Gifu Prefecture｜A Land of History and Craftsmanship Nurtured by Mountains and Rivers
Gifu Prefecture｜A Land of History and Craftsmanship Nurtured by Mountains and Rivers
Located in the heart of Japan, Gifu Prefecture is blessed with abundant natural beauty—from the towering Hida Mountains in the north to the gently flowing Kiso and Nagara Rivers in the south. This rich natural environment has long shaped the lives of its people, fostering a culture and industry uniquely rooted in the land.
In the northern Hida region, towns like Takayama retain traditional streetscapes from the Edo period, while the village of Shirakawa-go—famous for its thatched-roof gassho-zukuri houses—offers a glimpse into a mountain lifestyle passed down for generations. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Shirakawa-go stands as a symbol of human ingenuity in harmony with a harsh, snowy climate.
To the south, the Mino region is home to thriving traditional industries such as Mino washi paper and Mino ware ceramics. Mino washi, in particular, has been designated a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, a testament to its exceptional craftsmanship and enduring quality.
Gifu is also known for its bladesmithing, with the city of Seki boasting over 700 years of history in cutlery and metalwork, earning it global recognition as a “City of Blades.” The region also excels in woodworking and metalcraft, where the spirit of “takumi”—Japanese artisanship—is alive in both technique and aesthetic.
In Gifu, craftsmanship born from a life closely tied to nature coexists with a spiritual culture reflected in historic towns, festivals, and local beliefs. Here, the essence of Japan’s traditional craftsmanship and heartfelt dedication continues to thrive.
- Gifu City
- Gifu City
- Ogaki City
- Kakamigahara City
- Approximately 1.9 million
- Shirakawa-go (World Heritage Site)
- Hida Takayama
- Gujo Hachiman
- Gero Onsen
- Hoba-zushi (A traditional sushi from the Hida region, wrapped in magnolia leaves.)
- Hida Beef (A premium brand of Japanese black wagyu from Gifu Prefecture.)
- Mino Ware
- Mino washi – Mino Japanese paper
Shirakawa-go, a historic village with traditional gassho-zukuri thatched-roof houses.
Gero Onsen, a historic hot spring town with over 1,000 years of tradition.
he old townscape of Takayama, preserving the atmosphere of the Edo period.
Yoro Falls in Gifu Prefecture, a 30-meter waterfall long known for its pure spring water.
Gifu Castle, a mountaintop fortress at 329 meters, known for its connection to Oda Nobunaga.