2025 Gifu Prefecture Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in June)

#newyearnewtrip Takayama, often called “Little Kyoto,” is a gem in the heart of the Japanese Alps, renowned for its beautifully preserved Edo-period heritage and serene atmosphere. Its old town, Sanmachi Suji, is perfect for strolling, with wooden townhouses, sake breweries, and craft shops offering local souvenirs. History lovers will enjoy the Takayama Jinya, a former government office, and the Hida Folk Village, showcasing rural life with traditional houses and cultural artifacts. The city is also a gateway to the stunning Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Culinary delights, like melt-in-your-mouth Hida beef and local sake, further enhance the experience. Takayama combines history, nature, and culture in a way that leaves visitors enchanted.

At Kito Sekigahara, there is a private sauna that you can rent out and use as much as you like at any time during your stay. There are also "totonoi chairs" available outside, so you can relax surrounded by nature - we highly recommend it! ୨୧ ‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥୨୧ Accommodation: Kito Sekigahara Address: 9581-1 Imasu, Sekigahara-cho, Fuwa-gun, Gifu Access: Approximately 10 minutes from Sekigahara IC Parking: Available (free) Rooms with sauna access: Villa Suite (4 people capacity) ୨୧ ‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥‥∵‥୨୧ #Gifu #Gifu Tourism #Gifu Hotel #Ichito Kashi #Sauna #Private Sauna #Private Sauna #Sauna 2024

#Travelwithme It's been a bit hectic so it's been a while I can only remember the fun times and I'm amazed at how quickly my memories are slipping away... A travel journal compiled in the style of a travel guide I hope it will be useful to someone someday, somewhere ① Miyagawa Morning Market The original farm market! Of course there were vegetables, but there were surprisingly many food stalls! There was also a stylish coffee stand ② Checked out of hotel around TAKAYAMA Parking is 1500 yen for 24 hours and within walking distance of the main tourist spots I left my car at the hotel and went sightseeing ③ TRAIN BLEU A bakery recommended by the ramen shop yesterday Shiny jewel-like bread I bought coffee on the way and had TRAIN BLEU bread for lunch ④ Rail Mountain Bike Gattan go!! You can ride your bike along abandoned railway tracks It's so much fun!! The rail joints make a "clack" sound like a train, which gets you excited! Please note that there are two courses, one in the town and one in the valley, and the meeting places are different ⚠️ You might want to make a reservation early ⑤ Hida Farm Market A wide variety of items, from fresh local vegetables to folk crafts and souvenirs I'm sorry I thought "Maybe I should buy some Takayama ramen to take home" 💦 I was able to buy souvenirs to give to my fashionable friends! It was a 2-day, 1-night trip, but it was a very fulfilling trip I wish I could have gone to the Shinhotaka Ropeway or Shirakawa-go, but I think I'll save that for next time I have to work ꒰ঌ┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈໒꒱ Thank you for reading to the end Like! I'm happy to receive comments ·͜· ꕤ︎︎ Adults can enjoy it too ・Hotels ・Cafes and gourmet ・Tourist spots etc. We provide travel tips that make travel lovers think "Maybe I want to go𓂃◌𓈒𓐍" I'll cry tears of joy if you follow me❤︎ ꒰ঌ┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈໒꒱ #HidaTakayama #HidaTakayamaGourmet #GifuTrip #Hida #DomesticTrip #TravelDiary

There is a unique souvenir shop at the entrance of the old street. This is a shop that mainly sells honey. There are many exquisite honeys in the store, which look rich and delicious. It was really hot when I came here, eating an ice cream to cool down was really a great enjoyment This shop sells honey soft serve ice cream. It would be nice to have a cup of honey water. The soft serve portion is actually quite big. I remember it was around 300-400 yen. Rich and mellow fragrance with honey flavor, not too heavy or greasy, very delicious~ This can really be the ending of Gaoshan Old Street Before I got on the bus, I unexpectedly found a beautiful view at the intersection where I had just eaten ice cream. This is a rural area in Japan. There are no cars in the photo and not many passers-by. It is very beautiful. It's a perfect ending here. It's great to eat ice cream and take beautiful photos here #Japan #Hokuriku #Gifu

