Speaking of Gifu? 11 famous sightseeing spots, foods, souvenirs and culture

Located almost in the center of Japan Gifu teeth, An area where you can enjoy beautiful nature, historic streets, and traditional culture is.
Famous sightseeing spots, food, souvenirs, and culture unique to Gifu There are many other attractions, such as !
In this article,
11 must-see attractions for enjoying your trip to Gifu
We will introduce you to the details.
If you are thinking of traveling to Gifu, be sure to use this as a reference.
table of contents
- 1 Gifu's 3 famous sightseeing spots
- 2 Gifu is famous for its two cultural experiences
- 3 3 famous foods and gourmet foods in Gifu
- 4 3 famous local products and souvenirs from Gifu
- 5 Let's travel to Gifu by learning about its famous sightseeing spots and foods
- 6 Feature articles recommended by the editorial department
Gifu's 3 famous sightseeing spots
Gifu
There are many beautiful tourist spots where nature and history coexist in harmony.
Famous spots you must visit on your trip to Gifu
We will introduce the following.
1. Shirakawa-go

"
Shirakawa-go
"teeth,
Gifu
・
Shirakawa Village
In 1995,
world heritage
Register
It was done.
The scenery of the thatched roofs changes with the seasons. The snowy winter scenery is especially fantastic! It's a popular tourist spot where you can enjoy the original Japanese scenery.
Nagoya
From Shirakawa-go, there are many
Bus Tours
is being held.
Bus Tours
Then,
Difficult to access
Gujo Hachiman
(Gujo Hachiman)"
Hida Takayama
" "
Shirakawa-go
Not only can you visit the three spots at once,
Even if you have a lot of luggage, you can leave it on the bus and there's no need to rush to get on your way.
If you want to efficiently enjoy Gifu's popular spots, be sure to consider a bus tour!
This is a day trip bus tour that departs and arrives conveniently from Nagoya Station. You can sit comfortably on the bus and participate in popular spots that are relatively difficult to access. You will visit three good old Japanese towns: Gujo Hachiman, Hida Takayama, and Shirakawa-go. The staff can speak English, Japanese, and Chinese, so it is perfect for groups of Japanese people or friends visiting from overseas.
A bus tour to enjoy only Hida Takayama and Shirakawa-go
There is also
!
A popular tourist spot in Hida Takayama is "
Miyagawa Morning Market
You can stroll through the old townscape and enjoy the beautiful Gassho-style houses in Shirakawa-go.
[Day Trip] World Heritage Hida Takayama + Shirakawa-go Gassho Village Day Trip Tour
Let's start today's fun trip▼8:30 Meeting place: Nagoya Station Taiko-dori Exit Ministop Tsubakicho Store Address: 5-10 Tsubakichō, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi-ken 453-0015 *The bus will depart on time. Please arrive with plenty of time (about 10 minutes before).
〜Schedule〜【08:30】▼ Hotel pick-up【11:00】▼ Hida Takayama (free walk and free lunch / 180 minutes)【14:30】▼ Shirakawa-go Gassho-style Village (120 minutes)【16:00】▼ Return to Nagoya Station and the tour ends. 【18:30】▼ Return to the hotel Recommended itinerary 1. Stroll through the old town Takayama and the surrounding area are known for their traditional architecture and gorgeous
2. Gifu Castle

