- Attractions by Region -
Gassho-zukuri hamlets, a time-honored hot spring, and Edo-period streets—Gifu’s essence in one sweep.
UNESCO World Heritage: Shirakawa-go Gassho-Zukuri Village
A timeless landscape of steep thatched-roof farmhouses in the gassho-zukuri style. The village reveals different faces across the seasons.
Gero Onsen, One of Japan’s Three Great Hot Springs
With over a millennium of history, Gero’s silky alkaline waters are famed as “beautifying water,” offering deep relaxation for body and mind.
Hida-Takayama Old Town
A preserved Edo-period merchant quarter designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings—perfect for strolling, snacking, and souvenir hunting.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and Gifu’s signature attraction. Over 100 steep thatched-roof houses in gassho-zukuri style form a living heritage village amid classic Japanese scenery.
Gassho-Zukuri Village, a Living World Heritage Site
Shirakawa-go is a UNESCO-listed gassho-zukuri village and one of Gifu’s most iconic destinations. More than 100 thatched houses remain, many still inhabited today—making it a “living heritage.” The scenery is often described as Japan’s idyllic countryside and is especially popular with overseas visitors.
Panoramic viewpoints such as the Ogimachi Castle Ruins and Shiroyama Tenshukaku offer superb vistas—lush greens in spring and summer, blazing foliage in autumn, and a magical snow scene in winter.
Several gassho houses (Wada House, Kanda House, Former Toyama House, etc.) are open for interior visits, providing a glimpse into traditional life. You can also enjoy day-use hot springs and learn about the architecture at the gassho museum. Shirakawa-go combines heritage, seasonal beauty, and immersive learning all in one.
The highlight of sightseeing in Takayama. The “Sanmachi” merchant quarter retains a strong Edo-period atmosphere with latticed townhouses and sake breweries along narrow canals.
Merchant Streets Steeped in Edo Charm
The core of Takayama’s old castle town, especially the Sanmachi area (Kamiichinomachi, Kaminihomachi, Kamisanomachi), is famed for preserved merchant houses with beautiful latticework. Watercourses flow beneath the eaves, and cedar “sugidama” balls hang at sake breweries—an evocative scene of old Japan.
Beyond scenery, the area excels in experiences: sampling local sake and Hida beef, trying traditional crafts like Ichii Itto-bori carvings, and enjoying nostalgic cafés in renovated machiya. Popular street foods include Hida beef sushi and skewers, and fragrant mitarashi dango. Rickshaw tours and seven breweries offering tastings are also highlights. A perennial favorite among domestic and international travelers.
One of Japan’s “Three Great Hot Springs” alongside Arima and Kusatsu. The town straddles the Hida River with many inns and nine free footbaths. Its alkaline water is famed for silky “beautifying” effects.
Silky Alkaline Waters, Celebrated for Centuries
Counted with Arima and Kusatsu as one of Japan’s three most renowned hot springs—praised since the Heian period and by Edo scholar Hayashi Razan. The town sprawls along the Hida River, lined with numerous ryokan and hotels.
There are nine free ashiyu (footbaths) dotted around, perfect for casual dips while strolling. The alkaline simple hot spring is smooth to the touch and popular as “beautifying water.” Gero has preserved its classic brand while evolving with cafés and sweets, making it a lively, multi-genre hot spring town.
A stunning mountain castle known as “Japan’s most beautiful” and a “castle in the sky.” Rebuilt in wood in 1933 (the oldest wooden reconstructed castle), its keep offers sweeping views and glorious autumn foliage.
Japan’s Oldest Wooden Reconstructed Castle
Poised on Mt. Hachiman, this graceful yamajiro is often called “Japan’s most beautiful mountain castle,” recently popularized as a “castle in the sky.” The current tenshu was rebuilt in 1933, referencing National Treasure Ogaki Castle (later lost in war)—making it the oldest surviving example of a wooden reconstruction. Exhibits include artifacts of former lords and battle screens.
From the keep, take in the townscape, the Yoshida River, and the surrounding mountains. While all seasons impress, the castle truly dazzles in autumn when the entire mount glows red; seasonal night illuminations add a dreamlike aura. Its allure blends rarity (“oldest wooden reconstruction”), photogenic scenery, and spectacular foliage.
The symbol of Gifu City atop Mt. Kinka—once the stronghold of Saito Dosan and Oda Nobunaga. The observation deck offers a 360° panorama by day and sparkling night views on special evenings.