Come to Gifu Prefecture in central Japan, especially Takayama City, which is full of antiques. Takayama Hida Old Town is one of the attractions not to be missed. The Blacksmith Bridge next to the entrance is a super classic red bridge. It is in sharp contrast with the wooden Japanese-style buildings in the old streets of Takayama. The completely different style is meant to give you a strong style. In fact, what is really unique is a bridge over Miyagawa River. On the left and right sides of the Forge Bridge are the Miyagawa Asaichi Takayama Old Street (Sanden Building Complex: Kamisan, Kamini, and Ichino), Honmachi Street, and Kokubunji Street. What's special is that there is a lane for cars on the bridge. The most special thing is the "Forging Monster Bronze Statue" on the left and right. The beautiful scenery of the entire river is amazing. I will definitely be unforgettable after seeing it once. It’s so beautiful especially in winter. It’s worth coming back several times to take photos! #Japan #Hokuriku #Gifu

In the retro streets of Onami-cho, Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture, you will find the Michelin 1-star Japanese restaurant Takumi Hirano, which serves kaiseki cuisine. The appetizers and side dishes are made with seasonal ingredients, and you can choose from Japanese soba, Inaniwa udon, and ochazuke for your meal. The Japanese soba is handmade by the chef every day. It is delicious soba with a fragrant soba. The Japanese sweets are also seasonal. This time, it is chestnut kinton. It is made using only Ena chestnuts. If you are going to eat Japanese food in Gifu, be sure to try the Michelin 1-star restaurant Takumi Hirano✨ #Gourmet trip #Breathtaking views #Couple trip #Retro streets

The Mino Washi Akari Art Exhibition is held for a limited time every October in Mino City, Gifu Prefecture. We accept entries from all over the country for light art using Mino washi paper, which boasts a 1,300-year tradition, and the winning works are exhibited in the Udatsu-nobori streetscape. It's a wonderful event where intricately crafted lights made from washi paper are displayed in the retro streetscape that retains the atmosphere from the Edo period. #RetroStreetscape

Located near Gifu Castle, this is an ancient shrine. It is one of the three shrines in Mino Province. It is said to have a history of at least several hundred years. Its stately appearance in the mountains is impressive, and the grounds have a solemn atmosphere. Many people visit during events. #Shrine #Gifu

Hida Takayama is located in the northern part of Gifu Prefecture, near Toyama Prefecture. It is famous as a town in the mountains that retains its old streetscape, and is visited by many tourists. Walking around the town, you can feel the history as buildings that were likely built around the Edo, Meiji, and Taisho periods remain. In the autumn foliage season, the townscape becomes beautiful with the autumn leaves. #retrotownscape #autumnfoliage #HidaTakayama

Kiso Sansen Park in Kaizu City, Gifu Prefecture This park is a national park, and both the entrance fee and parking are free. In autumn, many cosmos flowers bloom, and the lemon yellow cosmos are rare and very beautiful. National Kiso Sansen Park Center 255-3 Abushima, Kaizu-cho, Kaizu City, Gifu Prefecture #Free Spot

The Tulip Festival at Kiso-Sansen Park in Gifu Prefecture. It is held from late March to early April. It is a national event, so you can enjoy the park and parking for free. There is also a grassy area where families can enjoy themselves by setting up picnic sheets and small tents. There is a tower, and there is a fee to climb it. Kiso-Sansen National Park Kiso-Sansen Park Center 255-3 Abushima, Kaizu-cho, Kaizu-shi, Gifu Prefecture #Free Spot

The size, scale, and presentation of the stalactites are the best in Japan The inside is quite spacious and there are almost vertical stairs along the way, so you need to wear clothes that you can move around in, lol Also, the average temperature inside the cave is about 12℃, so it's dangerous to go in light clothes😂 Also, in the cave, "cave low-temperature storage" is carried out to take advantage of the low temperature🍻 It seems that alcohol tastes better when stored at low temperatures for a long time🤔 #JapanGenkiProject2021 #SummerShortTrip #SummerResortIWantToKeepItSecret #AmazingNature

