Gifu Travel Guide: Timeless Villages, Craftsmanship, and Mountain Calm
Gifu is a land of living heritage. From thatched-roof houses nestled in snowy valleys to centuries-old swordsmiths and paper makers, it’s where tradition remains rooted in daily life. Visitors will find warmth, wisdom, and wonder hidden among the mountains.
Villages That Whisper the Past
- Shirakawa-go: A UNESCO World Heritage village — steep thatched roofs and timeless snow-covered serenity.
- Hida Furukawa: Quieter than Takayama, with white-walled storehouses and peaceful canals.
- Gujo Hachiman: A water town with ancient dance festivals and gentle river paths.
Crafted by Hand, Preserved by Heart
- Seki City: Japan’s most respected swordsmith town — where blades are still forged with ancestral fire.
- Mino Washi Village: Traditional handmade paper — delicate, strong, and artfully simple.
- Takayama Jinya: A well-preserved Edo-era government office — wood, tatami, and quiet dignity.
Hearty Food from Mountains & Rivers
- Hida Beef: Rich, marbled, and tender — grilled or served as sushi for unforgettable flavor.
- Kei-chan Chicken: Local marinated chicken stir-fried with miso and vegetables — rustic and satisfying.
- Gohei Mochi: Rice cakes coated in walnut-miso sauce and grilled — sweet, smoky, and comforting.
Wabi-Sabi Moments in Gifu
- Snow falling silently on the rooftops of Shirakawa-go
- Listening to the clink of water wheels in Gujo Hachiman
- Watching a master fold washi paper under warm afternoon light
- Wandering through Hida Furukawa at dusk with only the sound of your footsteps
Gifu is not a place of big cities or bright lights. It’s a place where the past is honored, the present is mindful, and the future is quietly nurtured in wood, water, and craft.
How to Get There
- To Takayama: About 2.5 hours from Nagoya by limited express train.
- To Shirakawa-go: Bus from Takayama or Kanazawa (approx. 1–2 hours).
- To Seki & Mino: Trains and local buses from Gifu City (approx. 1.5 hours total).