"
Gifu Castle
" ruled Mino Province during the Sengoku period.
Saito Dosan
It was the residence of
Oda Nobunaga
A famous castle that served as the base for unifying the country
It is known as:
Gifu Castle, built on the summit of Mount Kinka at an altitude of 329 meters, was considered impregnable at the time.
Nowadays, you can easily visit it by ropeway. You can enjoy the spectacular view from the observation deck and historical exhibits. .
After learning about history at Gifu Castle,
Electric potter's wheel
or,
Tatara making
(a technique for forming clay into slabs)
Pottery experience
How about it?
The experience location is a workshop directly connected to JR Gifu Station, so it's easy to drop in. The instructor will provide thorough guidance, so even beginners can feel at ease. The finished product will be a great memento of your trip to Gifu!
This plan does not support English.
When you think of pottery, the first thing that comes to mind is probably this electric potter's wheel. You will be given 90 minutes to make several pieces using this electric potter's wheel. From among these, you will choose your favorite piece and complete it. *If you would like more pieces to be fired, additional firings are available for an additional fee. (It depends on the individual production speed and the item to be made, but we will do our best to accommodate your request within the time limit.)
This plan does not support English.
This is a hands-on class that is perfect for making light and easy-to-use vessels using slab-shaped clay and molds. If you want to make easy-to-use vessels yourself, we definitely recommend the "Tatara Making Experience" for beginners.
3. Hida Takayama

" Hida Takayama "teeth, An attractive tourist spot with old streets that continue from the Edo period .
Many tourists from both Japan and abroad visit the area throughout the year to enjoy the seasonal scenery and events such as festivals.
Enjoy local cuisine and traditional crafts while strolling through the charming streets.
Another attraction is being able to experience history and tradition
is.
You can experience old Japan. A unique Hida Takayama experience is also possible.
Ninja experience plan So, Wearing a ninja costume, Shuriken, Blowgun, Sword Iai You can enjoy ninja training such as .
Children will be especially delighted! It's an experience the whole family can enjoy, as if they were real ninjas.
[Gifu/Takayama] Very popular! Ninja experience ★Sasuke course★
Master your ninja skills through various training and take on top secret missions! Experience training using ninja tools! This course includes ninja training, which includes the experience of shuriken, blowgun, and sword iaido, and you can choose one drink of your choice. It's a great deal because you can also wear a ninja costume. If you pass the training and successfully complete the mission,
Also, in Hida Takayama Decorative cutting experience You can also enjoy.
The decorative cut is
Techniques for beautifully cutting vegetables and other ingredients
is.
The vegetables are transformed into beautiful decorations that are perfect for flowers and celebrations! Another great thing about them is that you can add the decorative cut vegetables you made to the chef's dishes and enjoy them together!
Use the techniques you learn at home.
[Gifu/Takayama] Feel like a craftsman! Decorative cutting experience with Japanese cuisine
The owner of a Japanese restaurant will demonstrate the technique of "decorative cutting" to add color to Japanese cuisine, and customers will have the opportunity to try out simple decorative cutting. He will also explain the types and uses of knives, which are essential to Japanese cuisine, and hope to let customers experience the four seasons of Japan created with knives. At the end, the customers will add the decorative cutting they made to the owner's dish, and create a dish together.
Gifu is famous for its two cultural experiences
Gifu
for,
Traditional Culture
A plan to experience history and
There are many
.
One of the best parts of traveling to Gifu is being able to see and experience traditional techniques and uniquely Japanese customs up close. Below, we will introduce some of the culture and sights you should definitely experience in Gifu.
1. Blacksmithing tour and experience

