Gifu

Gifu (岐阜) is the capital of Gifu (prefecture) | Gifu prefecture, Japan.

Travel to Gifu

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Gifu

Chubu International Airport (IATA Flight Code: NGO) is the closest airport to Gifu. Meitetsu trains run directly from the airport to the Meitetsu Gifu station three times per hour at a cost of ¥1310 for an unreserved seat, or ¥1660 for a reserved seat; seat reservations are mandatory on the limited-stop μSKY trains. The trip takes about one hour.

Nagoya Airport (Komaki Airport, IATA Flight Code: NKM) has domestic flights.

Travel by train to Gifu

Gifu is a station on the JR Tokaido Main Line and JR Takayama Line. Frequent services on the Tokaido Line run to Gifu from Nagoya Station (18-25 minutes, ¥450). From Tokyo it takes roughly 2 1/4-2 1/2 hours via the Tokaido Shinkansen Nozomi service, changing at Nagoya (¥11000). The Nozomi is not covered by the Japan Railway Pass; Hikari services from Tokyo will slightly increase the travel duration. From Kyoto and Osaka, it takes slightly over an hour to reach Gifu via Nozomi, changing in Nagoya (¥6100).

The Nagoya to Gifu journey is actually one in which travel by JR line is faster and affordableer - the private Meitetsu Railway runs from Nagoya into Meitetsu-Gifu Station in 30 minutes at a cost of ¥540. The Meitetsu station in Gifu is located around 400 meters northeast of the JR station.

Limited Express trains on the JR Takayama Line run from JR Gifu to Gero Onsen (80 minutes, ¥3300) and Hida-Takayama (2 1/4 hours, ¥4800).

There is also Limited Express service via Maibara to Kanazawa (2 1/2 hours, ¥6700) and Toyama (3 1/4 hours, ¥7800). In addition there is a more scenic route to Toyama via the Takayama line which takes around 3 3/4 hours.

Gifu-Hashima is a local stop on the Tokaido Shinkansen in the city of Hashima, about 12 kilometers southwest of Gifu. It is feasible to reach Gifu city from here using the Meitetsu Takehana Line, which runs out of nearby Shin-Hashima Station - through trains to Meitetsu-Gifu run from the late afternoon and take 30 minutes at a cost of ¥620. Many trains terminate at Kasamatsu from where you can transfer to reach Gifu. Most travelers coming from the west, however, opt to travel to Nagoya and change there for train service to Gifu.

Travel on a Bus in Gifu

There are scheduled buses (5 times/day) connecting Osaka Namba OCAT to Shin Gifu Bus Center. The trip takes less than 3 hours under normal traffic condition. Gifu's close proximity to Nagoya means that very few highway buses actually stop here. Travelers considering coming by bus will have a lot more options by going to Nagoya and then taking a 20 minutes train ride to Gifu Station.

Get Around

Gifu City is serviced by the Meitetsu run Gifu Bus as well as JR Buses. JR passes are accepted on JR buses.

Also and there are three Rent-a-Cycle stations in downtown Gifu (JR Gifu Station, Gifu City Hall South Branch, and Gifu Park). You can rent bikes for 100 yen per day.

What to See

Gifu Castle - Gifu Castle

Gifu Castle - 岐阜城 | 35.433918, 136.782071 Opening Hours: 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM, until 10 PM July 20 to August 31 Castle admission, ¥200 - Gifu Castle sits atop Mt. Kinka, and the main attraction is a 360-degree panoramic view from the top floor. The castle was historically significant as Oda Nobunaga used it as a headquarters when unifying Japan, however the castle was destroyed in 1601, after the Battle of Sekigahara. The current castle was completed in 1956 and underwent a major renovation in 1997. Inside the castle is a small museum with armor, swords, maps, etc. The castle is open for night viewing in the summer. Getting to the top of Mt. Kinka requires either a ropeway ride or a hike.

Gifu City Museum of History - 岐阜市歴史博物館 - 35.433407, 136.772777 - There are exhibition corners where you can experience history while being introduced to it. In particular and the Castle Town of the Warring States Period is displayed in-scale and the Rakuichi-ba has been restored. (Rakuichi-ba is the Free Market established by Oda Nobunaga for the promotion of the Castle Town economy by drawing in merchants.

