The Broader Region Surrounding Gifu

To Hida Takayama
Departing from Gifu City

To Central Gifu CityJR Gifu Station → Takayama Station[JR Takayama Main Line Limited Express Wide View Hida・2 hr・¥4,940]~ Or ~
Meitetsu Gifu Station Bus Terminal → Takayama Nohi Bus Center[Nohi Bus/Gifu Bus on the Takayama-Gifu Line・2 hr・¥2,570]

Departing from Nagoya

JR Nagoya Station → JR Gifu Station[JR Tokaido Main Line Rapid・18 min・¥470]

Departing from Central Japan International Airport

Departing from Nagoya

Central Japan International Airport →[Passing through Meitetsu Nagoya Station] → Meitetsu Gifu Station[Meitetsu Limited Express・1 hr 20 min・¥1,340][Meitetsu Airport Rapid Ltd. Exp. μ-SKY (read “mu-sky”)・1 hr・¥1,700]

Departing from Tokyo

Tokyo Station → JR Nagoya Station → JR Gifu Station[JR Tokaido Shinkansen・1 hr 40 min] →[JR Tokaido Main Line・18 min・¥11,310 in total]
Tateyama
Tateyama
KurobeKurobe
AlpineAlpine
Route Route~ Or ~
Ishikawa
Ishikawa
Tokyo Station (Nihonbashi Exit) →JR Gifu Station (North Exit)[JR Tokai Bus “Dream Nagoya”・8 hr・¥6,580]

Departing from Osaka

Shin-Osaka Station → JR Nagoya Station→ JR Gifu Station[JR Tokaido Shinkansen・50 min] →[JR Tokaido Main Line・18 min・¥7,210 in total]

To Shirakawa-go

WakuraWakuraHot Spring
Hot Spring
Kenroku-en
Kenroku-en

Meitetsu Bus Center →Shirakawa-go[Gifu Bus on the Shirakawa-go Express Line・3 hr・¥3,900]
Customers cannot be accommodated when seats are full, so priorreser vations are highly recommended. Two buses per day.
( 058-240-0489)

Departing from Tokyo

Tokyo Station → JR Nagoya Station → Takayama Station[JR Tokaido Shinkansen・1 hr 40 min] → [JR Limited Express Wide View Hida・2 hr 20 min・¥14,920 in total]

Tokyo Station → JR Toyama Station → Takayama Station[JR Hokuriku Shinkansen・2 hr 8 min] → [JR Limited Express Wide View Hida・1 hr 30 min・¥15,830 in total]~ Or ~
Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal → Takayama Nohi Bus Center[Nohi Bus/Keio Bus on the Takayama-Tokyo(Shinjuku) Line・5 hr 30 min・¥6,690]

Departing from Osaka
ToyamaToyamaKanazawa
Kanazawa

Departing from Nagoya

JR Nagoya Station → Takayama Station[JR Limited Express Wide View Hida・2 hr 30 min・¥6,030]~ Or ~
Meitetsu Bus Center → Takayama Nohi Bus Center[Nohi Bus/Meitetsu Bus/JR Tokai Bus on the Takayama-Nagoya Line・2 hr 30 min・¥2,980]

ToyamaToyamaToyamaToyamaAirportAirport

Komatsu
Komatsu
AirportAirport

Shin-Osaka Station → JR Nagoya Station → Takayama Station[JR Tokaido Shinkansen・50 min] → [JR Limited Express Wide View Hida・2 hr 20 min・¥10,810 in total]~ Or ~
Osaka Namba Station West Exit → Takayama Nohi Bus
CenterNaganoNagano[Nohi Bus/Kintetsu Bus on the Takayama-Kyoto/Osaka Line・
5 hr 32 min・¥3,300]
Note: All times and prices indicated are variable, are dependent on avariety of factors (such as the time of year), and are subject to change.

OkuhidaOkuhidaHot Spring
Hot Spring
Villages
Villages

World
World
Heritage
Heritage
Site Site
Furukawa
Furukawa
Shirakawa-go
Shirakawa-go HidaHida

