Get to know Gifu Prefecture's storied past, natural wonders and local cuisine

Located in central Honshu, Gifu Prefecture is an off-the-beaten-track destination perfect for history buffs, lovers of the great outdoors and foodies.

One of only eight landlocked prefectures, Gifu’s location has made it a key junction throughout Japanese history as a site of economic exchange and military conflict.

Home to mountains, plains and rivers, the prefecture is also abundant in nature with nearly a fifth of its area designated as national parkland. With its diverse geography, Gifu has developed a regional cuisine featuring seafood from the Inland Sea and its renowned Hida beef.

With JR Gifu station as a stop on the shinkansen (bullet train) network, too, you’ll be able to enjoy Gifu Prefecture in no time from Tokyo or Osaka and beyond.

Explore rural Japanese history

Hida Takayama’s folk village takes you back more than 200 years into Gifu’s past. Image: Eckhard Pecher/WikiMedia Commons CC BY 2.5

From UNESCO World Heritage Sites to preserved Edo-era towns, Gifu is a prefecture blessed with many ways to explore Japan’s past.

Hida Takayama

Takayama City is nestled in the Japanese Alps, a collection of mountain ranges that cut through central Honshu. While there are lots of places named Takayama in Japan, this one in Gifu distinguishes itself with the addition of Hida, a reference to the old Hida Province that once covered the prefecture’s northern region.

Hikers looking for a base to explore nearby peaks, such as Mount Norikura and Mount Hakusan, should seriously consider a stop in Hida Takayama. Both mountains provide plenty of trails fit for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike.

History buffs should check out Hida Folk Village, an outdoor museum housing dozens of historical buildings. With doors open to the public and carefully recreated interiors, visitors will be able to soak up centuries of local history.

Shirakawa-go

Check out the Shirakawa-go UNESCO World Heritage Site at night for a truly magical experience. Image: structuresxx/iStock

Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995, Shirakawa-go is a small village offering history and culture set against a beautiful natural backdrop. Located in the northern part of the prefecture, this picturesque area is home to several thatched buildings in the gassho-zukuri style.

Forgoing the use of any nails, these structures were constructed using wooden beams that firmly lock into each other. As a testament to their construction, many buildings have been standing since the 19th century. Explore the village and learn about its history.

Traversing the old Nakasendo Highway

Okute-juku, one of the stations of the ancient Nakasendo Highway. Image: IBA-KOMAKI JUN/Pixta

Government officials and merchants in Japan’s Edo period relied on several highways to travel to and from Edo (present day Tokyo). People traveling on the Nakasendo Highway cut through the middle of Mino Province (Gifu Prefecture) as they made their way to Edo, Kyoto and places in between.

While the complete route runs about 540 kilometers, a stretch of approximately 128 kilometers falls within Gifu’s boundaries. You’re free to hike any part of the trail and the segment between Nakatsugawa-juku and Ota-juku is especially recommended as a snapshot into the past. Along the way, you’ll find quiet paths tracing their way through forests, mountains and small towns.

Unwind in natural onsen

One of Japan’s top three onsen regions awaits at Gero City. Image: かぜのたみ/Pixta

Everyone needs some rest and relaxation. Why not soak in Gifu’s historical onsen (hot springs) and feel revitalized by the power of nature?

Gero Hot Springs

Gero City, considered to be one of the top three hot spring locations in Japan, is famous for its numerous onsen and smooth quality of water. There are three public bath houses available along with several baths accessible through ryokans at certain times of the day. There are also a number of foot baths throughout the town that are free to use.

Gero has a special hot spring pass that provides access to up to three baths at participating ryokan. As an extra treat, the pass is fashioned out of wood and makes for a unique souvenir.

Okuhida Hot Springs villages

Head to Okuhida Onsen in the fall and enjoy the beautiful foliage. Image: BULL/Pixta

While there are a number of hot spring villages which have developed along the valleys in the Okuhida region, Okuhida hot springs are especially popular for their rotemburo (open air outdoor baths). Many onsen here provide fantastic views of the surrounding Northern Alps.

The largest and oldest onsen town in the area is Hirayu no Mori which is said to have been discovered in the 1560s. Covering almost 50,000 square meters, Hirayu no Mori has 16 rotemburo to choose from. Come in the winter and bask in the snow-tipped trees surrounding the open-air hot springs.

Savor Gifu’s succulent specialties

Savor some of Japan’s finest wagyu beef in Gifu Prefecture. Image: のりぞー/Pixta

Any visit to this region that does not delve into its cuisine would be missing a special treat. While Gifu’s regional delicacies may not yet have international name recognition, nothing can beat eating these local foods in their own unique environment.

Hida wagyu (Japanese beef) has been growing as a luxury export. This meat, which is derived from the prized cows roaming freely in their natural environment in Hida, is known for being amply marbled, but not too heavy. It is said that the seasonal and daily temperature differences, such as the warm summers and snowy winters, in the region contribute to producing superior beef. Try it grilled with miso or in a hamburger!

In addition to the Kakita River in Shizuoka Prefecture and Shimanto River in Kochi Prefecture, the Nagara River is considered one of Japan’s three cleanest rivers. With an aroma reminiscent of cucumbers and melon, ayu (sweetwater fish) is the river’s second most popular fish. From tempura to grilled with a touch of salt, ayu is one of Gifu’s culinary specialties. For a truly unique meal, try ayu sushi, which features the entire fish served atop a bed of vinegared rice.

More adventures await

These 30-meter falls and many more reward you as you trek through Okura Falls Nature Trail Park. Image: 44kawa/Pixta

With this overview of Gifu, you should be well on your way to sampling what the prefecture has to offer. If you are feeling more active, Gifu also has you covered with many other opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors:

• Go cycling along the Nagara River
• Ski or snowboard on the Takasu Mountains
• Hike to a beautiful waterfall in Okura Falls Nature Trail Park