The 329-meter-high Mount Kinka is in the center of Gifu; cormorant fishing on the Nagara River has a history of about 1,300 years. These distinct themes provide a framework for planning your trip: you can get to know Gifu through its landscapes and hiking trails, its history, or a seasonal tradition.
Mount Kinka and Gifu Castle
Mount Kinka was formerly called Mount Inaba. Gifu Castle stands at its summit; in 2011, the area around the mountain was designated a national historic site of Japan under the name “Gifu Castle Ruins.” The mountain landscape as it is today and the history of the place thus sit side by side, without requiring a specific sightseeing route.
The Gifu Kinka-zan Ropeway connects Gifu Park to the summit station on Mount Kinka in about four minutes. From the ropeway, you can see the mountain covered in natural forest, the natural scenery of the Nagara River, and the cityscape of Gifu City. Operating times and prices may change; check these details before planning your visit. Mount Kinka also has developed hiking trails suitable for walks. As trails may be closed, check their current status before setting out.
City History and Museums
According to historical tradition, Inaba Shrine is a place of worship more than 1,900 years old. Gifu City Museum of History and the Kato Eizo and Toichi Memorial Art Museum are located in Gifu Park. The history museum covers Gifu's history from prehistoric times to the present; a closure for renovations was announced from October 23, 2025, through November 2026. Check the current status before visiting. The art museum preserves and exhibits works by the brothers and painters Kato Eizo and Toichi, who were from Gifu City.
The Nawa Insect Museum in Gifu Park displays insect specimens from around the world, including the Gifu butterfly, also known as the “goddess of spring.” The park's garden is also known as a cherry blossom viewing spot: in early April, the area is widely covered in cherry blossoms. This combines a seasonal natural attraction with the park's cultural themes.
Nagara River and Kawara-machi
Cormorant fishing on the Nagara River takes place every year from May 11 to October 15, almost every evening. It is not held on the rest day around the autumn full moon or during periods of high water; whether it takes place also depends on the weather. If you want to plan your trip around the fishing season, check the dates for your visit. The Nagara River Ukai Museum presents the history, techniques, and distinctive features of this tradition, including outside its limited season.
Kawara-machi preserves an old streetscape with traditional houses and lattice doors. The district once flourished as a river port serving water transport on the Nagara. There are shops that make and sell traditional Gifu Uchiwa fans, as well as confectionery shops known for ayu sweets. Individual businesses may change; if you have specific shopping plans, check in advance which shops are currently open.
Getting Around and Finding Your Way in the City
The Gifu City Tourist Information Center is on the second floor of JR Gifu Station. Operated by the Gifu Convention and Visitors Bureau Foundation, it provides information on Gifu City and surrounding municipalities through on-site staff, brochures, and digital displays. Check the official information for current operating details.
The “Kua no Michi City” health walking course runs through central Gifu City and was certified on March 31, 2023. It mostly follows paved roads and passes through parks, green spaces, and riverside areas. Stairs and uphill sections make it more physically demanding; take this into account when choosing your activities. The mix of city streets and more challenging sections sets this course apart from a visit focused solely on museums or historic districts.
Discover more destinations: Hatotani, Minokamo, Hida, Kani, Kamo District, Toki, Tarui, Seki.
Return to the regional travel overview: Gifu Prefecture.