Kamikochi
Kamikochi

Hida-Kiyomi
IC IC
Fukui
Fukui Hida-Kiyomi

NaganoNaganoTakayama
Takayama

Fukui
Fukui

Gifu
Gifu
GujoGujo

HachimanHachiman GeroGero
MinoMino

Mino-Ota
GifuGifu Mino-Ota

Ogaki
Ogaki

Lake Biwa
Lake Biwa

MaibaraMaibara

Kyoto
Kyoto

Gifu-GifuHashima
Hashima

Kyoto
Kyoto

Shiga
Shiga

Kameyama
Kameyama
JCT JCT

Universal
Universal
OsakaStudios
Studios
JapanJapan Osaka

Osaka
Osaka

KansaiKansaiInternational
International
Airport
Airport

2

Nara
Nara

MagomeMagomejuku juku

Ena Ena

NagoyaNagoyaYokkaichi
Yokkaichi
JCT JCT

Lake Kawaguchi
Lake Kawaguchi

Toki JCT
Toki JCT

Aichi
Aichi

ToyotaToyotaJCT JCT

Tokyo
Tokyo

Chiba
Chiba
NaritaNaritaInternational
International

TokyoTokyo
Airport
AirportDisneyDisney
ResortResort

HanedaHanedaAirport
Airport

Chiba
Chiba

Shizuoka
Shizuoka

Gotenba
Gotenba
JCT JCT

ShinfujiShinfuji

Shizuoka
Shizuoka

Mikkabi
Mikkabi
JCT JCT

CentralJapan
Japan
Tsu Tsu Central

MieMie

Tokyo
Tokyo

Yamanashi
Yamanashi

Mt. Fuji
Mt. FujiTajimiTajimiIchinomiya
Ichinomiya
JCT JCT

OtsuOtsu

KofuKofu

Nakatsugawa
Nakatsugawa

Mino-Seki
Mino-Seki
JCT JCT

Kinkaku-ji
Kinkaku-ji

Asakusa
Asakusa

MatsumotoMatsumotoCastleCastle
MatsumotoMatsumotoInternational
International
Airport
Airport(Centrair)(Centrair)

Mt. Fuji
Mt. Fuji
Shizuoka
Shizuoka
AirportAirport

Hamamatsu
Hamamatsu

Taki Taki

TobaToba
Ise IseIse Grand
Ise Grand
ShrineShrine
Ise-Shima
Ise-Shima…Train…Airplane…Bus…Shinkansen

Contact Information“Bullet(Train”)

Central Japan Railway Company (JR Central)
http://english.jr-central.co.jp
Nagoya Railroad (Meitetsu) http://www.meitetsu.co.jp/eng/
Nohi Bus https://www.nouhibus.co.jp/english/3

長野／Nagano

The Broader Region Surrounding Gifu
石川／Ishikawa

Matsumoto Castle

One of but five castles in Japan to beconsidered a National Treasure, this castle
is known for its black exterior. Completed
in the late 16th century, it remains largely
unchanged from its original state.

富山／Toyama

Kenroku-en Garden

Tateyama Kurobe Alpine RouteThought to be one of the finest gardens
in Japan, Kenroku-en is a spacious area
complete with ponds and tea gardensthat is rife with seasonal beauty.

Omi-cho Market

Almost 300 years old, this marketplace is the perfect place for purchasing fresh fish or any of Ishikawa
Prefecture’s many unique products.

Gokayama

This UNESCO World Heritage Siteis home to many gassho-zukuri style thatched roof houses thatcan only be seen in certain areasthat experience heavy snowfall.

福井／FukuiTojinboKamikochi

This route takes those who pass throughit on a journey through the Northern
Japanese Alps, which includes mountains
over 3,000 meters tall. Marvel at the many
wonders of Mother Nature that can beseen here, including great valleys of snow.

This highland valley deep in the mountainsof the Northern Japanese Alps is often lauded as one of the greatest treasure trovesof natural beauty in all of Japan, and plays
host to great plant and animal biodiversity.

静岡／Shizuoka
Mt. FujiOften seen as a subject in paintingsor spoken of in poetry and song, thismountain is the tallest in Japan andis the very symbol of the nation itself.

Ishikawa
Ishikawa

Stretching for over one kilometer, these precipitous cliffs were formed by volcanic activity
millions of years ago, and are thought to be
one of Japan’s most beautiful natural wonders.

Lake Hamana

WakuraWakuraHot Spring
Hot SpringThis large natural lake is the ideal location for enjoying water sports or collecting shells at low tide, and its intricate
coastline makes for gorgeous scenery.

Awara Hot Spring

As Fukui’s foremost hot springs district, itboasts many scenic areas that are unique to
hot springs towns. Explore this location as you
enjoy the feel of stone pavement beneath yourfeet and the fragrance of steaming hot springwater in the air.

ToyamaToyamaToyamaToyamaToyamaToyamaAirportAirport

Kanazawa
Kanazawa

Komatsu
Komatsu
AirportAirport

OkuhidaOkuhidaHot Spring
Hot Spring
Villages
Villages

World
World
Heritage
Heritage
Site Site
Furukawa
Furukawa
Shirakawa-go
Shirakawa-go HidaHida

Kamikochi
Kamikochi

Hida-Kiyomi
IC IC
FukuiFukui Hida-Kiyomi

NaganoNaganoMino-Ota
GifuGifu Mino-Ota

Ogaki
Ogaki

Gifu-GifuHashima
Hashima

Shiga Ichinomiya
Kyoto
Kyoto Shiga
Ichinomiya
Kyoto
Kyoto

Kameyama
Kameyama
JCT JCT

Universal
Universal
OsakaStudiosStudios
Japan Japan Osaka

Osaka
Osaka
滋賀／Shiga

KansaiKansaiInternational
International
Nara
Nara
Airport
AirportLake Biwa
With a surface area of over 670
kilometers squared, Lake Biwa
is the largest lake in Japan. The
nature surrounding it thrives, andits many stunning vistas make it
Biwako Visitors Bureauquite the picturesque location.
4

