48 hours in Gifu
So what if you only have two days? Include these in your Japan itinerary and you won’t go home disappointed.
In the heart of Honshu, Japan lies a large landlocked prefecture, Gifu. Its capital is famous for cormorant fishing, and its main tourist attractions include Takayama, a picturesque town in the mountains, and Shirakawa-go, where small villages run deeper into the mountainous areas. Intrigued? First things first: Travelling from Nagoya to Meitetsu-Gifu Station by the JR line only takes about 30 minutes. But the journey and your two-day stay are well worth it.
Gero Hot Spring
Just got off the train and need to relax? Gero Hot Spring, one of the three most famous hot springs in Japan, is just round the corner of JR Gero Station. With its incredibly smooth quality of water – also referred to as the "water of beauties" – some have claimed that it makes the skin of those who soak in it just as smooth! There are also foot baths scattered throughout town. You can experience traditional Japanese culture by painting ceramics and making Japanese handmade paper at the Gero Hot Spring Gassho Village.
Gifu Castle
Standing atop Mount Kinka, Gifu Castle was the home base of one of Japan's remarkable military commanders, Nobunaga Oda. The man was said to be unassailable. Housed within those walls is an impressive collection of Japanese armour and swords. The castle is accessible from Gifu Park via the Mt Kinka Ropeway. The vicinity of the castle is well-known for its beauty and autumn scenery, which are best enjoyed during the month of November. You can take in a panoramic view of the entire city from the upper room of the keep.
Takayama Historic District
If you’re in for a little shopping, this is the place to go. At the centre of the castle town are three main streets that make up the most popular part of Takayama's Historic District. Called “Sanmachi-dori”, it served as a bustling merchant town in the past. The distinctive, old architecture remained along with stores such as old-fashioned Japanese sweet shops, traditional crafts shops, and others selling local specialties such as mitarashi dango rice ball snacks and skewered Hida beef.
UNESCO World Heritage Site, Shirakawa-go
If you’re up for a little adventure or looking for a great photo opportunity, take a trip to a quaint little settlement in Shirakawa Village. Hidden deep in the mountains, it is famous for its gassho-zukuri houses, which feature grand roofs that resemble hands clasped in prayer. Many of these houses are still inhabited to this day, and together with their adjacent rice paddies, they paint an incredibly picturesque landscape. Within the village lies the oldest and largest remaining gassho-zukuri house called the Wada House. Though still used as a private residence, part of it is open for public viewing. Some of these gassho-zukuri houses also offer accommodation, but advance booking is recommended. This site is accessible by Nohi bus and Hokuriku railway bus.
Seki Sword Tradition Museum
Seki City is one of the most well-known and highly regarded blade-producing areas globally. Even in this modern day and age, Japanese swords continue to be produced by swordsmiths in the traditional forging style that has been passed down for generations. The museum shows off the over 700-year-old history and tradition of blade-making. Aside from documents and videos, the public is also treated to a glimpse of traditional Japanese sword forging on designated days.
Check out how you can win your trip to Gifu and be able to take in these magical sights.