Nobunaga’s Sky Castle
Formerly Inabayama Castle, this mountaintop fortress became a base for Saito Dosan and later Oda Nobunaga’s unification drive. Famed as near-impregnable, it inspired the phrase “He who controls Mino controls the realm.” The current three-tier, four-story RC structure was reconstructed in 1956 through citizen effort.
Inside is a history museum of Gifu Castle. From the top observation deck, gaze upon the Nagara River below, Gifu City, Mt. Ena and Ontake to the east, the Northern Alps to the north, Mt. Ibuki to the west, and the Nobi Plain to Ise Bay to the south—truly 360°. Seasonal night openings (“Panorama Night View”) are a romantic highlight.
In Okuhida Onsen Area. Japan’s only double-decker gondola whisks you to 2,156 m. From the summit deck, relish a Michelin two-star panorama of the Northern Alps through all seasons.
Soar to a Michelin-Starred Alpine View
Ride the first and second ropeways to Nishi-Hotaka Station at 2,156 m. The second line features Japan’s only double-decker gondola with huge windows for a dramatic aerial ride.
From the rooftop deck, take in Nishihotaka, Yarigatake, Kasagatake, and a 360° sweep of the Northern Alps. The view is listed with two stars in the Michelin Green Guide Japan. Each season shines—fresh greens in spring, deep greens in summer, fiery foliage in autumn, and glittering snowscapes in winter.
Stroll “Mori-no-Choen” near the summit, and enjoy bakery and onsen at Shirakabadaira Station (e.g., outdoor bath “Shinpō-no-Yu”). The unique double-decker ride plus Michelin-rated scenery appeals to all ages.
The 43rd post town on the Nakasendo. A rare “slope-side” town—stone-paved streets lined with historic townhouses. Birthplace of novelist Shimazaki Toson.
Post Town on a Hillside, with Literary Ties
One of the 69 stations on the Nakasendo between Edo and Kyoto (43rd from Edo), Magome is unusual in being laid along a ridge with a 600 m stone-paved slope. Latticed houses, teahouses, and souvenir shops evoke Edo’s ambience.
It is the birthplace of author Shimazaki Toson; the Toson Memorial Museum stands at the honjin site and exhibits manuscripts and artifacts. Street snacks—gohei-mochi, oyaki, fresh senbei—are part of the fun.
From the viewpoint at the top, Mt. Ena dominates the skyline. Together with nearby Tsumago-juku and hiking routes, Magome blends history, culture, food, and active exploration.
An artificial lake created by the Oi Dam on the Kiso River. Dramatic granite rock formations line both shores—best appreciated on a 30-minute sightseeing cruise. Seasonal flowers and foliage abound.
Lake and Fantastical Rock Formations
Named by geographer Shiga Shigetaka in 1920, Enakyo features eroded granite cliffs with formations like Lion Rock, Byobu Rock, and Warship Rock. A cruise offers up-close views of precipitous walls.
Cherry blossoms and azaleas bloom in spring, vibrant greens and the red Enakyo Bridge in summer, and colorful foliage in autumn; winter sees migratory waterfowl. Nearby are Enakyo Wonderland, Enakyo Onsen, and the renewed Visitor Center—enough for a full day out. The interplay of a dam lake with natural rock artistry makes Enakyo uniquely compelling.
A vast park centered on Yoro Falls, famed in folklore for filial piety. Selected among Japan’s Top 100 Waterfalls. Home to the experiential art site “Site of Reversible Destiny – Yoro Park.”
Waterfall Legend Meets Nature & Art
Known for the “Yoro Filial Piety Legend,” the 30 m high, 4 m wide cascade is listed among Japan’s Top 100 Waterfalls and its spring (Kikusui) among Japan’s Top 100 Waters. Ukiyo-e master Hokusai also depicted it.
The 78 ha park includes “Site of Reversible Destiny” by Arakawa Shusaku and Madeline Gins, Gifu Children’s World, sports facilities, a campsite, and a market area “Rakuichi Rakuza.” Cherry blossoms and autumn foliage make it lively in spring and fall. A versatile destination combining nature, art, recreation, and local flavors.
A small, crystal-clear pond by the approach to Nemichi Shrine. Koi glide under water lilies—so photogenic it’s likened to Monet’s “Water Lilies.”
A Painting Come to Life
This nameless irrigation pond beside Nemichi Shrine in Itadori, Seki City, went viral on social media for its extraordinary clarity, colorful koi, and water lilies that evoke Monet’s masterpiece.
Fed by subterranean water from Mt. Koka, the temperature stays around 14°C year-round, preserving clarity and keeping lilies from withering even in winter. Peak bloom is late May–October, but autumn colors and snow scenes are also beautiful. Please observe good manners—it wasn’t built for tourism.
