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As a National Geographic Journalist, I had the opportunity to visit the beautiful city of Gifu. This city is situated in the center of Japan and is surrounded by picturesque mountains that offer breathtaking scenery. I was thrilled to experience the city’s rich cultural heritage, traditional food, and the warm hospitality of its people. In this article, I will highlight the attractions I visited, the street food I tried, the hotels I stayed in, and recommend a three-day itinerary.
Scenery & Highlights
Gifu city is located along the Nagara River and offers a combination of natural beauty and modern amenities. The city’s most significant landmark is the Gifu Castle, located on Mount Kinka. It offers a panoramic view of the city’s skyline and its outskirts. I also enjoyed visiting the Gifu City Museum of History, which showcases the city’s past, culture, and art.
What I liked most about the city was the Nagara River, where I took a pleasant boat ride to experience the beautiful scenery. Additionally, I explored the Takayama Village, which has over 30 traditional Japanese buildings, showcasing life in the Edo period.
On the other hand, the city’s traffic can be problematic during peak hours, and depending on one’s location, the prices of goods and services can be high.
Cost of Living
The average cost of living in Gifu is reasonable, and it is possible to live on a budget. The cost in a day could range between $50-$150, depending on one’s lifestyle. The street food is affordable, and with a budget of $10, one can enjoy a sumptuous Japanese meal.
Top 20 Points of Interest
1. Gifu Castle – 18 Kinkazancho, Gifu, 500-8288, Japan. Website: www.gicb.net/. Rating 4.5 stars
2. Gifu City Museum of History – 18-1 Ryogaemachi, Gifu, 500-8831, Japan. Website: www.gcmhp.pref.gifu.jp/. Rating 3.5 stars
3. Takayama Village – 1-590 Kamioka-cho, Mitake-cho, Kani-gun, Gifu 505-0112, Japan. Website: www.gifucvb.or.jp/takayama-mura/. Rating 4 stars
4. Nagaragawa Ukai Museum – 1-43 Nagara, Gifu 500-8288, Japan. Website: www.ukai-museum.jp/. Rating 4 stars
5. Mt. Kinka Ropeway – 51 Kinkazan-cho, Gifu 500-8288, Japan. Website: www.kinkazan.jp/. Rating 4 stars
6. Gujo Hachiman Castle – 274 Hachimancho, Gujo, Gifu 501-4215, Japan. Website: www.gujohachiman.com/. Rating 4 stars
7. Shirakawago – 517 Hatogaya, Shirakawa-mura, Ono-gun, Gifu 501-5629, Japan. Website: www.shirakawa-go.org/. Rating 4.5 stars
8. Gifu City Tower 43 – 4-4-43, Meieki, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya 450-0002, Japan. Website: www.gift43.com/. Rating 4 stars
9. Kinkasan Soy Sauce / Miso Factory – 177 Kinkazancho, Gifu, 500-8288, Japan. Website: www.kinkasan-net.com/. Rating 4 stars
10. Senryuji Temple – 2-chōme−142−1 Mikawa, Gifu-shi, Gifu-ken-502-0822, Japan. Website: www.senryuji.jp/. Rating 4.5 stars
11. Gifu World Freshwater Aquarium – 50-1 Nagarabashi, Gifu 502-0008, Japan. Website: www.gifuaqua.jp/. Rating 4 stars
12. Gifu Park – 1 Kandaichikawa, Gifu 502-0021, Japan. Website: www.gifupark.jp/. Rating 4.5 stars
13. Hida Folk Village – 1-590 Kamioka-cho, Mitake-cho, Kani-gun, Gifu 505-0112, Japan. Website: www.hidanosato-tpo.jp/. Rating 4 stars
14. Shoryuji Castle – 11 Funamachi, Gifu, 500-8115, Japan. Website: www.gifu-take.com/shoryuji/. Rating 4 stars
15. The Little World Museum of Man – 90 Kyojima-cho, Inuyama 484-0021, Japan. Website: www.littleworld.jp/. Rating 4.5 stars
16. Onsen yu – Sora no Yu Gero Onsen – 411 Yumoto, Gero 509-2206, Japan. Website: www.sora-no-yu.jp/. Rating 4.5 stars
17. Ibi Sculpture Park – Sakamoto, Ibigawa, Ibi-gun, Gifu 501-0101, Japan. Website: www.ibiart.com/. Rating 4 stars
