Gifu

Gifu Prefecture is a landlocked prefecture in central Japan, broadly divided into Hida in the north, a heavy snowfall area embraced by the Northern Alps, and Mino in the south, spreading across the Nobi Plain. The gassho-zukuri village of Shirakawa-go is registered as a World Heritage Site, while Hida Takayama attracts visitors with its well-preserved Edo-era townscapes. Gifu Castle atop Mount Kinka in Gifu City is a historic castle associated with Oda Nobunaga. In summer, the Nagara River is illuminated by the traditional 1,300-year-old cormorant fishing technique (ukai), and Gero Onsen is renowned as one of Japan's three great hot springs. The prefecture is also known for traditional crafts such as Mino pottery and Gifu Japanese umbrellas, along with gourmet delights like Hida beef and chestnut kinton sweets. With excellent access to the Nagoya metropolitan area, Gifu condenses both old and new attractions into a compelling tourism destination.