Located 30 kilometres north of Nagoya, Gifu is a smaller and quieter alternative to the busy streets of nearby cities, as a town with a population of 400,000. It is the capital of the Gifu prefecture and known for its old castle, fishing and paper industry and beautiful nature. Travelling to Gifu is the perfect day trip from Nagoya, home to many local cultural attractions and small yet captivating traditions.
Gifu Castle is the main attraction of the town, with a history of over 600 years, a museum full of military armour and maps, and panoramic views from its rooftop, spanning the surrounding country and the Nagara River. It is on Mt. Kinka, a 329-metre high peak with stunning views and a squirrel park, reached using the ropeway ride that guides visitors to the top. There are other museums in Gifu, including the City Museum of History, various art museums, a science museum and an insect museum. Visitors can witness a 13.7 metre tall Buddha statue in Shōhō-ji Temple, relax in the beautiful Japan-China Friendship Garden, or hire boats and participate in the local cormorant fishing activities on the river.
The nearest airport to Gifu is Chubu International, which has regular train routes that travel directly to the town. There are also numerous connections between Gifu and Nagoya, including the Tokaido train line, the JR train service, and local bus routes. Once inside the town, it is best to travel by foot or by renting a bicycle, although buses also navigate through the streets.
The town of Gifu has experienced a turbulent history, once almost destroyed by an 1891 earthquake and later severely damaged in the bombing of World War II. Today, it is a space of historic restoration, having repaired many of its ancient buildings and retained its stories of its past. It has always played a major role in the paper industry, producing high-quality umbrellas, lanterns and other significant objects of Japanese culture.