18. Hida-Kokubunji Temple (Jodo sect) – 6-3 Higashikokubucho, Takayama 506-0052 Gifu Prefecture. Website: www.kokubunji.com. Rating 4.5 stars
19. Gero Onsen Gassho-mura – 1760 Mori, Gero 509-2502, Gifu Prefecture. Website: onsen-gassho.jp. Rating 4 stars
20. Onsen Takayama Ramen Hirata – 1 Chome-13-24 Hanasatomachi, Takayama, Gifu. Price $10. Rating 4.5 stars
Top 20 Popular Street Food
1. Yakiniku (grilled meat) – $10
2. Yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) – $2
3. Okonomiyaki (Japanese pancakes) – $5
4. Takoyaki (octopus balls) – $3
5. Oden (stew) – $3
6. Gyoza (fried dumplings) – $3
7. Tempura (fried food) – $7
8. Ramen (noodle soup) – $5
9. Udon (thick noodle soup) – $6
10. Soba (buckwheat noodle soup) – $6
11. Mochi (rice cake) – $2
12. Oyaki (steamed buns) – $3
13. Oshinko (pickled vegetables) – $2
14. Edamame (boiled soybeans) – $2
15. Dango (sweet rice dumpling) – $2
16. Taiyaki (fish-shaped cake) – $3
17. Kakigori (shaved ice) – $3
18. Anman (bean paste bun) – $2
19. Chirashi-zushi (sushi bowl) – $10
20. Katsu-sando (pork cutlet sandwich) – $5
Recommended Locations for Cuisine:
– Outdoor food markets on Sanmachi Suji Street
– Gifu City Tower 43’s restaurant with a free observation deck
Top 10 Hotels (average price per night)
1. The b Gifu – $70. Rating 4 stars.
2. Gifu Washington Hotel Plaza – $50. Rating 4 stars.
3. Daiwa Roynet Hotel Gifu – $90. Rating 4 stars.
4. Gifu Miyako Hotel – $80. Rating 4 stars.
5. Hotel Resol Gifu – $90. Rating 4 stars.
6. Comfort Hotel Gifu – $70. Rating 3.5 stars.
7. Gifu Grand Hotel – $100. Rating 3.5 stars.
8. Apa Hotel Gifu-Hashima-Ekimae – $60. Rating 3.5 stars.
9. Gifu Castle Inn – $60. Rating 3 stars.
10. Hotel Jyuri – $50. Rating 3 stars.
Top 10 Airbnb listings (average price per night)
1. Gifu Star Room – $40. Rating 4.5 stars.
2. Clean and Cozy Stylish room in Gifu – $60. Rating 4.5 stars.
3. Sakura House Gifu – $50. Rating 4 stars.
4. Kojima Business Room – $55. Rating 4.5 stars.
5. Ootemachi House – $60. Rating 4.5 stars.
6. Machinomiya House – $70. Rating 4 stars.
7. Marugame House – $75. Rating 4.5 stars.
8. Hikone House – $60. Rating 4 stars.
9. Hida House – $80. Rating 4 stars.
10. Omihachiman House – $75. Rating 4.5 stars.
Summary
Many things make Gifu a unique place to visit in Japan. This city has a rich cultural heritage, beautiful scenery, and friendly locals. The city also offers many attractions that cater to different interests, from visiting historical sites to exploring museums and enjoying traditional food. The hotels and Airbnb listings offer homely accommodation that caters to visitors’ various budgets.
My top five recommendations for accommodations that are worth the stay are:
1. The b Gifu – Affordable price, 4-star rating, and a convenient location
2. Clean and Cozy Stylish room in Gifu – Stylish and comfortable decor, 4.5-star rating, and accessible location
3. Ootemachi House – Cosy and traditional home, 4.5-star rating, and a reasonable price
4. Gifu Miyako Hotel – Spacious rooms, 4-star rating, and excellent location
5. Gifu Castle Inn – Comfortable rooms, 3-star rating, and a good price
Overall, I rate this city 8 stars out of 10.
Three Days Itinerary:
Day One:
1. Visit Gifu Castle and experience the panoramic view of the city.
2. Take a pleasant boat ride along the Nagara River.
3. Try Okonomiyaki at Sanmachi Suji Street.
Day Two:
1. Take a train to Takayama Village and explore over 30 traditional Japanese buildings.
2. Try Hida Beef at a local restaurant.
3. Visit Shirakawago and enjoy the scenery.
Day Three:
1. Visit Gifu City Museum of History.
2. Visit Hida Folk Village and enjoy traditional food.
3. Relax at Sora no Yu Gero Onsen and try Onsen Takayama Ramen Hirata.
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