Hana Festa Memorial Park, Kani City, Gifu Prefecture Hana Festa Memorial Park in Kani City, Gifu Prefecture. It is one of the largest rose gardens in the world, and many types of roses bloom in the rose season. There are other flowers besides roses, and the garden is very large. Seasonal flowers such as nemophila, cosmos fields, and sunflowers are also in bloom, so you can see beautiful flowers any time you go, but the rose season is especially recommended. Address: 1584-1 Seta, Kani City, Gifu Prefecture #Flower Spot #Japan Genki Project 2021 #Summer Trip#Breathtaking View

When I went to Monet's Pond in Gifu Prefecture, I looked up if there was anything else nearby, and found out that it was famous for its hydrangeas, so I looked into it and went there. Hydrangeas bloom along the road called Hydrangea Highway, and there were many hydrangeas blooming in 21st Century Forest Park. I recommend visiting Monet's Pond as well. 21st Century Forest Park 2340 Itadori, Seki City, Gifu Prefecture 501-2901 #Flower Spot #Japan Genki Project 2021

On the way back from Monet's Pond, we went to a famous local Japanese sweets shop. Most of the sweets are made in the back of the shop, so they are very fresh. We bought the shop's specialty, cream daifuku. They are frozen, so we let them thaw a little in the refrigerator before eating. Our friends were also happy with the cool souvenirs. #sweets #souvenirs #tourismsupport #gourmettrip

🎨 [Gifu/Tajimi Lisa Larson Exhibition] A journey to discover the "unknown creations" behind the cuteness Lisa Larson (1931–2024), Sweden's leading ceramicist. The Gifu Prefectural Museum of Contemporary Ceramic Art (Tajimi) is shedding light on the "unknown world of creativity" with an exhibition of about 250 pieces, including not only her masterpieces, but also sketches from her student days, one-of-a-kind unique pieces, and glass works.  . ⸻ 🌟Features and highlights ・As per the theme of **“Seen and Unseen”, the exhibition is structured so that you can feel the trial and error and creative story behind the adorable animal works  •There are rare works that you don't usually see, such as the first public exhibition of "Unknown Animals"  •There is also a **gallery talk (Sundays from 14:00)** by the curator, a chance to learn about the background of the artist directly  ⸻ 🚉Access •Nearest station: About 15 minutes by bus from the south exit of "Tajimi Station" on the JR Chuo Main Line and Taita Line (get off at "Cera Park Contemporary Ceramic Art Museum Exit")  •By car: Free parking available at Ceramic Park MINO •Easy to access by parking and public transportation, and convenient for strolling around Mino ware town. ⸻ 🌿Recommended seasons and ways to enjoy •**Summer to early autumn (opening to the end of August)** is the best time to visit: it's less crowded and you can relax and enjoy the museum •Weekday mornings are recommended. On weekends, you can also participate in gallery talks ◎ •After entering, check out the limited edition goods and catalogs at the museum shop to commemorate your trip ⸻ 🎟Experience events •Kids' Centipede (July 27th and 28th): A kids' room with audio, perfect for families    •Pottery workshop (July 20th, August 17th): A full-scale workshop under the guidance of a potter (separate participation fee)  ⸻ 👣Travel tips •There are plenty of craft experience facilities around Tajimi, such as "Ceramic Park MINO". We recommend combining sightseeing with the Mino ware experience. •A walk along the river outside the museum and a visit to local cafes are also recommended. •On the way back, you can also visit the ceramic shops and walk around the town around Tajimi Station to make a memory of your trip. ⸻ This exhibition will make you smile and enjoy Lisa Larson's creative world with a nostalgic feeling. "Not only sharing the present, but also encountering the artist's footsteps." Such an experience will surely leave an aftertaste of your trip. 🌱 ⸻ #LisaLarsonExhibition #GifuMuseumofContemporaryCeramicArt #TajimiTrip #CeramicsExhibition #SawandUnseen #CeramicsExperience #ContemporaryCeramics #MinoWareTrip #TRIP #DomesticTrip #SoloTrip #CoupleTrip #AbsolutelyFreeTrip #TravelTips

