Gifu Prefecture

Top Attractions in Gifu Prefecture

Gifu Prefecture Essentials

Gifu Prefecture features the UNESCO-listed gassho-zukuri farmhouses of Shirakawa-go and the well-preserved Edo-period merchant districts of Takayama. Visitors can explore the historic Nakasendo post town of Magome-juku or view the Northern Japanese Alps via the double-decker Shinhotaka Ropeway. The region preserves traditional craftsmanship at the Miyagawa Morning Market and historical governance at Takayama Jin’ya. Natural highlights include the volcanic peaks of Mount Norikura and the artistic landscapes of the Site of Reversible Destiny and Monet’s Pond.

Gifu Prefecture Essentials — Map

Karl Baron / CC BY 2.0

A

Shirakawa-go

The Historic Village of Shirakawa-gō is located in the beautiful valley, surrounded by mountains known for heavy snowfall.

Ankur P / CC BY 2.0

B

Takayama Old Town, Sanmachi Suji

A historic district featuring preserved merchant houses, sake breweries, and traditional craft shops dating back to the Edo period.

C

馬籠宿

A restored post town on the Nakasendo trail characterized by its steep stone-paved streets, waterwheels, and traditional wooden architecture.

663highland / CC BY 2.5

D

Shinhotaka Ropeway

The Shinhotaka Ropeway is an aerial lift system in Takayama, Gifu Prefecture, Japan, and is operated by Okuhi Sightseeing Development.

Alpsdake / CC BY-SA 3.0

E

Gifu Castle

Gifu Castle is a Japanese castle located in the city of Gifu, Gifu Prefecture, Japan.

Balou46 / CC BY-SA 3.0

F

Hida Folk Vilage

Hida Folk Village, Hida no Sato is an open-air museum of close to 30 old farmhouses illustrating the traditional architectural styles of…

z tanuki / CC BY 3.0

G

Miyagawa Morning Market

A daily riverside market featuring local farmers' produce, handmade Hida crafts, and regional snacks like beef skewers and pickled vegetables.

そらみみ / CC BY-SA 4.0

H

Takayama Jin’ya

The Takayama Jin'ya is a surviving Edo period jin'ya which served as the Daikansho for Hida Province under the Tokugawa shogunate of Japan…

Alpsdake / CC BY-SA 3.0

I

Mt. Kengamine

Mount Norikura is a potentially active volcano located on the borders of Gifu and Nagano prefectures in Japan.

Hmori1960.earthbound / CC BY-SA 4.0

J

モネの池

A crystal-clear pond at Nemichi Shrine famous for its water lilies and koi, which create a visual resemblance to Claude Monet's Impressionist paintings.

Nankou Oronain (as36… / CC BY-SA 3.0

K

The Site of Reversible Destiny Yoro Park

An experimental art park designed by Shusaku Arakawa and Madeline Gins, featuring disorienting architectural structures and undulating landscapes.

そらみみ / CC BY-SA 4.0

L

Nakabashi bridge

A prominent vermilion-colored bridge crossing the Miyagawa River, serving as a landmark for the Takayama Festival and the entrance to the old town.

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