Gifu Prefecture

Hidden gems in Gifu Prefecture

Gifu Prefecture contains a diverse collection of secluded sites, from natural geological formations to avant-garde art installations. This selection includes the Namonaki Ike pond, known for its resemblance to Monet’s Impressionist paintings, and the Site of Reversible Destiny, an immersive architectural park. The region also features the Hida Great Limestone Cave, situated at an altitude of 900 meters, and significant waterfalls such as the 64-meter Hirayu Falls. Cultural landmarks include traditional morning markets in Takayama and the historic Hida Kokubunji Temple.

Hidden Gems — Map

Hmori1960.earthbound / CC BY-SA 4.0

A

モネの池

Formally known as Namonaki Ike, this crystal-clear pond at Nemichi Shrine gained fame for its resemblance to Claude Monet's "Water Lilies" series. It features colorful koi carp swimming among floating lilies in spring water filtered through the surrounding mountains.

Nankou Oronain (as36… / CC BY-SA 3.0

B

The Site of Reversible Destiny Yoro Park

An experimental art park designed by Shusaku Arakawa and Madeline Gins. The site features disorienting architectural structures, steep undulating floors, and a labyrinthine layout intended to challenge the visitor’s physical balance and spatial perception.

inunami / CC BY 2.0

C

Hida Great Limestone Cave

An 800-meter-long cave system discovered in 1965, situated at an altitude of 900 meters. It is notable for its rare helictites—delicate, curving stalactites—and an adjacent museum displaying international art and fossils.

z tanuki / CC BY 3.0

D

Miyagawa Morning Market

Located along the Miyagawa River in Takayama, this daily market features local vendors selling seasonal vegetables, homemade pickles, woodcarvings, and traditional snacks. The market has been a local fixture since the Edo period.

lienyuan lee / CC BY 3.0

E

Hirayu Waterfall

A 64-meter-high waterfall in the Okuhida Onsen region, ranked among Japan’s top 100 waterfalls. Fed by snowmelt from Mount Norikura, the falls are known to freeze into a massive pillar of blue ice during February.

Alpsdake / CC BY-SA 3.0

F

Shiramizu Falls

A 76-meter-high waterfall located within Hakusan National Park. The water originates from the emerald-green Lake Shiramizu and cascades over a sheer volcanic rock face. Access is typically limited to the months between June and October.

Moris B. Zarco / CC-BY-SA

G

Hida Kokubunji Temple

Hida Kokubun-ji is a Shingon-sect Buddhist temple in the Sowamachi neighborhood of the city of Takayama, Gifu, Japan.

Miloš Jurišić / CC BY-SA 3.0

H

Hida Takayama Teddy Bear Eco Village

Housed in a 180-year-old traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouse, this museum displays over 1,000 teddy bears. The collection includes antique bears and artist-designed pieces, with exhibits centered on environmental conservation.

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