The world's three largest cutlery producing regions
Gifu Prefecture is one of the top producers of this product in Japan.
Seki City
.
A traditional town that has handed down swordsmithing techniques
Known for its excellent cutting skills, Seki City's knives are produced using outstanding craftsmanship and are highly regarded for their sharpness and beautiful finish.
In Seki City,
A plan to experience traditional swordsmithing techniques
There are many different items you can make, including Japanese knives, Samurai knives, Japanese swords, and small knives!
Made from the same material as Japanese swords.
Steel
A plan that allows you to experience full-scale swordsmithing using Tamahagane (steel)
This is a rare opportunity that can only be had in Seki City.
With the technical support of a swordsmith, you can create a one-of-a-kind original piece.
You can take photos and videos during the experience.
So it's a nice bonus to be able to preserve your memories in a tangible form!
For processes that require physical labor,
Craftsmen will provide thorough support, so even beginners can feel at ease
Yes, please try it out with your family and friends.
A swordsmith will teach you how to make a Japanese knife using blacksmithing techniques. Using the same material as Japanese swords, "Tamahagane," the forged iron is shaped with a hammer. You can place the clay on the blade yourself and add a blade pattern. After attaching the blade, you will have your name engraved on it and it will be sharpened to complete the process. This is a physically demanding task, but the swordsmith will be there to assist you.
"Forging is a traditional craft experience." Try your hand at hammering, smoothing with a metal file, sharpening, tempering, sharpening, and more. A moving experience awaits as simple metal is transformed into a knife. Why not experience traditional Japanese techniques?
[Gifu/Seki] Japanese sword making experience
A swordsmith will teach you the techniques of Japanese sword making and you will spend a whole day making a short sword with a blade length of less than 30 cm. During the experience, you will cut the charcoal, smash the blade, pile up the material, temper, stretch the blade, make the fire, place the blade on the ground, harden the blade, and sharpen the blade. The sword will then be registered and sharpened to finish it off, and the registration certificate will be sent to your home. If you select an option,
It will take you a whole day to create a kozuka (small handle) for your Japanese sword. The material is the same as for the Japanese sword, the world's most luxurious iron (tamahagane), which has been forged, and the kozuka (small handle) with a blade length of less than 15cm is made using almost the same process as for the Japanese sword. You can place the tsuchi (earthenwork) yourself and add a hamon (hamon) pattern. After attaching the blade, you will carve your name, make a sheath, and sharpen it to complete the sword.
2. Cormorant fishing on the Nagara River

"
Cormorant fishing on the Nagara River
"Ukai" is
This traditional fishing method has more than 1,300 years of history and is held on the Nagara River every year from May 11th to October 15th.
will be done.
After dusk, under the light of the bonfire,
Cormorant fisherman
(Ushou) skillfully
Cormorant
The sight of people controlling a bird called ayu to catch ayu is as beautiful as a picture scroll.
The appeal of cormorant fishing on the Nagara River is that you can board a sightseeing boat and watch the fish up close.
You can enjoy the magnificent cooperation between the fisherman and the cormorants right before your eyes.
Cormorant fishing on the Nagara River is a national
Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property
It has also been designated a national treasure and the traditions are still carefully preserved today.
3 famous foods and gourmet foods in Gifu
Gifu If you visit, be sure to try this dish. Three Gifu gourmet foods I'll introduce it to you.
1. Hida beef

"
Hida beef
"teeth,
Gifu
Our proud brand of beef.
Only Japanese Black beef that meets multiple strict standards is certified.
.
Characterized by fine, beautiful marbling and soft meat
The moment you put it in your mouth, you'll be greeted with a melting texture and refined sweetness.
We recommend trying it with steak, sukiyaki, or yakiniku.
The deliciousness fills your mouth.
Hida Takayama There are many restaurants in where you can taste Hida beef, so be sure to give it a try!
2. Takayama Ramen

" Takayama Ramen "teeth, Gifu ・ Takayama City A local ramen that is popular mainly in " Hida Takayama Ramen " " Hida Ramen "It is also called "
It features a light soy sauce-based Japanese-style soup and thin, curly noodles. Each store has its own unique soup to enjoy.
If you are visiting Hida Takayama as a tourist, you cannot miss Takayama ramen!
3. Sweetfish dishes

There are many clear streams, including the Nagara River. Gifu So, high quality Ayu (sweetfish) You can get .
They dam the river and use traps made of wood and bamboo.
Yana fishing
Also famous
.
After watching the sweetfish hopping around on top of the net, you can also enjoy eating the sweetfish that have been caught using the net!
Salt-grilled
or
Candied
etc.
You can enjoy a variety of sweetfish dishes.
Be sure to enjoy the sweetfish, which is both fun to look at and satisfying to eat!
Recommended Feature Articles
3 famous local products and souvenirs from Gifu
Traditional crafts and delicious sweets unique to Gifu,
Gifu
There are many items you'll want to take home as mementos of your trip.
In the following,
Specialties and souvenirs you should definitely check out when you visit Gifu
Let me introduce it to you.
1. Sarubobo (a traditional amulet from Hida Takayama)