MagomeMagomejuku juku

Biwako Visitors Bureau

Mt.FujiMt.Fuji

TajimiTajimi

Gotenba
Gotenba
JCT JCT

Chiba
Chiba
NaritaNaritaInternational
International

Tokyo Tokyo
Airport
AirportDisneyDisney
ResortResort

HanedaHanedaAirport
Airport

Chiba
Chiba

Aichi
Aichi Shizuoka
Shizuoka Shinfuji
ShinfujiInternational
International
Mikkabi
Mikkabi
JCT JCT
Airport
Airport(Centrair)(Centrair)

Shizuoka
Shizuoka
Mt. FujiMt. Fuji
Shizuoka
Shizuoka
AirportAirport

Hamamatsu
Hamamatsu

Taki TakiIse Ise
TobaToba
Ise-Shima
Ise-Shima

Lake Kawaguchi
Lake Kawaguchi

Ena Ena

ToyotaToyotaJCT JCT
Yokkaichi
Yokkaichi
JCT JCT Central
CentralJapanJapan

Tsu Tsu

Tokyo
Tokyo
Tokyo
Tokyo

Yamanashi
Yamanashi

Toki JCT
Toki JCT

NagoyaNagoyaMie
Mie

The single most prosperous area in Nagoya,
Sakae is home to many famous department
stores, entertainment spots, and restaurants. With a vibrant night life and a varied
assortment of shops, Sakae is a must foranyone looking for a taste of city life.

KofuKofu

Nakatsugawa
Nakatsugawa

Mino-Seki
Mino-Seki
JCT JCTJCT JCT

Shopping in Sakae

Gifu
Gifu

MinoMino

OtsuOtsu

Originally constructed in 1612 and thenlargely destroyed in the fires of the Second
World War, the remnants of the original were
carefully integrated into its reconstruction.

MatsumotoMatsumoto

GujoGujo
HachimanHachiman GeroGero

MaibaraMaibaraNagoya Castle

Takayama
Takayama

Fukui
Fukui

Lake Biwa
Lake Biwa

愛知／AichiNaganoNaganoNagahama

Most well known for its “Kurokabe
Square,” a distinctly atmospherichistoric district that houses awide variety of glass galleries andworkshops, and restaurants thatserve local cuisine.

三重／MieIse Grand Shrine

Hidden away deep in the forest,
this Shinto shrine dedicated to
Amaterasu-omikami, goddessof the sun and patron deity of
the Japanese imperial family,
has existed for millennia.

Kumano Kodo

This series of pilgrimage routes
that cover Japan’s Kii Peninsula connects many of the sacredsites in this area, and were
together designated a World
Heritage Site by UNESCO.
5

The Different Regions Within Gifu

SHIRAKAWA-GO
白川郷

Located precisely in the center of the country, Gifu Prefecture has long been an important crossroadsof east and west Japan. The culture of Gifu has therefore been heavily influenced by both, resulting in agreat diversity of traditions nurtured here. Gifu is also a land of varied terrain, from the majestic mountains of Hida to the north - which stretch to heights of up to 3,000 meters above sea level - to the fertile,
expansive plains and riverlands of Mino to the south - which are located right at sea level. Gifu Prefecture is broadly divided into these two regions, which used to exist independently - as Hida Province andMino Province - before Japan’s adoption of the prefectural system. The Mino region - a term often used
to refer to the entire southern half of Gifu Prefecture, corresponding to the territory of Mino Province - istoday further divided into four sub-regions: the western region of Seino, the eastern region of Tono, thecentral region of Chuno, and the Gifu region that encompasses the capital of Gifu City. Take particularcare not to confuse the Hida region and the Mino region with Hida City and Mino City!

GUJOMINOKAMO

▶P58

郡上

HIDA
飛騨

A UNESCO World Heritage Site deep inthe mountains that boasts an idyllic villageof gassho-zukuri thatched roof houses.
Towards Toyama

▶P72

美濃加茂

▶P36
▶P32

A city with distinctly Japanese townscapes, particularly in the white-walled
storehouse district of Furukawa.

OKUHIDA HOT SPRINGVILLAGES 奥飛騨温泉郷

WorldWorld
Heritage
Heritage
Site Site
Shirakawa-go
Shirakawa-go
Shinhotaka
Shinhotaka
Ropeway
Ropeway
Hida-Furukawa
Hida-Furukawa

▶P52

岐阜

▶P28
Five onsen districts nestled in nature
that, together, boast the most open-air
hot spring baths of any region in Japan.

TAKAYAMA高山

HIDAInternationally famous for its picturesque old quarter and home to one
of Japan’s most beautiful festivals.

Gujo Odori
Gujo Odori
DanceDance
FestivalFestival
Gero

Gujo- GujoHachiman
Hachiman▶P20

REGION

OsakaOsaka
Falls Falls

awa
arag
Nag way
Rail
awa
arag
Nag way
Rail

Home of Mino Washi , one of
the most celebrated types of
traditional Japanese paper.

The blade capital of Japan andits historical center of sword
production.

GIFU

▶P64

美濃

e
ma Main Lin

MINO

▶P68

関

JR Takaya

SEKI

Takayama
Takayama

Ski Resort
Ski Resort
Areas Areas
in Gujo in Gujoema Main Lin

A place where Edo period
townscapes remain preserved.

JR Takaya

The site of one of Japan’s most
famous summer dance festivals,
the Gujo Odori .

GERO

Gero

下呂

Gero Hot
Gero
SpringHot Spring

▶P44

GIFU

REGION
Tarumi Railway

Line
Main
kaido
JR To
etsu
Meit ain Line
M
kaido

Sh

aid

ink

ay

ay

ilw

Ra

ilw

REGION

o

ok

etsu

aid

o

an

se

n

Sh

ink

Ena

Mitake Mitake

J
MeitetsuMeitetsu R Ta

JR To

Meit

ok

SEINO

REGION

ChiuneChiuneSugihara
Sugihara
Nakatsugawa
Memorial
Memorial
Hall Hall Nakatsugawa
MagomeMagomeMino-Ota
Mino-Ota Ena Valley
Ena Valley
juku juku

Cormorant
Cormorant
Fishing Fishingon the Nagara
on the River
Nagara River

Yoro Yoro
GifuGifuWaterfall
Waterfall HashimaHashima
T
T

Ra

6

Yoro

an

se

n

Towards
Nagano

CHUNO

Seki

GifuGifu

ro
Yo

▶P86
A place of rejuvenating natural
beauty and stunning postmodern art.

Yoro

Ogaki Ogaki
Sekigahara
Sekigahara

ro
Yo

養老

Ibi
Yoro Railway

YORO

Towards Kyoto

The “water capital” of the region
and the site of Japan’s most
famous battle.

Seki

Yoro Railway

関ヶ原

▶P90

Mino-shiMino-shi

Ibi

OGAKI・SEKIGAHARA
大垣

Tarumi Tarumi
Tarumi Railway

Home to the spectacle of cormorantfishing, a tradition that has continued
on the Nagara River for 1,300 years.

JR

Lin

Ta

e

ita

NAKATSUGAWA
中津川

▶P78

Ena

TONO

i
i
ech
ech
Ak ilwayAk ilway
Mizunami
Mizunami
REGIONRa
Ra
e Tokishi Tokishi
Tajimi Tajimi
Akechi Akechi
Line in Line
ain
a
M
M
o
o
Chu R Chu
JR
J

ita

An onsen paradise which has
historically been counted among
Japan’s Three Great Hot Springs.

Lin

Famous for the old post town ofMagome and its superb wagashi
Japanese sweets.

TAJIMI・TOKI・MIZUNAMI

ENA

▶P76
The production centers and homeof Mino Yaki , the dominant type of
pottery in Japan.

Home of Ena Valley, a site ofgreat natural beauty through all
four seasons.

多治見

土岐

瑞浪

恵那

▶P82

Nagoya Nagoya

Towards Tokyo

7

Sample Itineraries for Gifu’s Four Seasons

WINTERDay[Dec ~ Feb]

Day 2

Day 3・4
Matsumoto
Day1

1

Tajimi

JR Nagoya Station
Limited Express Wide View
Hida (1 hr 40 min)Gero Station

Stroll the streetsof Gero’s hot
spring district

NagoyaWinter in Japan is the ab- ▶P44
solute best time to enjoy
hot springs! Have a soak in
Gero’s mineral-rich springwater that will refresh yourbody and mind. Outdoor hot
spring baths are especiallyrelaxing in the winter, withthe water acting almost as ashield against the crisp air!

Gero Station
Limited Express Wide View
Hida (45 min)Takayama Station▶P27

Takayama Sake
Brewery Tours
Takayama Nohi Bus Center
Nohi Bus (50 min)“Shirakawa-go” bus stop

Explore thevillage of
Shirakawa-go
Stay at the
TOYOTA
Shirakawa-go
Eco-Institute▶P40

8

Enjoy an outdoor
nature activity at
the TOYOTA
Shirakawa-go
Eco-Institute“Shirakawa-go” bus stop
Nohi Bus (50 min)Takayama Nohi Bus Center
Nohi Bus (1 hr)

Hirayu Bus Terminal

See the beauty of
the Hirayu Great
Waterfall frozen
and illuminated!

▶P40

This grand water falltransforms into a pillar ofice because of the cold.
Mid-February marks the
beginning of the Ice Festival, during which thewaterfall is illuminated to▶P30
stunning effect.
There are many hot spring baths in
the area that you can just drop by
and bathe in, regardless of the hotel at which you are staying. Goingaround and trying out a bunch ofthese onsen baths is one fantastic
way to enjoy the region!
Dip some scrumptious
Hida beef in hot watera few times and enjoy it
shabu-shabu style, a very
common way of eating
beef in the region! After themeat’s color changes, dip
it in a sauce of your choosing and eat it right up!

▶P31

▶P20
Enjoy a Japanese-style breakfast withsome hoba miso, a local specialty dishin which miso paste and assorted vegetables are grilled over a magnolia leaf.

2

3

The Eco-Institute offers
a wide variety of naturecentered programs forguests to enjoy, so be
sure to take advantageof these and have astroll through the winterwonderland surrounding the facility.

Stay in the
Okuhida Hot
Spring Villages

Stay inTakayama

Day

Day

Takayama is rich in sake breweries
with a long history of excellence.
In the winter, each one of them
opens its doors to the public andencourages people to both sample its new sake and have a lookaround the brewery itself.
▶P22
See Shirakawa-go at its best, buried deep in snow andshining at night under the lights of the famous illumination
event!
▶P39

Day

4

Look upon the
grand Japan
Alps after taking
the Shinhotaka
Ropeway to the
top ofMt. Shinhotaka▶P30
The trek through the sky in a cable car (split up into two trips)
offers gorgeous views of the valley below and the mountains
above. The panoramic view from the top is not to be missed!

Nohi Bus (1 hr 30 min)Matsumoto (Nagano Prefecture)

If you want to delve deeper into Gifu...

One of Japan’s very best castles

Shop for ceramics in Tajimi!

Matsumoto Castle
is designated a National Treasure andis one of the mostbeautiful castles inall of Japan. Comeenjoy the castle
and the rest of thepleasant city!

Tajimi is famous
for its superb
pottery, so it is aperfect place tovisit if you want to
get your hands onsome beautiful,traditional Japanese tableware!

▶P76

9

Sample Itineraries for Gifu’s Four Seasons

SPRINGDay

1

JR Nagoya Station

JR Chuo Main Line (1 hr 15 min)

Nakatsugawa Station
Kita Ena Bus (25 min)Kanazawa

Day 4[Mar ~ May]

Day 3

Day 2

This former post town, where many
inns were located and where many
travelers stayed for the night, isbuilt along a 600 meter-long stonepaved path that makes for fantastic
photos!

Gifu Park

Day1

NagoyaDay

Famed for the o kos hidaiko Shinto ritual - part of3

the Furukawa Festival held
every April - and the whitewalled storehouses pictured
here lining the canal.

Explore the townof Hida Furukawa
Hida-Furukawa Station
JR Takayama Main Line
(16 min)▶P78“Magome-juku” bus stop

You can get somedelicious locallymade ice cream
made with thick,rich milk.

▶P33

Sink your teeth into some of the highest-grade
Hida beef at any number of restaurants in town.

Takayama Station

Stroll through the oldpost town of Magome

Soba (buckwheat
noodles) are a specialtyof the Magome area.

“Magome-juku” bus stop
Kita Ena Bus (25 min)Walk through theold quarter of
Hida Takayama

Nakatsugawa Station
Kita Ena Bus (1 hr)

Stay in Takayama“Kashimo Sogo
Jimusho-mae” bus stop

▶P27

Nohi Bus (35 min)Gero Station

Appreciate the transient beauty ofJapan’s most famous flower at the
Nawashiro-zakura Cherry Trees
Stay in Gero Hot
SpringKnown across Japan for its“water of beauties,” Gerois a perfect place for you tospend some quality relaxation time.
▶P49

Day

Day

The cherry blossoms’ peak season
is from early to midApril, and their reflectionin the pond next to themis one of the most uniqueand striking elements of any
sakura-viewing spot in Japan! ▶P48

Takayama Nohi Bus
Center▶P36

Nohi Bus (50 min)"Shirakawa-go" bus stop

Explore the village of
Shirakawa-go

2

Explore the streetsof Gero's hot spring
district
Gero Station▶P47
Relaxing in an ashiyu footbath or two (free of charge!) is amust, as is checking out someof the delicious local food!

Limited Express Wide View
Hida (1 hr)

Hida-Furukawa Station

Kanazawa (Ishikawa Prefecture)

Kenroku-en, one of Japan’s
Three Great Gardens

Stay in Hida City

A place where the old traditions
and respect for nature are verymuch alive▶P35

Japanese traditional folk crafts makesplendid gifts to take home!
Nohi Bus (1 hr 15 min)Hida Satoyama
Cycling

10

4

▶P20
Elegantly constructed merchant houses line both sides of
Takayama’s old quarter, making this part of town particularly
popular with tourists both from in Japan and from abroad.
Springtime here is synonymous with the Takayama Spring
Festival, and the cherry blossoms that decorate the town reach
their peak from mid to late April.

▶P34
Have fun cycling while gazing at the beautiful Japanesecountryside scenery all around you!

Nearby Kenrokuen, you will findsites such as
Kanazawa Castle
and t h e 21s t
Century Museumof Contemporary
Art, Kanazawa.

Ogimachi is a village in which old houses
constructed in the gassho-zukuri style remain to this day. Their value is recognized
far and wide, and Shirakawa-go is evendesignated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

If you want to delve deeper into Gifu...
Admire Gifu Park’s gorgeouscherry trees▶P52
These blossoms
reach their peakin early April, andthe cherry trees
lining the Nagara
River are a sight
to behold as well!

11

Sample Itineraries for Gifu’s Four Seasons

SUMMERDay

1

JR Nagoya Station
JR Tokaido Main Line
(18 min)[Jun ~ Aug]

Gifu Castle looming above
the plains below at the topof Mt. Kinka. You can takea cable car most of the way
up the mountain or hike on
foot.

Day 3

Day 2

Sekigahara

Day1

Day 4

Gifu Bus (1 hr 40 min)“Shirakawa-go” bus stop

Explore the village of
Shirakawa-go“Shirakawa-go” bus stop

JR Gifu Station

Nohi Bus (50 min)

Gifu Bus (15 min)

▶P55

“Gifu Koen/Rekishi
Hakubutsukan-mae” bus stop

These cool andrefreshing mizuuchiwa make for

Gifu Castle

perfect souvenirs!

Watch the spectacleof cormorant fishingon the Nagara River

Nagaragawa Cider, made using the
Nagara River’s delicious, pure water▶P71

Hamono Kaikan-mae Station▶P68

Seki is a town famous for blades ofall kinds, dating back to when it was
the center of sword-making in Japan.

Gujo-Hachiman Station

12“Gandate Koen Iriguchi”
bus stop

A cluster of over 200
waterfalls formed by theeruption of Mt. Ontake ▶P51
long ago
How about a healthy
meal after your trek?

Mino-Ota Station

Unagi eel is a local

delicacy in Seki andayu sweetfish is a

specialty of Gujo, so
be sure to try themout!

Explore the old post
town of Ota-juku on
the Nakasendo route

NagoyaJump right in andtry your handat the Gujo Odori
Dance

▶P63

Go waterfall-hoppingin Osaka Falls

Limited Express Wide View
Hida (55 min)Nagaragawa Railway (65 min)Stay in Gujo
Hachiman“Gandate Koen Iriguchi”
bus stop

The perfect time ofyear for tomatoes,
one of Gero’s delicacies!

Gero Station

Mino-Ota Station

Explore Seki City

Nohi Bus (1 hr)

Nohi Bus (1 hr)

JR Takayama Main Line
(35 min)

Hamono Kaikan-mae Station

Make use of a "Yu-meguri Tegata"pass to try out a variety of hot springbaths in the area.

4

Gero Station

JR Gifu Station▶P36
The view of the thatched roof houses against the countrysidegreen is a sight you will never forget!

Gero Station

Day
▶P53
The tradition of ukai cormorant fishing has been preserved in
Gifu City for 1,300 years and is the highlight of the summer
season.

Nagaragawa Railway(17 min)

Limited Express Wide View
Hida (45 min) from Takayama
StationStay in Gero Hot
Spring▶P49

Enjoy the iron-rich, cloudy
water that is characteristic of the onsen here.
▶P56

2

Takayama Nohi Bus Center

Stroll the streets ofGero’s hot spring
district

Stay in
Nagaragawa
Hot SpringDay

3

Gujo Hachiman
Jokamachi Plaza

Nagoya

▶P54

Day

Kyoto
▶P58

Anybody is welcome to participate
in this, one of the most famous bonodori dances in Japan!

The atmosphere of
an Edo period (1603~ 1868) town remains
P72▶
to this day.

If you want to delve deeper into Gifu...
Walk the historic battlefield of Sekigahara!
JR Takayama Main Line (35 min)

▶P91

Mino-Ota Station
JR Gifu Station

JR Tokaido Main Line (10 min)

Ogaki Station

JR Tokaido Main Line (15 min)Sekigahara Station

The site of Japan’s most famous battle 400 years ago that
determined the path the country
would follow, Sekigahara sees
many tourists interested inJapanese history.
13

Sample Itineraries for Gifu’s Four Seasons

AUTUMNDay[Sep ~ Nov]

The colors of Ena Valley reach
their peak between early to midNovember, and the combination of
the red and yellow-draped mountains and the blue lake makes fora beautiful sight.

1

JR Nagoya Station
JR Chuo Main Line
(1 hr)

▶P82

Day 3

Day 2

Day 4
Yoro Waterfall

Day 1

NagoyaEna Station

Look upon the grandJapan Alps from theheights of
Mt. Shinhotaka’s
peak!
▶P30

“Shinhotaka Ropeway”
bus stop

Takayama Nohi Bus Center
Nohi Bus (50 min)“Shirakawa-go” bus stop

Ena Station

JR Chuo Main Line
(10 min)

Nakatsugawa Station
Kita Ena Bus (25 min)

“Magome-juku” bus stop

Stroll through andstay in Magome-juku

▶P81

2

The kurikinton , a delectable Japanese sweet
made using chestnuts, is
one of the main delicacies of the region. Only
available during the autumn season!

Explore andstay inShirakawa-go

▶P43

▶P78

The architecture and layout of this old post town, with its steeply sloped stone path, really bring out the charms of autumn!

Day

4“Shirakawa-go” bus stop
Gifu Bus (1 hr 25 min)

“Magome-juku” bus stop
Kita Ena Bus (25 min)

Gujo Hachiman
Jokamachi Plaza

Kita Ena Bus (1 hr)

Stroll throughGujo Hachiman

Nakatsugawa Station“Kashimo Sogo
Jimusho-mae” bus stop▶P48

At the morning market, you can get your hands on avariety of fresh vegetables, local specialty products, andmore!

Nohi Bus (35 min)Gero Station

Gero Station

Limited Express Wide View
Hida (45 min)Takayama Station

The area around Gujo
Hachiman Castle
becomes a blaze of
autumn colors during
mid to late November, a period whose
highlight is the illumination of the castle
and its surrounding
crimson trees.
▶P60

Oyada Shrine is oneof the most handsome destinations in
the entire prefectureduring the fall season!
The giant maple trees
engulfing the shrine
and its surrounding
areas reach their reddish peak during mid
to late November.

Gujo-Hachiman Station
Nagaragawa Railway(45 min)

ExploreMino City
Takayama ramen
is famous throughout Japan, and forgood reason!

Walk the old quarterof Hida Takayama
Takayama Nohi Bus Center
Nohi Bus (1 hr)

Hirayu Bus Terminal▶P36
The best time to take in the autumn colors in Shirakawa-go is
between late October and mid-November.

Mino-shi Station

Shop at the
Ideyu Morning
Market in Gero

▶P23

Stay in the Okuhida Hot Spring Villages

▶P66

▶P20
The elegance of Hida Takayama’s oldquarter attracts visitors from aroundthe world! Autumn colors are at theirbest between late October and earlyNovember.

A region made up of five fantastic hot spring districts, Okuhida is a wonderful place to relieve yourself of the stress of travel.
▶P31
14

3

The Northern Japan
Alps glittering like asea of gold is truly asight to behold. Peakseason is during themonth of October,though different
areas change color
at dif ferent times
because of the difference in altitude!

Nohi Bus (1 hr 30 min)

Explore Ena andenjoy the beauty andmany colors of Ena
Valley's fall foliage

Day

Day

NagoyaKyoto

If you want to delve deeper into Gifu...
Mino-shi Station

Nagaragawa Railway (30 min)Mino-Ota Station

JR Takayama Main Line (35 min)

JR Gifu Station

JR Tokaido Main Line (10 min)

Ogaki Station

Yoro Railway (25 min)

Yoro Station

Take a trip to the
Yoro Waterfall

This waterfall is locateddeep within Yoro Park,a beautiful natural areathat boasts an incredible number of maple
trees leading up to thepowerful waterfall.

▶P86

15

岐阜の伝統工芸

Traditional
Crafts of Gifu

Experience the Ancient Crafts of Gifu Prefecture
There is a long history of thriving craft industries here in Gifu Prefecture.
Ceramics in the Tono region, woodcraft in Ogaki and the Hida region,
Mino Washi paper, and Seki cutlery are among the most distinctive local
industries found in Gifu. The skills and expertise of the artisans – whohave passed down the techniques and technologies of these exceptional
products for generations – remain treasured by many to this very day.

M ino WareS eki Cutlery
Mino Washi Paper

Mino Washi owes its creation to thenaturally rich environment of the
Mino region and the ingenuity of thelocal people. With recent industrial
expansions, a much wider variety
of products (including placemats,lamps, and other accessories) arebeing produced now more thanever before. In 2014, one of thetechniques of making Mino Washi
by ha nd wa s d e si gnate d a s a n
UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, helping it attract international
attention.
Learn about Mino City ▶P64

16

Woodcraft

Learn about Tajimi, Toki, and Mizunami ▶P76

Mino Ware (“Mino Yaki ” in Japanese) is a style of ceramic ware produced in the cities of Tajimi, Toki, and Mizunami. Pottery productionin this area goes back 1,300 years, and items such as tableware,tiles, and industrial ceramic products began to be mass produced in
the 1930’s. Mino Ware boasts more than a 50% share of all pottery
goods produced in Japan.

Learn about Seki City ▶P68

Seki cutlery has a long history that dates back some 780 years, andSeki itself originally prospered as a major sword-production area. Thiswas possible because all of the essential elements needed for sword
making were found naturally in the surrounding environment. The history and tradition of swordsmithing has been passed down to the present day, helping Seki become known as the largest cutlery production
area in Japan – famous for their high-quality knives and scissors.

With forests occupying more than 80% of
the land, Gifu’s abundant resources andwealth of unique craftsmanship has resulted in a variety of wood products being
produced in the region. Traditional techniques have been passed down throughgenerations resulting in advanced carpentry skills that are used to make a wide
range of wooden products today, fromthe finger-jointed masu boxes of Ogaki tothe furniture of the Hida region.
Learn about Ogaki City ▶P90
Learn about the Hida Region ▶P20〜

17

Experience Gifu’s WorldAcclaimed Heritages
In December of 2016, thirty-three traditional float festivals all over Japan
were designated as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritages. Three of the 33
festivals - the Takayama Festival, Furukawa Festival, and Ogaki Festival - arelocated in Gifu. In addition to the three festivals, Gifu Prefecture is home toother world-class heritages such as Shirakawa-go Village and Hon-Minoshi
Japanese paper. Make sure and tour around these world-class heritages; you
won’t be disappointed with the tradition and culture they contain!

Enjoy Breath-Taking Scenery While Connecting
With Local History and Culture

Shirakawa-go World Heritage Site

A Japanese Village Unchanged by Time Where Man and Nature Coexist Peacefully
Shirakawa-go has been designated as a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO since 1995, and thethatched roof houses – which give insight into the lifestyle of Japanese people long ago – are the symbol ofthe village with some of them holding over 300 years ofhistory. The village and surrounding scenery changes
with each passing season, allowing for a different experience each time one visits.

Yama , Hoko , and Yatai Float Festivals of Gifu Prefecture▶P36

Designated as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritages!

UNESCO World Cultural Heritage

Hon-Minoshi Japanese Paper

Takayama Festival

Exquisitely Crafted Floats Color Takayama’s Historical District

Genuine Washi Paper Shaped by Over 1,300 Years of History
Hon-Minoshi was designated as an UNESCO Intangible

Spring Festival: April 14 ~ 15
Autumn Festival: October 9 ~ 10

The Takayama Festival is one of Japan’s Three Most
Beautiful Festivals and is held twice a year: in thespring and autumn. The yatai floats, thought to havebeen created in 1718, utilize the master-level craftsmanship of the Hida region to the utmost degree(best seen in the karakuri marionette dolls and theingeniously engineered modoshi guruma wheels).
There are 23 festival floats – 12 in the spring and
11 in the autumn – that color Takayama’s historical
district with gorgeous, vibrant colors.
▶P21

UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage

Cultural Heritage in 2014 for being one of Japan’s Great
Techniques for Hand-Making Washi . Only ten percent of
Mino Washi products produced can meet the severely strict
standards for becoming Hon-Minoshi . When creating HonMinoshi , artisans strive to create the paper in a way that filters
light as beautifully as possible, and the soft, pure-white colorof the paper is the result of their supreme craftsmanship – itis also considered the paper’s defining characteristic.
▶P64

Ayu of the Nagara River System

The Intimate Relationship Deeply Rooted into Everyday Life Here in Gifu
The Nagara River is a symbol of Gifu Prefecture andwas chosen as one of Japan’s 100 Most Famous Bodies of Water. The Ayu sweetfish that thrive in the riverare deeply connected to the local economy, history, andculture. This mutual relationship – which is referred to as
the Satokawa system – between the locals, the river environment, and the fishery organizations, is highly praised
and was designated as a GIAHS (Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System) in 2015.

Furukawa Festival

The Historical Spectacle Filled with Raw Emotion and Intensity

April 19 ~ 20

The Furukawa Festival is an annual celebration
held by Keta Wakamiya Shrine. It is comprisedof three elements: the omikoshi portableshrine procession, the intense Okoshi-daiko(literally meaning “drum of awakening”) performance, and the peaceful yatai festival float
parade. The highlight of the festival is the
Okoshi-daiko performance where different districts – each with their own tsuke-daiko drums– compete late into the night in order to get
as close to the gigantic Okoshi-daiko drum as
possible.
▶P32

UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage▶P53

Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System

Chiune Sugihara

A Humanitarian and the Pride of Gifu Prefecture
Chiune Sugihara was a Japanese diplomat during WorldWar II who saved the lives of thousands of Jewish refugeesthat were fleeing Nazi persecution by issuing them transit
visas through Japan. At the Chiune Sugihara memorial
hall in Yaotsu-cho, there is a reconstruction of the office inwhich Chiune Sugihara made the historic decision to issue
the transit visas as it appeared during World War II.
http://www.sugihara-museum.jp/index_en.html

UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage

Ogaki Festival

Experience the History of Cultural Exchange

Saturday and Sunday right before May 15

The Ogaki Festival is a rare instance in Japan
where the yama floats from both the townspeople and a past feudal lord are displayed
together. The central location of the Minoregion in Japan plays an important role in thefestival because one can see connections toboth eastern and western festival cultures:the karakuri marionette dolls of the yatai
floats were influenced by the Chukyo region’s
yama float processions, while the child kabuki performances were inspired by those of
the Kinki region.
▶P90

18

UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage

Sodai Yosui

The Canal Created With Human Ingenuity
Sodai Yosui is designated as a Heritage Irrigation Struc-ture (HIS) because of the fact that it is both over 100
years old, and a structure of historical and technologicalvalue. This 17-kilometer irrigation canal was built overthe course of ten years (construction first began in 1663)
with the shear effort of three private residents. The creators used their own personal funds and received no
assistance from the central government or local lords.
Heritage Irrigation Structure
19