Gifu Prefecture straddles Japan’s spine — from the deep Japan Alps to the fertile Nobi Plain. Its crown jewel is the UNESCO World Heritage village of Shirakawa-go, but Gifu also offers spectacular cormorant fishing, washi paper crafts, and some surprisingly world-class cuisine.
Top Attractions
1. Shirakawa-go
Shirakawa-go’s steep-roofed gasshō-zukuri farmhouses — designed to withstand the region’s enormous snowfall — look like something from a fairy tale, especially when blanketed in winter snow. The village is a living, inhabited UNESCO World Heritage Site.
2. Ukai (Cormorant Fishing) on the Nagara River
For over 1,300 years, trained cormorant birds have fished the Nagara River in Gifu City by firelight. Watching this ancient practice from a wooden boat on a warm summer evening is one of Japan’s most magical experiences.
3. Takayama Old Town
Shared with the northern Hida region, Takayama’s beautifully preserved Edo-era merchant quarter is one of Japan’s finest historic towns. Sake breweries, craft shops, and morning markets line the old streets.
Food & Drink
Hida Beef — Gifu’s wagyu — rivals Kobe and Matsuzaka in quality. Mitarashi Dango (sweet soy sauce rice dumplings) originated in Gifu. Also famous: Mino washi paper and Seki cutlery (among Japan’s finest blades).
Getting There
From Nagoya, Gifu City is 20 minutes by train. Takayama is accessible from Nagoya by express train in about 2.5 hours.
