About Gifu

Nestled in the heart of Japan, Gifu Prefecture is a captivating blend of ancient tradition and breathtaking natural beauty. This mountainous region offers travelers an authentic Japanese experience away from the urban crowds. Gifu's crown jewel is the historic village of Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses with steep thatched roofs designed to withstand heavy snowfall. Equally enchanting is the preserved Edo-period town of Takayama, where narrow streets lined with wooden merchant houses, sake breweries, and morning markets transport visitors back in time. Gifu is also home to the crystal-clear Nagara River, where the ancient art of cormorant fishing (ukai) has been practiced for over 1,300 years using trained birds to catch ayu sweetfish. Adventure seekers can explore the stunning Northern Alps, hike through the scenic Nakasendo trail connecting Kyoto and Tokyo, or relax in Gero Onsen, one of Japan's three most famous hot spring towns. From traditional crafts like Mino washi paper and Seki cutlery to vibrant festivals like the Takayama Matsuri, Gifu offers a deeply cultural journey through Japan's living heritage.

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Travel Tips for Gifu

Getting Around

Public transportation is reliable but limited in remote areas. JR trains connect major cities like Gifu, Nagoya, and Takayama. The Hida Limited Express train is popular for accessing the northern regions. Local buses serve towns and tourist sites, but schedules can be infrequent in rural areas. Renting a car provides the most flexibility for exploring mountainous regions and remote villages like Shirakawa-go. Taxis are available in cities but expensive. Popular navigation apps include Google Maps, Japan Travel by Navitime, and Japan Official Travel App. The Takayama-Matsumoto Area Tourists Pass offers unlimited travel on buses and trains in the region.

Best Time To Visit

April-May and October-November offer ideal conditions. Spring (late March to April) brings cherry blossoms and comfortable temperatures. Autumn (October to November) features spectacular fall foliage, particularly in the mountainous areas. Summer (June to August) is pleasant in higher elevations but humid in valleys, with vibrant festivals like the Takayama Summer Festival. Winter (December to February) transforms Shirakawa-go into a magical snowscape but requires preparation for heavy snowfall and cold temperatures.

Local Customs

Remove shoes when entering traditional inns (ryokan), temples, and private homes. Bow when greeting others. Speak quietly in public spaces, especially on trains. Avoid eating while walking. Tipping is not customary and may cause confusion—excellent service is standard. When visiting onsens, wash thoroughly before entering baths, and never wear swimsuits (tattoos may be prohibited at some facilities). At Shinto shrines, bow twice, clap twice, then bow once when praying. Respect 'no photography' signs, especially in sacred spaces and private homes in Shirakawa-go.

Safety Information

Gifu is extremely safe with low crime rates. Violent crime against tourists is rare. Exercise normal precautions in crowded tourist areas like Takayama and Shirakawa-go against petty theft. Be cautious when hiking in mountainous regions—check weather conditions, stay on marked trails, and be prepared for sudden weather changes. During winter, roads in mountainous areas can be hazardous due to snow and ice. Road conditions in remote areas may require winter tires or chains. No specific areas need to be avoided, though standard precautions apply in entertainment districts at night. Scams targeting tourists are uncommon.

Health Information

Gifu has excellent medical facilities, particularly in cities like Gifu City and Takayama. Major hospitals include Gifu University Hospital and Takayama Red Cross Hospital. No specific vaccinations are required beyond routine immunizations. Travelers should be aware of seasonal allergies (especially cedar pollen in spring) and take precautions against mosquito bites in rural areas during summer. Altitude sickness can affect visitors hiking in the Northern Alps. Japan has universal health insurance, but travelers should obtain comprehensive travel insurance as medical costs for foreigners can be high. Most doctors speak limited English, so translation apps are recommended.

Languages Spoken

Japanese

Quick Facts

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)
¥

Timezone

Asia/Tokyo +09:00 (GMT)

Calling Code

+81

Electricity

Type A, B; 100V, 50/60Hz
Socket types →

Driving Side

Left

Population

1.9 million

Area

10621 km²

Government

Prefectural government with governor and assembly

About Gifu

Things to do in Gifu

Create Your Own Pocket Knife in Miracle Kitchen Knife Factory

Gifu: Half Day Private Tour Castle, Great Buddha and Old Town

Experience the Soul of the Sword-smith : Samurai Spirit in Seki

2 Hour Private Scenic Mountain Castle Tour in Gifu

Lantern and Mini Japanese Umbrella Painting with Artisan Visit

Explore Traditional and Modern Blade Techniques Tour

Japanese Sword Workshop Tour and Iaido Experience

Private Japanese Martial Arts and Samurai Experience in Gifu

Guided Tour in Gifu Great Buddhist Statue Golden Gate Shrine

Travel Tips for Gifu

Getting Around

Best Time To Visit

Local Customs

Safety Information

Health Information

Languages Spoken

Quick Facts

Currency

Timezone

Calling Code

Electricity

Driving Side

Population

Area

Government

ISO Code

Emergency Contacts

Police

Ambulance

Fire

Tourist Police

Frequently Asked Questions