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This translation was generated by AI and may contain wording that differs from the facts. Please check the Japanese original or official sources for anything important. Japanese original
Quick facts
- Region: Chubu
- Capital: Gifu
- Population: 1.9 million
- Climate: Inland
- Cherry blossom (average): 25 March
- No. 1 in Japan: Seki, the city of blades — Japan's top kitchen-knife shipments. Shirakawa-go and Hida-Takayama
⭐ Top sights
Shirakawa-go Gassho Villages
Over 100 steep thatched farmhouses built for heavy snow. The winter light-up is otherworldly.
Cormorant Fishing on the Nagara River
A 1,300-year-old fishing method. From May to October, watch masters guide cormorants by firelight from a wooden boat.
Gero Onsen
One of "Japan's three great hot springs" with Arima and Kusatsu. Alkaline waters said to beautify the skin
🍲 Local food
Hoba miso, keichan, gohei mochi
Hida's hoba miso is miso grilled on a magnolia leaf. Keichan is a local dish of chicken grilled in miso or soy sauce
🏮 Festivals & events
- Takayama Spring Festival (Sanno Matsuri) — April 14–15. Twelve dazzling floats and marionette performances. One of Japan's three most beautiful festivals
- Takayama Autumn Festival (Hachiman Matsuri) — October 9–10. Eleven floats and lantern-lit evening parades. Together with the spring festival it is UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage as the "Takayama Matsuri"
- Gujo Odori — Mid-July to early September (all-night dancing August 13–16). Japan's longest Bon dance, spanning 32 nights. A festival you join rather than watch
🏨 Where to stay in Gifu
The area around Gifu, the capital, has the best transport links and the widest choice of hotels; a night at a hot-spring town is also worth it.
Other prefectures in the region
Niigata · Toyama · Ishikawa · Fukui · Yamanashi · Nagano · Shizuoka · Aichi · 47 prefectures
Frequently asked questions
What is Gifu famous for food-wise?
Gifu's best-known local dishes are Hoba miso, keichan, gohei mochi. Hida's hoba miso is miso grilled on a magnolia leaf. Keichan is a local dish of chicken grilled in miso or soy sauce
What are the top sights in Gifu?
Top picks in Gifu include Shirakawa-go Gassho Villages, Cormorant Fishing on the Nagara River, Gero Onsen.
When do cherry blossoms bloom in Gifu?
In Gifu (Gifu), Somei-yoshino cherry trees usually start blooming around 25 March, reaching full bloom about a week later.
