Gifu
The Crow Castle of Matsumoto
Matsumoto Castle is one of four castles designated as 'National Treasures of Japan' and one of the oldest castle donjon remaining in Japan.
By John Asano 3 min read 1
The Long and Colorful Hydrangea Road
The Itadori area is a great escape from the heat of the city in summer with the temperatures always a few degrees cooler in the mountains.
Sunomata Castle: The One Night Castle
Can a castle be built overnight? The legend has it that Sunomata Castle in Gifu was built overnight to intimidate enemies of the lord Oda Nobunaga.
Kiso Sansen: Japan’s Largest National Government Park
Kiso Sansen Park located in Kaizu City, Gifu Prefecture, is the largest government park in Japan and is home to the famous Tulip Festival.
The Ancient Art of Cormorant Fishing
The haiku poet, Matsuo Basho famously wrote a haiku about ukai when he visited Gifu to watch the cormorant fishing: “Exciting to see / but soon after, comes sadness / the cormorant boats”.
138 Tower Park Ichinomiya
138 Tower Park in Ichinomiya City, Aichi Prefecture is regarded as one of the best public parks in Japan and features the tallest arch style tower in Asia.
Usuzumi Zakura: One of Japan’s Three Great Cherry Trees
Usuzumi Zakura is truly an impressive cherry tree and should be seen by any fan of cherry blossoms in Japan. Bring along a picnic basket and blue plastic sheet and make the most of the beautiful hanami season.
The Sake Breweries of Hida Takayama
Hida Takayama is must see destination in Japan and forms the new Golden Route with Shirakawa-go and Kanazawa. If you are after a traditional Japanese town with beautiful scenery and unique culture this town should be high-up on your list of places to visit.
Take A Walk Around Gero Onsen
Gero Onsen is a picturesque town surrounded by beautiful mountains and hot flowing natural spring water. If you are looking for a traditional Japanese onsen experience then I highly recommend paying a visit.
Plum Blossoms at Bairin Park in Gifu
The Bairin Plum Festival (Ume Matsuri) is a famous plum blossom festival held at the park in March every year. The festival features live musical performances and lots of food vendors selling all kinds of tasty Japanese festival food.
The Edo Period Houses of The Omi Merchants
Omihachiman (近江八幡) is an Edo Period merchant town located close to Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture, it makes a great day trip from Kyoto for any fan of Japanese history and culture.
Visiting the Great Buddha of Gifu
Many of you have probably heard of the Great Buddha (Daibutsu) of Kamakura and Todai-ji in Nara, but did you know that there is a third Great Buddha in Japan.