Gifu Prefecture's Seki City is famously known as the "Town of Blades." While exploring this artisan town, I discovered a tranquil retreat called "Sekiya," where time seems to flow gently. Stepping into its modern Japanese-style space, the warmth of wood and the serene atmosphere instantly soothe the soul. This multi-purpose venue, combining a café, a shop, and a gallery, offers a perfect spot to take a relaxing break during your sightseeing adventures. 🏠 Highlights of "Sekiya" • A gallery space featuring local artists' pottery and crafts. • Carefully selected teas, coffee, and delicately flavored baked goods. • High ceilings and an open, airy ambiance reminiscent of a salon in the forest. 📍 Access Information • Address: 4-6-1 Nishihongodori, Seki City, Gifu Prefecture • Access: About a 15-minute walk from Nagaragawa Railway's "Seki Station" or recommended by car 🚙 • Parking: Available (free) • Hours & Holidays: Check Instagram for updates as they vary 📱 🍁 Recommended Seasons & Ways to Enjoy • Autumn: Enjoy a perfect reading time with the view of colorful trees through the windows 📖 • Rainy days: Embrace the calm and soothing atmosphere ◎ • Nearby attractions: Seki Cutlery Museum and Seki Zenkoji Temple are worth visiting. Seki's charm goes beyond craftsmanship. It’s a place where you can experience the gentle lifestyle and warm atmosphere that underpin its artistry—Sekiya embodies this essence. If you’re planning a trip to Seki City, make sure to stop by this delightful spot along the way 🌱

High-quality Hida beef with 33 different cuts served all at once! How many cuts of Wagyu have you tried? What's the most you can eat in one sitting? 😏 This time, I went to my favorite place and chose this restaurant //Hida Beef Whole Purchase Yakiniku Akariya🐂// They offer a special set menu featuring 33 different cuts served all at once! Oh my gosh, I really want to order this! 🙀 #Akariya offers a variety of set menus and à la carte options. For à la carte, there are 33 different cuts to choose from. The menu is very detailed, with each cut's flavor, marbling, and tenderness rated with stars. Plus, there are pictures for reference. Although I sometimes struggle with decision-making, this kind of labeling is super helpful 🤭 It made it easy for me to pick my favorite lean cuts~ 😙🤭 In the past, whenever I visited Takayama in Hokuriku, I would go to #AjikuraTengoku for Hida beef yakiniku or enjoy Hida beef sukiyaki (which I also had this time). This time, I decided to try something new and went to #Akariya for yakiniku. However, in terms of pure meat quality, I still highly recommend #AjikuraTengoku for Hida beef yakiniku. But Akariya offers a wider variety of cuts and is easier to book a table (though you still need to make a reservation in advance). It’s a great backup option! For this meal, two people spent a total of ¥21,186. Restaurant Name: Hida Beef Whole Purchase Yakiniku Akariya Location: 〒506-0017 Gifu Prefecture, Takayama City, Asahimachi 11-4, Bara Building 1F Business Hours: 11:30 AM - 8:30 PM

#Hokuriku #Hida Takayama Not only is #Hida Beef🥩 very powerful, but #Hida Shibutan (#結仕豚)🐽 is also amazing! Takayama Old Street // Sukuroku Sanmachi Store🥢 // The signature dish is Hida’s specialty #Hokageyaki cuisine Combined with deep-fried steak and deep-fried pork cutlet, it’s simply a white rice thief🍚 Sure enough, the grandpa’s cuisine never disappoints🥹😌 And it was snowing on the day of the visit❄️ The photo taken at the door has a more ancient street atmosphere So beautiful🥹 #Sukuroku #Set meal cuisine 🐂 Hida beef Hokageyaki deep-fried steak set meal ¥3,200 🐖 Hida beef Hokageyaki deep-fried pork cutlet set meal (Hida pork loin) ¥1,800 🍤 Giant deep-fried shrimp dish (a la carte) ¥1,500 Store name Shuleku-sanmachi Store location 77-3 Kami-ninomachi, Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture, 506-0845 Business hours 11:30 - 20:30