" Sarubobo " is a red doll that is handed down in the Hida region. Baby monkey It means that. There are various theories, The origin of this doll is that mothers and grandmothers made it in hopes of their children's health and growth. It seems like.
In modern times, Popular as a symbol of happiness and protection from evil There are also a wide variety of regional designs and color variations. Hida Takayama It is popular among many tourists as one of the most representative souvenirs.
" Hida Takayama Memory Experience Center " In You can create your own original Sarubobo from just one piece With the help of an adult, even children can try it.
Put two layers of belly pads on top of each other, You can add your favorite message or anniversary. This is the perfect item to remember your trip to Gifu!
Hida Takayama tourism is famous for Takayama ramen and Hida beef, but the **Sarubobo Making Experience** is also very popular! If you've come all the way to Takayama, why not try making your own Sarubobo? It's a full-fledged experience that involves stuffing the body with cotton and sewing it together with needles and thread, and can be enjoyed by both children and adults! (Children may be asked to help with the experience.) Food
Also, " Set of six " Making Kumihimo (braided cord) Why not give it a try?

braid
What is that?
A traditional Japanese craft made by weaving multiple strands of thread together
is.
In this plan, we use Sashiko thread, which has an attractive texture and color scheme.
Braided Bracelet
Create.
" Kumihida "teeth, A braid unique to Hida Takayama, made using a unique method called rokutsugumi The result is a unique shape and pattern that is unlike any other. The instructor will teach you carefully, so even beginners can feel at ease.
The beautiful patterns of the six-braided cord bracelets and the warmth of handmade items are a real highlight. It's also fun to make one with friends!
This plan does not support English.
Why not try making Hida Takayama's six-braid braid, which can only be done here in the whole country, in the historic old town of Hida Takayama, which is crowded with many tourists? In this plan, you will create a braid bracelet using Sashiko thread. The instructor will carefully teach you how to make braids, so even beginners can participate with confidence. Wear the finished braid on your wrist and
2. Chestnut Kinton

Gifu
Southern
Mino region
The origin of the
Chestnut Kinton
"
Nakatsugawa City and Ena City are famous for producing chestnut kinton.
It is known as:
By the way, chestnut kinton, a New Year's dish, is generally made by adding sweet potato to the dough and kneading it to make it sweet, and is characterized by its golden color.
but
Gifu Chestnut Kinton
teeth,
A simple Japanese sweet made only with chestnuts and sugar, characterized by its natural chestnut flavor and refined sweetness.
is.
Chestnut Kinton is a perfect souvenir. Be sure to try it on your trip to Gifu!
3. Persimmon Yokan

Gifu is known as the king of sweet persimmons. Fuyu persimmon It is said to be the birthplace of persimmons, and persimmon production is thriving nationwide. is.
Among the many sweets made with persimmons, the most popular are
Persimmon yokan
(Kakiyokan)
!
It makes the most of the flavor of persimmons, and is characterized by its natural sweetness and smooth texture, making it a popular snack to have with tea or as a souvenir. If you're a persimmon lover, this is a product you should definitely check out!
Let's travel to Gifu by learning about its famous sightseeing spots and foods

This time, Tourist attractions and gourmet food such as Shirakawa-go and Hida Takayama , Activities unique to Gifu We introduced the following.
There are many valuable activities that can only be experienced in Gifu.
.
Be sure to combine sightseeing with activities to plan a memorable trip!
*The content of this article is current as of May 2025.
Featured image provided by:
PIXTA