A collective of five hot spring villages—Hirayu, Fukuji, Shin-Hirayu, Tochio, and Shin-Hotaka—nestled in the Northern Alps. Famous for abundant springs and open-air baths amid grand nature.
Five Distinct Villages, One Alpine Onsen Paradise
Boasting some of Japan’s richest flow rates, each of the five onsen areas has distinct vibes and waters. Outdoor baths with mountain views are a signature draw in all seasons.
The area is a gateway to Shinhotaka Ropeway, Hirayu Great Falls, and Okuhida Bear Park. Local morning markets and folk settings add charm. Diversity across five villages, alpine scenery, and plentiful springs delight onsen fans and nature lovers alike.
A cutting-edge museum opened in 2020 on Japan’s most decisive battlefield (1600). Immersive floor projections and theater experiences bring the battle to life; the observation room surveys key sites.
Feel the Turning Point of Japanese History
Nicknamed “Sekigahara Memorial,” the museum offers a ground-wide projection to trace troop movements, a powerful theater re-creating the clash, and detailed exhibits with armor (seven famed generals’ suits), weapons, and screens. Try on jinbaori (surcoat) in the hands-on corner.
From the 5th-floor observatory, grasp the geography of the battlefield—Tokugawa’s last camp, Ishida’s base at Mt. Sasao, and more. A fresh, experiential approach makes heavy history vivid and accessible.
Nicknamed the back parlor to Takayama, this serene town features white-walled storehouses along the Seto River—also known as a location for the anime film “Your Name.”
White Storehouses and Carp-Filled Canals
A grid street plan preserves sake breweries, merchants’ houses, and Meiji/Taisho townhouses—showcasing master carpentry. Over 1,000 carp are released in the Seto River from spring to autumn.
Try local breweries (Kaba Shuzo, Watanabe Sake Brewery), and visit Enkoji, Honkoji, and Shinsyuji temples—the setting for the “Santera Mairi” pilgrimage (UNESCO intangible heritage as part of the Hida-Furukawa Festival). “Seichi junrei” (anime pilgrimages) draw fans to spots like JR Hida-Furukawa Station and the city library.
A 1,300-year-old summer tradition. Imperial Household Agency cormorant masters continue this living heritage. Flaming torches and boats drifting in the dark create an unforgettable spectacle.
Night Fishing Tradition Since the 8th Century
Patronized by rulers including Oda Nobunaga, Gifu’s ukai set the standard as a spectacle. Today’s cormorant masters are officials of the Imperial Household Agency, and ayu trout are still presented to the Imperial Family.
Held nightly May 11–Oct 15 (except full moon and high water). From viewing boats, watch the masters’ deft handling and the moment cormorants catch ayu, all in the glow of blazing kagaribi torches. The nearby Ukai Museum deepens understanding. Tradition and mystique meet on summer nights.
Held every May in Hashima City at Yatsurugi Shrine. Thirteen lavish festival floats parade with karakuri puppet shows and children’s kabuki—designated as a Gifu tangible folk cultural property.
Gorgeous Floats and Nighttime Glow
Dating to the mid-Edo period, the spring festival on May 2–3 features elaborately carved, lacquered, and gilded floats paraded with flutes and drums. Each float presents “hougei” performances such as mechanical puppet plays and children’s kabuki. Lantern-lit parades create a magical evening atmosphere—one of Mino region’s signature spring festivals.
In Tsukechi Gorge, Nakatsugawa. A 12 m cascade with an emerald pool and crystal-clear stream—accessible via walking paths right to the water’s edge.
Emerald Pool in a Lush Gorge
Though modest in height, the falls are beloved for their strikingly clear, emerald pool. Forested surroundings provide refreshing coolness—especially vivid in fresh green and autumn foliage seasons. Ideal for summer respite and fall color viewing.
The nickname for steep paths up to the “tea fields in the sky” in the Kamigare area of Ibigawa. A photogenic climb to sweeping views—especially lush during the May tea season.
Photogenic Path to Sky-High Tea Fields
Terraced tea fields span slopes around 300–400 m elevation, giving an impression of floating over the valley. The approach can be steep, but the panorama at the top is spectacular. Please respect that the fields are privately tended.
A roughly 10 m waterfall where the Shirakawa River surges between massive rock walls—compact but powerful, with refreshing negative ions in summer.
Force Between Giant Rock Gates
True to its name “Rock Gate,” colossal slabs form a narrow chute for the river to plunge through with thunderous spray. The cool microclimate near the basin is a delight in hot months. Campsites and river leisure nearby make it a good add-on to outdoor days.
