What to do and see in Gifu Prefecture, Chubu: The Best Free Things to do

May 22, 2021 Roseanne Arnett

Gifu Prefecture (岐阜県, Gifu-ken) is a prefecture in the Chūbu region of central Japan. Its capital is the city of Gifu.
Restaurants in Gifu Prefecture

1. Higashiyama Walking Course

Atagomachi, Takayama Gifu Prefecture http://alkg.jp/course/C121014
Excellent
44%
Good
41%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 434 reviews

Higashiyama Walking Course

Temples and shrines, a castle and private homes are among the sights along this 3.5 kilometer self-paced walking tour.

Reviewed By HappyFamily0f3 - London, United Kingdom

We thoroughly enjoyed the walk above Takayama town, exploring the various peaceful shrines and cemeteries along the way. It was quiet on a hot August day, but due to bear activity in the area it was recommended to bang a large metal can before entering some temples, just to ‘give the bears notice’ as one of the signs said. Unfortunately we couldn’t complete the route as the park was completely closed due to the bears. That was a shame and resulted in a long hot walk home along the road. Despite that, it is still a great way to spend a few hours in Takayama. There is also a great little quirky coffee shop along the way. Stop there for a drink and you’ll have your picture taken by the friendly owner and feature in his visitors book!

2. Nakasendo Magome-juku

Magome, Nakatsugawa 508-0502 Gifu Prefecture +81 573-69-2336 http://www.kiso-magome.com/migarunatabi.html
Excellent
51%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 660 reviews

Nakasendo Magome-juku

This historic footpath through the Kiso Valley connects the villages of Tsumago and Magome. The partially paved trail is approximately 8 kilometers in length and passes by several historic and natural wonders.

Reviewed By bearykim - Singapore, Singapore

a short 7-8km walk took us 4 hours as my group were crazily taking photos along the trail.. overall an easy and charming walk.. you will come across a charming tea house who serves u free green tea .. a donation box is availsble which helps to upkeep the place..

3. The Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go Gassho Style Houses

Ogimachi, Shirakawa-mura, Ono-gun 501-5627 Gifu Prefecture +81 5769-6-1013 http://shirakawa-go.org/kankou/
Excellent
55%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,168 reviews

The Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go Gassho Style Houses

Reviewed By ToruO - Setagaya, Japan

Luckily the place wasn't so crowded when I went there (ironically, thanks to COVID-19) but the weather was very unstable, thanks to an oncoming typhoon. The traditional thatched roof houses were quite a beauty to look at. Some are open to visitors but charge you a 300 yen admission. As you will be walking around a lot, it's best to visit during spring or fall when the weather is mild. If it weren't for COVID_19, you should definitely book a round trip bus ticket in advance. I traveled from Kanazawa station, and purchased tickets at an information center nearby. There are also tickets to and from Takayama station. Also, there are no trash cans, just like in most Japanese tourist spots. Bring plastic bags to put your trash in, so you can dispose of them when you get back to your hotel.

4. Kokeizan Eihoji Temple

1-40 Kokeizancho, Tajimi 507-0014 Gifu Prefecture +81 572-22-0351 http://kokei.or.jp/
Excellent
49%
Good
44%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 88 reviews

Kokeizan Eihoji Temple

5. Tanigumisan Kegonji Temple

23 Tanigumi Tokuzumi, Ibigawa-cho, Ibi-gun 501-1311 Gifu Prefecture +81 585-55-2020 http://kegonji.or.jp/
Excellent
39%
Good
51%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 89 reviews

Tanigumisan Kegonji Temple

6. Naegi Castle Ruins

2799-2-1 Naegi, Nakatsugawa 508-0101 Gifu Prefecture +81 573-66-8181 http://www.city.nakatsugawa.gifu.jp/kankou/spot/2018/03/100-432m-360-93017001630122715-320.html
Excellent
52%
Good
46%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 98 reviews

Naegi Castle Ruins

A short distance from Nakatsugawa Station stands the ruins of Naegi Castle constructed 400 years ago and once home to the prominent Toyama Family. At the top of the complex,visitors can find a wellplaced observation tower,which offers an astounding view of the Nakatsugawa landscape as well as Kiso River.

7. Hida Furukawa Old Town

Furukawacho, Hida Gifu Prefecture http://www.hida-kankou.jp/spot/1269/
Excellent
48%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 218 reviews

Hida Furukawa Old Town

Reviewed By Spertronic - Denver, United States

Hida Furukawa is a charming town with 2 sake breweries and many small shops. We also ate a delicious lunch while in town. There are carp to feed and many lovely old buildings to see. My wife and I stayed in Hida for three days while on our two week trip to Japan. It was some of our favorite time. The area has a local bus that makes travel easy. also there is a taxi company near the train station that will rent you bikes for the day.

8. Sekizenkoji Temple - Sokyuji Temple

35, Nishi, Hiyoshicho, Seki Gifu Prefecture +81 575-22-2159 http://www.seki-zenkoji.jp/
Excellent
39%
Good
48%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 31 reviews

Sekizenkoji Temple - Sokyuji Temple

9. Tetsuya Odori (Gujo Odori)

Hachimancho, Shinmachi, Gujo 501-4226 Gifu Prefecture +81 575-67-0002 http://www.gujokankou.com/about/about02/about02-01
Excellent
71%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 31 reviews

Tetsuya Odori (Gujo Odori)

The Tetsuya Odori is the highlight of the Gujo Odori dance festival. Taking place in heat of late summer, locals and visitors alike dominate to the evening streets to learn and perform Japanese traditional folk dances. Taking place over four days, dancers remain on the street energetically whirling from 8:00pm until dawn the following day. While any form of dress is welcome, shops and stalls rent out patterned yukata, and many guests don wooden 'geta' shoes that help to keep the rhythm and add to the beat of the music. It's a whirlwind of spirit and zeal, where strangers become friends and hundreds of people enjoy dancing like no one is watching.

10. Shirakawago

517 Hatogaya, Shirakawa-mura, Ono-gun 501-5629 Gifu Prefecture +81 5769-6-1311 http://shirakawa-go.org/
Excellent
62%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 200 reviews

Shirakawago

Reviewed By docajc

Joined a day tour to Shirakawago and Takayama from Nagoya. It snowed the day before we arrived, so there was a bit of snow over the rooftops of the houses. Not the same as the snow covered roofs we see on pictures, but nevertheless beautiful. We arrived around 3:30pm in the afternoon so most of the tour groups were set to go home. Take note however, that when arriving this late, you might not be able to take the shuttle up to the main observation point as the shuttle service ends at 4pm. It took about 15 to 20 minutes to walk uphill to the observatory but it was worth it as the view from the top was breathtaking. The walk downhill was obviously easier and faster. By 5pm, it starts to get quite dark so there was not much to see anymore. And since it was winter, most shops have already started to close. On the plus side, we got to see the sun set over the horizon, and that view is again a beauty. I would definitely visit again and maybe book an overnight stay early on in order to enjoy the village more.

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