15 Best Things to Do in Gifu (岐阜県 Gifu-ken)
Thatched villages and castle towns, river cormorant fishing and mountain hot springs—Gifu is old-japan charm with alpine edges.
This guide features 5 sights, 5 local foods, and 5 experiences. Each card includes Highlights, From Kyoto (rough route & time), local Access, and a Pro tip.
🏘 Shirakawa-go
🏯 Takayama Old Town
♨ Gero Onsen
🐟 Nagaragawa Ukai
From Kyoto Station → Gifu Gateways (rough times)
| Gateway | Typical Route | Time* | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Takayama | Shinkansen → Nagoya → Ltd. Exp Hida → Takayama | ~3h00–3h30 | Base for Old Town, Hida Folk Village, buses to Shirakawa-go |
| Gero Onsen | Shinkansen → Nagoya → Ltd. Exp Hida → Gero | ~2h45–3h15 | Hot-spring town on the Hida line |
| Gifu | JR Rapid from Kyoto → Gifu (via Maibara/Ogaki) | ~1h20–1h50 | Castle, cormorant fishing on the Nagara River (seasonal) |
| Magome (Nakasendō) | Shinkansen → Nagoya → JR Chuo → Nakatsugawa → bus to Magome | ~2h30–3h00 | Start of Magome–Tsumago trail |
| Gujō Hachiman | Shinkansen → Nagoya → Meitetsu/Bus → Gujo-Hachiman | ~3h30–4h30 | Sample-making workshops, summer dance festival |
*Times are approximate and vary by train type/connection. Always check the latest timetable.
1) Shirakawa-go (白川郷 Shirakawa-gō)
Highlights. Ogimachi viewpoint, traditional houses, winter snow scenes.
From Kyoto. To Takayama (~3h) → bus to Shirakawa-go (~50–70 min).
Access (local). Walkable village; shuttle to viewpoints on busy days.
Pro tip. Arrive early; midday tour buses get packed. Stay overnight for quiet morning light.
2) Takayama Old Town (高山古い町並み Furui Machinami)
Highlights. Sanmachi-suji district, sake tasting, museum houses.
From Kyoto. Shinkansen → Nagoya → Ltd. Exp Hida → Takayama (~3h).
Access (local). 10–15 min walk from Takayama Station; compact & flat.
Pro tip. Hit morning markets by 8–9am; try warm gohei-mochi with miso glaze.
3) Gero Onsen (下呂温泉 Gero Onsen)
Highlights. Riverside rotenburo, ashiyu footbaths, onsen temples.
From Kyoto. To Gero via Nagoya (~2h45–3h15).
Access (local). Walkable town; many ryokan offer station shuttles.
Pro tip. Bring a small towel; check tattoo policies before bathing.
4) Magome & Tsumago (馬籠宿・妻籠宿 Magome-juku / Tsumago-juku)
Highlights. Teahouses, waterfalls on the trail, wooden inns.
From Kyoto. To Nakatsugawa (~2h30–3h) → bus to Magome; hike to Tsumago then bus/train back.
Access (local). Well-marked path; luggage-forwarding services available.
Pro tip. Hike Magome → Tsumago for gentler gradients and better light angles.
5) Gifu Castle & Kinka-zan (岐阜城・金華山 Gifu-jō / Kinka-zan)
Highlights. Museum keep, panorama decks, forest trails.
From Kyoto. JR to Gifu (~1h20–1h50) → bus to ropeway base.
Access (local). Ropeway or hiking paths up/down; combine with riverfront.
Pro tip. Sunset over the Nagara is top-tier; carry layers for summit breeze.
6) Hida Beef (飛騨牛 Hida-gyū)
Highlights. Charcoal yakiniku, nigiri bites, street-side skewers.
From Kyoto. Via Takayama/Gero.
Access (local). Butcher-grill counters & restaurants in Takayama and Gero.
7) Takayama Ramen (高山ラーメン Takayama Rāmen)
Highlights. Shoyu broth, chashu, menma, green onions.
From Kyoto. Gateway: Takayama.
Access (local). Shops cluster around Old Town and station streets.
8) Hoba Miso (朴葉味噌 Hōba Miso)
Highlights. Table-top grills, seasonal mushrooms, local veggies.
From Kyoto. Via Takayama/Hida region.
Access (local). Common in ryokan breakfasts and mountain eateries.
9) Gohei-mochi (五平餅 Gohei-mochi)
Highlights. Oval or flat styles, sesame/peanut miso variants.
From Kyoto. Gateways across Gifu mountains.
Access (local). Street stalls in Takayama & Nakasendō towns.
10) Ayu Sweetfish (鮎 Ayu)
Highlights. Charcoal-grilled skewers, seasonal menus, riverside inns.
From Kyoto. Via Gifu / Gujo river valleys.
Access (local). Look for “ayu” signs near Nagara River eateries.
11) Nagaragawa Ukai (長良川鵜飼 Cormorant Fishing)
Highlights. Firelit boats, castle silhouette, cultural commentary on board.
From Kyoto. To Gifu (~1h20–1h50) → bus/taxi to river dock.
Access (local). Evening departures; arrive early to check in and board.
Pro tip. Bring a light jacket for river breeze; telephoto lens helps low-light shots.
12) Food Sample Workshop (食品サンプル作り Shokuhin Sample)
Highlights. Hands-on crafting, take-home souvenirs, factory tours.
From Kyoto. To Gujo-Hachiman via Nagoya (~3h30–4h30).
Access (local). Workshops near castle town center; book slots on weekends.
Pro tip. Wear clothes you don’t mind getting wax/paint on; arrive 10–15 min early.
13) Takayama Festival (高山祭 Takayama Matsuri)
Highlights. Ornate yatai floats, night illuminations, old-town routes.
From Kyoto. To Takayama (~3h) by Ltd. Exp Hida.
Access (local). Crowds heavy—arrive early; check road closures and routes.
Pro tip. Book lodging months ahead for festival dates; bring layers for night chill.
14) Nakasendō Hike (中山道ハイク Nakasendō)
Highlights. Waymarkers, small shrines, waterfalls, village cafés.
From Kyoto. To Magome via Nakatsugawa (~2h30–3h) → hike → bus/train return.
Access (local). Well-signed; moderate fitness; check last buses.
Pro tip. Pack water and cash; mobile signal can be patchy between towns.
15) Hida Folk Village Crafts (飛騨の里 Hida no Sato)
Highlights. Thatched roofs, woodworking, indigo dye, winter illuminations.
From Kyoto. To Takayama (~3h) → local bus to Hida no Sato (~10 min).
Access (local). Paths have gentle slopes; rental kimono/photospots available.
Pro tip. Go near opening for soft light and fewer tour groups.
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FAQ
When does cormorant fishing (ukai) run?
Typically on summer–autumn evenings. Services are weather/river dependent—confirm schedules.
Can I visit Shirakawa-go in winter?
Yes—roads and buses operate in most conditions, but bring winter gear; select nights feature illuminations.
How hard is the Magome→Tsumago hike?
Moderate, ~2–3 hours at a relaxed pace with gentle elevation; well signed with facilities in towns.
Are onsen tattoo-friendly?
Policies vary. Many allow small tattoos if covered—check with the facility ahead.