Best Things to Do in Gifu: Top Attractions, Food & Day Trips (2025 Guide)

2025/11/19

Gifu Prefecture is one of Japan’s most underrated destinations—rich in history, culture, hot springs, and mountain scenery. From the UNESCO-listed village of Shirakawa-go to the relaxing waters of Gero Onsen and the atmospheric post town of Magome-juku, Gifu offers a perfect blend of nature and tradition without the crowds of major cities.
Whether you're planning a day trip, cultural exploration, or an off-the-beaten-path adventure, this guide covers the best things to do in Gifu and how to explore the region comfortably.

Why Visit Gifu?

Gifu is where Japan’s traditional landscape truly comes alive. Once the base of Oda Nobunaga, the prefecture is filled with historical towns, pristine nature, and unique cultural experiences.

Travelers love Gifu because:

It offers authentic, non-touristy Japan
It blends history, culture, nature, and hot springs
You can explore mountain villages and Edo-era towns
Seasonal attractions—from winter snow to summer festivals—are stunning

For foreign travelers, Gifu feels like stepping into “old Japan,” but with modern comfort and accessibility.

How to Get Around Gifu Easily

Gifu’s top attractions—Shirakawa-go, Takayama, Hida Furukawa, Gero Onsen, and Magome-juku—are spread across mountainous regions. Public transportation exists, but connections often require multiple transfers.

For a smooth trip, many travelers prefer:

Private Tours & Sightseeing Taxis

Door-to-door convenience
No transfers
Multilingual support
Perfect for families or small groups

To explore safely and comfortably, see our full list of transportation services in: Japan Private Tours or Japan Charter Bus Rentals.

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Top Attractions in Gifu

1Shirakawa-go (World Heritage Site)

Shirakawa-go is Gifu’s most iconic destination, known for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses with steep thatched roofs designed to withstand heavy snow. The village looks spectacular year-round—lush in summer, fiery in autumn, and magical when blanketed in winter snow.

Best for: Culture lovers, photographers, first-time Japan travelers
Highlight: UNESCO heritage architecture & breathtaking viewpoints
Access: 1 hr 20 min from Kanazawa by car or bus

For a convenient way to explore, see our Shirakawago Tour.

2Gero Onsen

Rated as one of Japan’s top three hot springs, Gero Onsen is famous for its smooth, skin-beautifying waters and relaxing town atmosphere. It makes a great stop between Takayama and Nagoya.

Best for: Hot spring lovers, couples, wellness travelers
Highlight: Public bath hopping, ryokan stays, winter outdoor baths
Access: 1-minute walk from Gero Station

Hot springs lovers may also enjoy The 5 Best Hot Springs Near Tokyo.

3Magome-juku (Nakasendo Trail)

This beautifully preserved Edo-era post town sits along the historic Nakasendo route. Its stone-paved streets, traditional houses, teahouses, and craft shops make it one of the most atmospheric towns in Japan.

Best for: History fans, walkers, photographers
Highlight: Walkable section of the Nakasendo Trail to Tsumago
Access: 20-min taxi ride from JR Nakatsugawa Station

4Nagaragawa Ukai (Cormorant Fishing)

For over 1,300 years, Gifu has practiced ukai, a traditional method of night fishing using trained cormorants. Watching fishermen illuminated by fire-lit boats is a rare cultural experience you won’t find anywhere else.

Best for: Culture lovers, families
Season: Mid-May to mid-October

5Hida Takayama & Hida Furukawa

Famous for their beautifully preserved townscapes, morning markets, temples, and wooden architecture. Perfect for travelers wanting to experience “old Japan.”

Best for: Culture, food, walking tours
Highlight: Takayama’s Old Town, Hida beef restaurants, Furukawa canals

6Oku-Hida Onsenkyo

This mountain hot spring region is known for its open-air baths with dramatic alpine scenery. In winter, snow-covered rotenburo (outdoor baths) are especially unforgettable.

Best for: Nature lovers & wellness travelers
Highlight: Outdoor baths surrounded by mountains

Must-Try Foods in Gifu

Hida Beef

One of Japan’s top Wagyu brands, known for its incredible marbling and melt-in-your-mouth flavor. Try it as steak, sushi, or grilled on a magnolia leaf (hoba miso).

Hoba Miso

Vegetables and miso grilled on a magnolia leaf—fragrant, rich, and perfectly satisfying.

Gohei Mochi

A regional grilled rice cake with a sweet-and-savory miso sauce. Great for street food lovers.

Recommended Day Trips & Itineraries

Gifu offers a wide range of scenic and cultural routes, making it perfect for both quick day trips and longer getaways. Here are some of the best itineraries to help you explore the region efficiently:

1-Day Shirakawa-go & Takayama

Visit the UNESCO-listed village of Shirakawa-go and stroll through Takayama’s beautifully preserved old town.
Great for first-time visitors and photographers.

1-Day Magome–Tsumago Walk

Walk along the historic Nakasendo Trail between two atmospheric Edo-period post towns.
Ideal for travelers who love nature + history.

2-Day Gero Onsen + Takayama

Relax in one of Japan’s top three hot springs before exploring Takayama’s morning markets and charming townscape.

Family-Friendly Cultural Routes

Mix easy sightseeing with hands-on experiences such as food markets, craft workshops, or historic town walks.
Perfect for travelers with children.

Winter Snow Village Tour (Dec–Feb)

See Shirakawa-go transformed into a snowy fairytale world—one of Japan’s most magical winter experiences.
For travelers wanting a smooth, personalized journey, see our detailed itineraries and flexible travel options in the Japan Private Tour Guide.

Explore Gifu Comfortably with a Private Tour

Gifu is one of Japan’s most captivating regions—filled with natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, charming old towns, and unforgettable food experiences. Whether you're enjoying a peaceful hot spring, exploring historic mountain villages, or discovering local traditions, Gifu offers something special in every season.
Use this guide to plan your journey, travel comfortably, and experience the authentic charm of Gifu. For travelers who want a seamless and flexible way to explore, our customizable itineraries in the Japan Private Tours and convenient transportation options in Japan Charter Bus Rentals can make your Gifu adventure even more memorable.

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Private Tours & Sightseeing Near Gifu

Discover Gifu Your Way: Private Tours & Personalized Sightseeing Experiences

Kanazawa Private Tour (8 hours)

Kenrokuen Garden, Kanazawa Castle, Oumicho Market, Higashi Chaya Machi, Nagamachi Samurai District
Nagoya Private Tour (8 hours)

Nagoya Castle, Tokugawa-En Garden, Have lunch, Atsuta Shrine, Osu Kannon, Osu Shopping Street