is mainly affected by the weather. Even if the flowers are not at their peak bloom, the tour will still depart as scheduled. Tourists who are concerned about this should carefully consider when placing their orders.
Please be mindful of your personal safety and belongings during free time. You will be solely responsible for any accidents or losses incurred due to disregard for these warnings.
If you leave the group midway through the trip, the transaction will be considered invalid, and no refund will be given. Furthermore, you will be solely responsible for any personal injury or property damage resulting from this.
Minors or children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult to join the tour. Travelers aged 80 and above must be accompanied by a family member or friend. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Arrival times for each itinerary may vary depending on traffic conditions, weather, holidays, and crowds. We apologize for any delays or cancellations caused by the aforementioned factors or other unforeseen circumstances, and no refunds will be provided on such grounds.
Please keep your passport and valuables with you at all times during the trip. You will be responsible for any loss, theft, or damage.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations 3 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
- For cancellations made 1 to 2 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 50% will apply
- Cancellation is not allowed between 0–0 days from the selected date. Orders cannot be canceled or modified, and refunds will not be granted.
- Due to time zone differences, the confirmed cancellation date is based on the supplier’s local time. Please allow 2–5 business days to process your cancellation request, after which the cancellation fee will be charged according to the product’s cancellation policy. Once the cancellation is confirmed, you will receive your refund within 14 working days.
FAQ
Gifu Castle, perched atop Mount Kinkazan, offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Nagara River and the expansive Gifu Cityscape. In spring, the surrounding mountain is adorned with cherry blossoms, creating a picturesque setting. It's a prime spot for photographers to capture diverse scenery from its historic vantage point.
Gifu Castle holds significant historical importance as the former residence of Oda Nobunaga, one of Japan's most prominent samurai lords during the Sengoku period. He renamed the area "Gifu" and utilized the castle as a strategic base for his ambitious campaigns to unify Japan.
The Kinkazan Ropeway provides convenient access to Gifu Castle, which is situated on Mount Kinkazan. As visitors ascend, the ropeway offers stunning aerial views of the castle itself, the winding Nagara River, and the vast urban landscape of Gifu, especially beautiful when cherry blossoms are in bloom during spring, making the ride an integral part of the scenic experience.
Gifu Castle is intrinsically linked to Kinkazan Mountain because it is strategically located at the mountain's summit. The mountain naturally served as a formidable defensive fortress for the castle. Visitors typically use the Kinkazan Ropeway to ascend the mountain and reach the castle grounds, experiencing both the natural landscape and historical site together.
At Kinkazan Squirrel Village (Kinkazan Risumura), visitors can enjoy a unique and interactive experience by feeding friendly squirrels up close in a natural forest environment. This delightful activity allows for gentle immersion in nature and is particularly popular among families and children seeking a memorable wildlife encounter.
Sumatagawa Ichiyo Castle is renowned as a popular cherry blossom viewing spot due to its picturesque setting during spring. The castle grounds are encompassed by a long stretch of cherry trees lining the riverbanks, which create a beautiful, continuous pink floral tunnel. This stunning combination of a historic castle and an expansive sea of blossoms makes it a highly cherished destination for spring admirers.
The historic Kawaramachi district, located near Gifu Castle, offers a charming journey back in time with its well-preserved Edo-period atmosphere. Visitors can wander through traditional shops selling wagashi (Japanese sweets) and miso skewers, discover quaint coffee shops, and enjoy authentic local lunch options, all while soaking in the nostalgic ambiance of the ancient streetscape.
Gifu Park, particularly enchanting in spring, showcases beautiful cherry blossoms that beautifully frame its ancient stone castle walls and winding garden paths. The park's traditional Japanese garden elements are wonderfully enhanced by the vibrant seasonal blooms, creating a serene and picturesque environment ideal for enjoying the full splendor of spring.
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