A town of Japanese paper that soothes the soul. "It feels as if time flows more slowly here." Nestled in the mountains of Gifu Prefecture, Mino City is home to the culture of "Honmino Paper," which has been passed down for over a thousand years. The townscape exudes a nostalgic charm. 📜 Strolling through the "Udatsu" townscape, you'll encounter white-walled townhouses, soft light streaming through lattice windows, and the faint aroma of Japanese paper wafting through the air. This area has been designated as a National Important Preservation District for Traditional Buildings. One of the highlights is the Washi Akari Art Museum, where lights made from Honmino Paper create a magical ambiance. The gentle glow of these lights softly eases the fatigue of your journey. 🌙 Every October, the "Mino Washi Akari Art Exhibition" is held, transforming the nighttime townscape into a canvas of luminous art. The enchanting atmosphere feels like a scene from a movie. You can also try your hand at traditional papermaking or relax with tea at a townhouse café. It's the perfect place to visit when you want to take a step back from the hustle and bustle of daily life. ⸻ 📍【Mino City】 (Home of Mino Washi) Tokiwa Town, Mino City, Gifu Prefecture 🚃 About a 10-minute walk from Nagaragawa Railway "Mino City Station" (approximately 90 minutes from Nagoya Station) 🎟 Washi Akari Art Museum: Admission 300 yen ⸻ 🔖 Not just a tourist spot, but a place to travel as if you were living there. The light of Japanese paper teaches us the luxury of "quiet beauty."

If you're looking to escape the hustle and bustle and discover a quieter, more serene, and heartwarming side of Japan, Takayama is the perfect answer 💫 🏔️ Takayama is a small town in Gifu Prefecture surrounded by mountains. It boasts an old town district, a picturesque red bridge, charming cafes, and authentic Japanese street food that will have you smiling as you stroll 🍢🍡 ✨ Must-visit highlights: • 🏯 Sanmachi Suji (Old Town District) Classic rows of traditional wooden houses that transport you back to the Edo period! Packed with local snack shops, cafes, and souvenir stores. • 🌉 Nakabashi Bridge A landmark perfect for photos—this spot is the Japan of your dreams. • 🥩 Hida Beef Tender and melt-in-your-mouth delicious, rivaling Kobe beef. Try it grilled, as sushi, or skewered for an unforgettable experience! • 🛍️ Miyagawa Morning Market A relaxing stroll to shop for fresh fruits, local delicacies, or homemade treats from friendly locals. • 🛖 Hida Folk Village A recreated traditional village that’s stunning in summer, autumn foliage, and snowy winter. 🍵 Recommended cafes & dessert spots: • Cafe Aoyama – A cozy Japanese-style wooden cafe with a warm and inviting atmosphere. • Crepe & Galette L’abeille – Enjoy fragrant Japanese crepes and hot coffee by the riverside. • Shirakabe – Famous for its Hida milk soft serve 🍦 🚄 Getting there: • From Nagoya: Take the JR Hida Wide View train (~2.5 hours, JR Pass applicable). • Or drive through scenic mountain views (~3 hours). 💡 Summary: Takayama isn’t just a stopover on the way to Shirakawa-go; it’s a hidden gem that warms the heart. For those who want to experience Japan at a slower, gentler pace, this is a place you must visit at least once 🧣❄️🍁 “Sometimes, the best of Japan isn’t found in Tokyo or Osaka, but tucked away in quiet little towns like Takayama.” 💭✨