An ancient shrine and stage for the Takayama Spring Festival (Sanno Matsuri). The thousand-year cedars lining the approach create a solemn, sacred atmosphere.
Historic Shrine of the Takayama Festival
Said to date to Emperor Nintoku’s era, the shrine was later restored by the Kanamori lords. The April 14–15 Sanno Matsuri is its annual festival, famed for magnificent floats.
Cedars over a millennium old line the approach and are designated natural monuments. The enshrined deity Oyamakui-no-kami is believed to grant matchmaking, marital harmony, safe childbirth, prosperous business, and home safety. The shrine is also cited among inspirations for the film “Your Name,” drawing fans.
A mountaintop ruin built atop natural boulders on a cliff over the Kiso River—dubbed a “castle in the sky” and Japan’s “Machu Picchu.” A National Historic Site.
Granite Megaliths Meet Stonework
Built by the Toyama clan and later seat of the Naegi Domain, the castle uniquely integrates massive natural rock with manmade stone walls and structures. From the main bailey’s platform, admire the Kiso River’s sweep, Mt. Ena, and the city below. A steep climb rewards with rare architecture and top-tier views.
Japan’s highest-altitude show cave (approx. 900 m). An 800 m route reveals mysterious formations, including rare helictites. In winter, the outdoor “Ice Valley” appears.
Japan’s Highest Show Cave
About 250 million years in the making, the cave features zones nicknamed “Nightscape of Ryugu,” “Palace of Dreams,” and “Moon World.” Helictites—twisted, contorted stalactites—abound.
From Jan to early Mar, giant icicles form outside in the “Ice Valley.” The adjacent Ohashi Collection Museum displays ~1,000 artworks and curios amassed by the cave’s discoverer, including the famous “returned gold bar.” Pets are allowed inside the cave—a rare perk.
A flower-and-animal theme park on the Hirugano Plateau (1,000 m). Seasonal blooms, animal encounters, hot springs, dining, and winter snow activities—great for families.
Flower Fields, Animal Friends, and Onsen
Tulips and nemophila in spring, lavender and sunflowers in summer, cosmos in autumn—all backed by the Hakusan range. Meet alpacas, horses, sheep, and cattle; enjoy feeding and riding experiences.
On-site are natural hot spring “Bokka no Yu,” restaurants using local ingredients, BBQ house, bakery, and gift shops. Kids love the wooden playgrounds, crafts, road train, and go-karts; in winter, sledding and snow rafting await. A full-day playground for families.
Dedicated to 1,300+ years of Mino washi paper. Learn history and techniques, then try authentic papermaking—UNESCO-listed Hon-Mino paper is featured.
Hands-On with UNESCO-Listed Paper Craft
Set in pastoral surroundings with kozo (paper mulberry) fields, the museum explains raw materials, processes, paper types, and modern applications. The star is the workshop: make your own washi via traditional nagashi-zuki or tame-zuki, and embed leaves or create “raku-sui” shower patterns.
Take your creation home as a unique souvenir. In 2014, techniques for Hon-Mino were inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list. The shop offers stationery and crafts—education and fun in one visit.
One of the world’s largest rose gardens in a vast prefectural park (80.7 ha). 6,000–7,000 varieties and tens of thousands of bushes bloom especially in spring and autumn.
World-Class Rose Spectacle
Originating from the 1995 Flower Festival venue and renamed in 2021, the garden showcases species and old roses to cutting-edge cultivars. Peak seasons are May–June and Oct–Nov. Beyond roses, find nemophila and tulips in spring, sunflowers in summer, and cosmos in autumn.
Attractions include the 45 m “Flower Tower,” one of Gifu’s largest playgrounds, bouncing domes, summer splash area, and a road train. Restaurants, cafés, a nursery and gardening shop, and craft workshops round it out—a park for all seasons and ages.
A beautifully preserved Edo-period townscape over 1.3 km, selected as an Important Preservation District. Linked to the famed “Lady Castle Lord.” Food strolls include castella cake and gohei-mochi.
Streets that Remember a Lady Castle Lord
Known for Otsuya-no-kata, Nobunaga’s aunt who ruled the castle, Iwamura hosts Iwamura Brewery (sake “Onna Joshu”) for tastings and shopping. Try long-loved castella at Matsuura-ken, plus local mochi treats.
Historic buildings such as the Kimura merchant house, Tosa-ya dyer, and Kanuya gunsmith are open to the public, offering a window into Edo life. Story-rich history plus preserved streets and local food culture make this town endlessly walkable.
