GIFU PREFECTURE

GIFU HOTELS

GUARANTEED LOWEST RATES

GIFU MAIN CITIES and TOWNS

Gifu is the capital city of Gifu Prefecture in the Chubu region of central Japan. Gifu is close to Nagoya. Gifu is famous for Gifu Castle, Gifu Park, Mt. Kinka Cable Car and many museums in the city.

Shirakawa-go is a small village, located in Gifu Prefecture and surrounded by mountains. This isolated location lead to survival of a whole village featuring traditional Japanese houses with their steeply pitched thatched roofs, which are the only examples which are in situ and have mantained continuous occupation. Shirakawa-go is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama" listing.

Takayama is a city near the northern Japan Alps of Gifu prefecture, in the Chubu region of Japan. Takayama is also known as Hida-Takayama. Takayama is a historical village that has lay forgotten in the Japanese Alps for centuries. Takayama features the Hida Folk Village, Takayama Jinya (former administrative complex), temples and streets lined with old wooden houses.

GIFU CASTLES

Gifu Castle is a hill top style Japanese castle located in Gifu. Gifu Castle was originally built in 1201 by the Nikaido clan. Gifu Castle was later destroyed in 1600. The castle was later restored only to be destroyed again during the second world war. The current Gifu Castle> is a reconstruction completed in 1956 with a major renovation in 1997. Gifu Castle provides an excellent out look, particularly at night.

Gujo Hachiman Castle is a hilltop style Japanese Castle located on Mt Hachiman in Gujo Gifu Prefecture. Endo Morikazu ordered the construction of Gujo Hachiman Castle which was completed in 1559. Morikazu died shortly after and his son Endo Yoshitaka took control of the castle, however when Yoshitaka become a retainer of Oda Nobunaga, control of the castle was transferred to Inaba Sadamichi. Inaba renovated the Gujo Hachiman Castle during this period, however the castle was further expanded after 1646 when Tsunetomo was given control over the castle. In 1870 most of the buildings in Gujo Hachiman Castle were demolished as a part of the Meiji Restoration. In 1933 a wooden reconstruction of the donjon (tower) was completed.

Takayama Castle, located in Takayama, was built in on 627m high mountain with stone base, earth work defences and a moat. Construction of Takayama Castle began in 1588 and by 1600 the main and secondary castle keeps were completed. Today only some ruins and walls remain of Takayama Castle.

GIFU SHRINES and TEMPLES

Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine in Takayama is famous for its festival called Takayama Matsuri, which is held on the 9th and 10th of October every year and is one of the three most beautiful festivals in Japan.

GIFU MUSEUMS and ART GALLERIES

Hida Folk Village in Takayama, is a large open air museum displaying dozens of traditional Japanese houses which were once home farmers and craftsmen in the region.

The Hida Takayama Teddy Bear Museum in Takayama features many teddy bears from around the world including an Austrian one that is over one hundred years old.

Kusakabe Folk Museum in Takayama is designated as a National Important Cultural Asset, began life as a house for a wealthy merchant. The Kusakabe Folk Museum is an excellent example of Edo architecture.

The Takayama Municipal Museum building was built in 1895 and was used as in Takayama Town Office until 1968.

GIFU LANDMARKS

Old Yoshijima Family House in Takayama is an example of beautiful Japanese architecture. The Yoshijima family was a successful sake brewery in Edo period. The present house is a rebuilt in 1907 after a fire. Old Yoshijima Family House is designated as a National Important Cultural Asset.

Takayama Jinya is a former local government office and the only one of its kind remaining in Japan. Takayama Jinya is a designated historical landmark located in Takayama.

GIFU GARDENS and PARKS

Kamagatani Valley, also known as Kamagatani Gorge, is located at the base of Mt Ikeda in Gifu Prefecture. Kamagatani Valley is famous for its cherry blossom and is considered one of Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots.

Shinsakai River in Kakamighara Gifu Prefecture, is famous for its cherry blossom and is considered one of Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots.

Usuzumi Park, located in Motosu in Gifu Prefecture, is most famous for its cherry blossom being considered one of Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots.