GIFU | Paulonia

When to travel?

The features of the prefecture are very different as there are places whose altitude is 0 meter to 3000 meters.

Best season: Mar-Nov (Jul, Aug could be very hot)
Snow activity: mid Dec-early Mar
Cherry blossoms: Apr
Foliage: Nov

Events / Festivals

Apr: Spring Takayama Sanno festival (春の高山山王祭), Takayama 高山
Jul-Sep: Gujo dance festival (郡上踊り), Gujo 郡上
Oct: Takayama Hachiman festival (高山八幡祭) Takayama 高山

Touristic spots

Capital: Gifu city (岐阜)

Located only 20 minutes away from Nagoya, the city is considered as a commuter town and as the capital of the prefecture. The city has historical monuments, as well as great nature. The city has flourished as a castle city, with Nagara river (長良川) which has the cleanest water in Japan, and Mt. Kinka (金華山) surrounding the city.

*Gifu* castle, originally constructed in 1201, reconstructed in 1956.

Mt. *Kinka* (金華山), great nature within a short distance.

*Ugai* (鵜飼), this is a traditional way of fishing using a kind of bird called cormorant.

Takayama (高山)

This is the largest city of Japan, even bigger than the size of Osaka or Kagawa prefecture. The city has been central of Hida region, which is attracting so many tourists.

The city was once called as Little Kyoto in Gifu, and it still has so many traditional and historical monuments. Even the Michelin Travel Guide has given 3-stars to this city.

*Dashi* float, there are Spring and Autumn festivals in Takayama.

*Shirakawago* (白川郷) is a world Heritage site, but there is a park called *Hida no Sato* (飛騨の里) in Takayama city, where you can enjoy traditional houses of the *Hida* region.

Gujo (郡上)

Gujo is another historical city, whose festival is very famous, too. On top of the mountain, there is a symbol of the city, Gujo Hachiman castle (郡上八幡城), which was reconstructed in 1933. The city remains a lot of good-old times ambiance.

*Gujo* Dance festival, more than a few thousands of people participate every year. The festival is held 32 nights within 3 months.

Magome (馬籠)

A small town that existed on the way to and from Tokyo and Kyoto. The town is well-preserved with the old ambiance, though everything except for stone-paved street and the Masugata (桝形) small square was burnt down in 1915.

People rested in this town, on the way to their destination.

Ena gorge (恵那峡)

This gorge is known for a funny-shaped rocks. Huge dam was constructed at the upstream of the river, which usually destroys the scenery. However, Ena gorge has remained its scenery and the artificial development has added the attractiveness.

Okuhida Hot spring (奥飛騨温泉郷)

Okuhida Hot spring is a group of several hot springs in the area, so you might find some other names, too. They are all located close to Takayama, so that the hot springs are attracting many tourists with their traditional buildings and abundant hot water. It is also famous for foliage time, and many people visit during this time.