🎨🌿 [Monet's Pond, Gifu] Go see "paintings floating on the water." Is this really Japan? You can't help but think so at Monet's Pond, a miraculous sight in Seki City, Gifu. The sight of water lilies floating in the crystal clear spring water and colorful carp swimming leisurely is so beautiful it's like a real-life version of Claude Monet's famous painting, "Water Lilies." What's more... There's no admission fee and no time limit. It's not a museum, but a "masterpiece" that you can enjoy for free in nature. 📸 If you want to take photos, we recommend around 10am. The sun shines in, the water sparkles, and even the movements of the carp turn into art. We also recommend having breakfast at Sekiya on your way back! ⸻ 📍Access 448 Itadori, Seki City, Gifu Prefecture (in front of Nemichi Shrine) 🚗 Car: About 35 minutes from Mino IC on the Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway 🚌 Public transport: JR Gifu Station → Gifu Bus → Get off at Itadori Fureai Bus "Monet's Pond" ⸻ 🔖 #Monet's Pond #Gifu Tourism #Natural Art #Water Lily Pond #Nameless Pond #Domestic Travel #Couple Travel #Couple Travel #Solo Travel #Solo Travel##Absolutely Free Travel ##Seki City ##Gifu Travel ⸻ 💡Tips ・The moist atmosphere after the rain is also recommended ・The best time to see the water lilies is around June to September ・Combine it with the nearby "Itadori River" and "Itadori Onsen" ◎

📍Address: gifu aichiken japan

📍Ayukawa 215-1 Horodo Kurihara, Seki City, Gifu Prefecture ⏱Opening hours [June, October, November] 10:00-18:00 (L.O.) [July-September] 10:00-20:00 (L.O.) 🗓Closed November-June (open from mid-June to early November) 🎫Budget ¥2000~ 🌸Recommended points As the name suggests, it's all about sweetfish!! If you want to enjoy sweetfish dishes, this is the place to go🤩💖 Sweetfish dishes are quite rare, aren't they🫣 Here, everything from sashimi to grilled fish, fried fish, kanroni (sweet fish stew) to porridge is made with sweetfish🐟 It's truly a sweetfish heaven🤤🍽 It's surprisingly odorless and refreshing, so I recommend it🎶 #EnjoyJapan

#springitinerary If you’re cruising through Japan in spring, Shirakawa-go is a total must-visit. This place looks like it jumped straight out of a storybook, with those iconic gassho-style thatched roofs surrounded by fresh green hills and cherry blossoms popping everywhere. Spring totally transforms the village into a dreamy wonderland, way less crowded than winter, too, so you can actually chill and enjoy the vibe. Walking around the narrow streets, you get this cozy, old Japanese countryside feel that’s super relaxing. Don’t forget to snap pics from the lookout spots, the views are seriously next level with all that spring greenery. There are some cute local shops and little cafes to explore too, perfect for grabbing a snack after wandering. Shirakawa-go in spring is basically the perfect mix of chill, charm, and stunning nature. Trust me, it’s worth the trip!

#springitinerary For a chill spring day trip near Takayama, Furukawa and Hida no Sato are seriously underrated spots you’ve gotta check out. Furukawa is a small town with peaceful streets and old wooden houses that give off major nostalgic vibes. In spring, the cherry blossoms and fresh greenery make everything feel extra cozy and calm, perfect for a slow, easy stroll without crowds. Then there’s Hida no Sato, an open-air folk village just a short ride away, where you can wander through traditional farmhouses and get a real feel for how people lived back in the day. The fresh spring air, blooming flowers, and cool old buildings make it easy to just kick back and enjoy the vibe. If you want a combo of history, nature, and springtime chill, Furukawa and Hida no Sato are absolute winners for your trip!

#springitinerary Magome in spring is pure postcard material. This little mountain town is all cobblestone paths, wooden houses, and flower boxes bursting with color. It’s got that peaceful, slow-living energy where you just wanna stroll with a snack and take it all in. The views? Unreal. Mountains in the background, cherry blossoms in bloom, and old Edo-era charm everywhere you look. The main street is on a hill, so yeah, you’ll get a bit of a leg workout, but it’s totally worth it. You’ve got cozy cafés, little shops selling handmade stuff, and the smell of fresh baked treats drifting through the air. It’s super walkable, no cars in the main stretch, and not overly crowded. If you’re looking for a relaxed day of wandering, snacking, and vibing with nature and history, Magome in spring is a total win. It’s like a peaceful time capsule with killer scenery.

#cherryblossom25