Beloved as a deity of prosperous business. Offer fried tofu and candles when you pray. The bustling approach is famous for skewered katsu, doteni stew, and more street eats.
Prosperity Prayers & a Lively Food Street
Founded in the Muromachi era, the shrine draws 1–2 million visitors yearly for business success, home safety, and exam luck. A distinctive practice is offering aburage (tofu) and candles with coins. The monthly “crossing the month” night (end of month to morning of the 1st) is especially vibrant.
Along the 700 m approach, ~120 shops create a festival vibe daily. Must-try classics are freshly fried kushi-katsu and doteni; river fish (notably catfish), pickles, and kusa-mochi are also popular. Faith, food, and fun combine here.
The only surviving Edo-period magistrate/administrator office complex in Japan—designated a National Historic Site. Learn how the shogunate governed the Hida region.
Japan’s Only Intact Edo Magistrate’s Office
Once the Kanamori lords’ villa, it became the shogunate’s Hida headquarters for 176 years. Among ~60 magistrate offices once in Japan, only here do the main buildings remain, including government halls, interrogation rooms, grand audience chambers, residences, and massive rice storehouses.
The storehouse is among the oldest/largest extant Edo rice granaries and now shows local history exhibits. Note the refined details: rabbit nail covers and seigaiha patterns. Outside, the daily morning market bustles—pair with Old Town for a classic Takayama day.
An open-air museum with 30+ relocated farmhouses, including gassho-zukuri. Experience Hida’s rural life and try traditional crafts like sarubobo doll making.
Open-Air Museum of Hida Life & Craft
See hearth fires, tools, and lofts once used for sericulture inside authentic homes (including the Important Cultural Property Former Wakayama House). Try crafts: strawwork, sashiko, pottery, kumihimo, sarubobo dolls, maneki-neko painting, and hand-grilled senbei. Seasonal scenery and evening light-ups are beautiful. Pets are welcome—a plus for travelers.
Among the Tokai region’s largest show caves. A 30 m underground waterfall roars at the deepest point. Reach the entrance via a retro wooden cable car.
Underground Waterfall and Gleaming Formations
Of its ~2 km length, ~700 m are open to visitors. See stalactites, stalagmites, pillars, flowstone, and “sekkake” (calcite flowers). The wooden cable car ride to the entrance adds to the explorer mood.
The cave stays cool year-round—great in summer. Onsite trout fishing and seasonal nagashi-somen (flowing noodles) complete a fun family stop.
One of the world’s largest freshwater aquariums. Follow the Nagara River from source to mouth, then explore the world’s great rivers—see Mekong giant catfish, pirarucu, otters, and more.
From Local Streams to Global Rivers
Starting on the 4th floor, exhibits trace the Nagara’s ecology—char, trout, ayu, and the giant Japanese salamander—before shifting to the Mekong, Congo, Amazon, and beyond. Over 220 species/20,000+ creatures inhabit airy, light-filled galleries.
Sea lion shows and hands-on programs engage kids. Located at Kiso Sansen Park’s River Park, adjacent to the Kawashima Highway Oasis—easy access by highway or local roads.
Japan’s only full-scale museum devoted to both aviation and space. See the only surviving Ki-61 “Hien,” a full-size model of the Zero prototype, and life-size ISS “Kibo” module.
Experience Japan’s Sky and Space
In one of Japan’s aviation birthplaces, the museum displays 30+ aircraft and helicopters across eras. Flight simulators are popular. The space zone features a life-size ISS Kibo module, full-scale models of Hayabusa2 and Curiosity, and domestic rocket exhibits. Outdoor planes, café, and a solid museum shop make it an all-ages destination.
Linking Gifu Park and Mt. Kinka’s summit in 4 minutes. The gondola offers panoramic views over the Nagara River and city—convenient access to Gifu Castle and the Squirrel Village.
Easy Access to Sky-High Views
Glassy gondolas reveal forested slopes and cityscapes in every season. At the top, dine with a view or relax at cafés and shops. Night operations on select holidays offer sparkling vistas. Pets in carriers and strollers are allowed—family-friendly convenience to Gifu Castle.
A ~28 km gorge south of Gero Onsen along the Hida (Masuda) River. Known for dramatic rock faces and listed among “Hida-Mino Top 33 Foliage” spots.
Gorge of Sculpted Rock and Clear Water
Rock formations like Byobu, Rakan, Koshiko, Kiba, and Enku Rocks punctuate the gorge—visible from National Route 41 and the JR Takayama Line. Azaleas dot spring cliffs; peak foliage is early–late November. A scenic drive or rail ride pairs perfectly with a soak in Gero.