The deep charm and history of Gifu Prefecture: Kasumi, a female travel writer, digs deep from her experiences!
- My Journey Fascinated by the Charms of Gifu Prefecture
- Dig deep! Little-known attractions of Gifu Prefecture
- Gifu Prefecture’s Historical Background and Fascinating Episodes
- Gifu Prefecture today and expectations for the future
- The specialness of Gifu that I felt while traveling through 47 prefectures
- The charm of Gifu that promises to revisit
- Please visit Gifu Prefecture
- summary
- Historical building selected by Kasumi
My Journey Fascinated by the Charms of Gifu Prefecture
What is Gifu Prefecture? The charm that grabbed my heart in an instant
Gifu Prefecture is located in a place that is easily accessible from Nagoya and other urban areas, but its charm is truly deep. In just a few hours by train from Nagoya, I was able to reach the beautiful natural and historical spots of Gifu Prefecture. Of all the 47 prefectures in Japan, Gifu Prefecture left a particularly strong impression on me.
Attractive spots in historic Gifu Prefecture
Gifu Prefecture is a very important area historically. It is dotted with many historical spots such as Gifu Castle and Shirakawa-go. In particular, Shirakawa-go, which is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, will impress you with its old-fashioned scenery and gassho-zukuri houses. Ogaki Castle in Ogaki City is a must-visit spot for history buffs. My experience here was unlike any other prefecture.
Dig deep! Little-known attractions of Gifu Prefecture
Gifu Prefecture not only has well-known sightseeing spots, but also has many hidden charms that only locals know about. For example, “Ceramic Park MINO” in Tajimi City is recommended for pottery lovers and those interested in design. In addition, there is a farm in Nakatsugawa City that boasts the largest production of peaches in Japan, and there is also a peach picking service in the summer. In fact, when I ate the peaches harvested here, I was surprised by their sweetness and freshness.
Gifu Prefecture’s Historical Background and Fascinating Episodes
Nobunaga Oda and the relationship between Gifu
Speaking of Gifu Prefecture, historically it cannot be excluded from its relationship with Oda Nobunaga. In the 16th century, Nobunaga took possession of Inabayama Castle in Gifu and used it as a base to unify the world. Gifu Castle, known as Inabayama Castle at the time, is known as a castle that excels in both offense and defense due to its prime location. When I actually visited Gifu Castle, I was able to feel how Nobunaga looked out over Japan from this place.
ancient culture and traditions
Gifu Prefecture is also a region where ancient crafts and culture are still alive. Gifu lanterns and Gifu washi, especially Mino washi from Seki City, are known as masterpieces of traditional Japanese culture. In addition, many unique local traditions and cultures such as the Gujo Odori dance and the Gujo Hachiman waterwheel remain. By experiencing these traditional cultures, you can learn more about the history and charm of Gifu Prefecture.
Food culture that feels the heart of Japan
Gifu’s food culture is also one of the attractions of this area. In particular, there are shops that continue to preserve traditional flavors, such as the rich miso-flavored koikuchi udon that you can taste at “Kantekiya” in Gifu City, and “Iwamura Uiro” in Nakatsugawa City. . While tasting these foods, I was able to feel the rich history and culture of Gifu Prefecture, as well as the lives of its people.
Gifu Prefecture today and expectations for the future
A pioneer in environmental and sustainability
Modern Gifu Prefecture is known as a region in Japan that focuses on the environment and sustainability. In particular, the “Eco Museum Center” in Minokamo City is actively promoting environmental initiatives and renewable energy. Through these efforts, Gifu Prefecture shows its vision for a sustainable future.
Tourism measures that make use of local resources
Gifu Prefecture promotes tourism measures that take advantage of its beautiful nature and historical background. In cooperation with local companies and organizations, efforts are being made to have visitors experience the charm of Gifu from multiple angles, such as by providing original sightseeing plans and experience menus. For example, with “Gifu Travel Service”, tours to unknown spots with local guides are very popular.
Activities of young people who will lead the future
In Gifu Prefecture, many young people are thinking about the future of the region and developing various activities. In particular, at the Hida Youth Summit held in Takayama City, local issues and future prospects are discussed, and new initiatives and projects are born. From these movements, Gifu Prefecture is expected to have a bright future.
The specialness of Gifu that I felt while traveling through 47 prefectures
Having traveled all over Japan, Gifu Prefecture has become a special place for me. It’s not just because of the abundance of tourist attractions. The warmth of the people of Gifu, the spirit of valuing history and culture, and the positive approach to the future. The fusion of these features has become the unique charm of Gifu Prefecture.
The charm of Gifu that promises to revisit
Every time I visited Gifu, new discoveries and surprises awaited me. Each time, I was so moved that I vowed to visit again. Especially during the cherry blossom season in spring and the autumn leaves in autumn, the nature of Gifu becomes even more beautiful. From now on, I would like to continue traveling while feeling the history and culture of the land along with the seasonal scenery of Gifu.
Please visit Gifu Prefecture
Finally, I have one request. If you are interested in Gifu Prefecture after reading this article, by all means please visit it. You will be able to experience the charm of Gifu that cannot be conveyed through photos and words alone.
What I have felt as I continue my travels is that by actually visiting a place, feeling its atmosphere, and interacting with the locals, I can understand the true charm of the region. I would be happy if you could feel the charm of Gifu prefecture even a little through my experiences and feelings.
summary
We have delved deeply into Gifu Prefecture’s past, present, and expectations for the future. It would be my pleasure if visitors and readers could deepen their love and interest in Gifu Prefecture by learning about the charm, history, and future prospects of this beautiful region. As Kasumi, I would like to continue to convey the charms of various parts of Japan. Thank you for reading.
Historical building selected by Kasumi
Gifu Prefecture is deeply involved in Japanese history, and many historical buildings still exist. This time, I, Kasumi, will introduce five historical buildings in Gifu that I particularly recommend. For each building, I will use my own point of view as a “kasumi point” and explain the charm that I felt.
Gifu Castle (Gifu City)
– Kasumi Point: Once Oda Nobunaga’s base, this castle stands majestic on the top of the mountain.
Gujo Hachiman Castle (Gujo City)
– Kasumi Point: This castle is close to the clear Nagara River. It is also known as a cherry blossom viewing spot in spring.
Shirakawa-go (Shirakawa-mura, Ono-gun)
– Kasumi Point: This area is lined with gassho-zukuri houses, and you can enjoy the atmosphere of each season. The contrast between the snowy landscape in winter and the Gassho-zukuri style is particularly spectacular.
Old Battlefield of Sekigahara (Sekigahara Town, Fuwa District)
– Kasumi Point: This area, which was the stage of the Battle of Sekigahara, is dotted with many stone monuments and historical sites, making it an irresistible spot for history buffs.
Ogaki Castle (Ogaki City)
– Kasumi Point: Ogaki Castle, which retains its beautiful appearance as a flat castle and the atmosphere of a castle town surrounded by moats, is known as one of the best-preserved castles in Gifu Prefecture.
These historic buildings are important assets that convey the long history and culture of Gifu Prefecture. By all means, when you visit Gifu Prefecture, please visit these spots and feel the deep history and culture.