Nawa Insect Museum - 名和昆虫博物館 nawa konchū hakubutsukan - 35.433153, 136.77315 - The Nawa Insect Museum has been open since 1919 and is the oldest insect museum in Japan. In this museum, familiar insects, as well as rare and attractive species from all over the world, are exhibited. The museum also sells entomology tools and there are also talks about insects. Because the building is very important for historical value and the museum is a Registered Tangible Cultural Property.

Katō Eizō-Tōichi Memorial Art Museum - 加藤栄三・東一記念美術館 katō eizō-tōichi kinen bijutsukan - 35.434981, 136.7751 - It was established in 1991 as a place to admire the well-known Japanese artists, Eizo and Toichi Kato, who were both born in Gifu. It houses paintings by the Kato brothers and holds a variety of exhibitions for the local residents.

Public Tea Ceremony House: You can see beautiful scenery in Gifu Park all year round. Places of interest in Gifu Park are a statue of Nobunaga and the Oda Nobunaga Palace Ruins and the Kabukimon and the Gifu City Museum of History, and the Nawa Insect Museum. At the Tea Ceremony House, visitors can relax and enjoy a bowl of green tea.

Shōhō-ji - 正法寺大仏 - 35.432753, 136.771819 - The Gifu Daibutsu (Great Statue of Buddha) is located southwest of Gifu Park in the Colossal Hall of the Great Buddha here at Kinpōzan Shōhō-ji Temple. It is basketwork-style, painted with lacquer, and plated Gold. It is the largest Buddha statue of this type in Japan. The statue is 13.7 meters tall. The ears are 2.1 meters long and the nose is 0.4 meters wide. It contains an image of the Yakushi-nyorai made by Jikaku-daishi.

Sankō Art Museum - 三甲美術館 - 35.444841, 136.790371 ¥2200 The Sankō Art Museum is located on a hill and affords a view of Mt. Kinka. It is in a quiet area surrounded by Sarastewartia trees (similar to camellias). The museum houses tea utensils and paintings, including those by Renoir, Chagall, and Ryuzaburo Umehara in a lavish setting. Every admittance includes your choice of Coffee, tea, green tea, cola or juice, served with a view of the central garden.

Kogane Shrine - 金神社 | 35.416728, 136.757477 - A historic shrine that is said to bring monetary fortune. It's famous for its unique Gold torii gate. The shrine is located within Kogane Park, a popular place for local residents to gather, but they typically don't venture onto the shrine grounds, so it's still quite peaceful in spite of the hustle and bustle surrounding it.

The Museum of Fine Arts, Gifu - 岐阜県美術館 - 35.401585, 136.730174 - The Museum of Fine Arts, Gifu has roughly 3,000 works, including the world-famous collection of Odilon Redon. It comprises broad fields, especially the local, modern, and contemporary artists. Temporary exhibitions are held periodically. In addition, you can enjoy our exhibition-related events; talks, lectures, workshops, performances, and so on. Also and there is the beautiful and peaceful garden of 20,000 trees and a stream.

Gifu City Science Museum - 岐阜市科学館 | 35.403901, 136.730897 - The Gifu City Children Science Museum was built in 1955. It was moved to its present location and called the Gifu City Children’s Science Center in 1980. The name was changed to the Gifu City Science Museum in 1988 when the planetarium was added. Wednesday have the planetarium and many exhibits that can be operated and touched. It’s an intellectual place to learn through experiences.

Cormorant Hermitage: You can look at a scene of cormorant fishing from an early date and the clothes of the fishing master, a cormorant fishing boat, and other materials at the hermitage. You can watch the 24 cormorants which actually work during the fishing season that are kept in the yard. You will be able to eat and drink coffee and Ayu Zosui (rice porridge with sweetfish) in this place, or other dishes with sweetfish (most are ¥1000). If the fishing master is at home, he will explain this traditional fishing method. You can enjoy a pleasant time listening to the interesting story.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Gifu

Nagaragawa ukai 02 - cormorant fishing at Nagara River near Mt. Kinka

Ukai (cormorant fishing) occurs every year between May 11th and October 15th on the Nagara River. Gifu City is the only place where this tradition has continued uninterrupted for 1300 years. You can watch this spectacular event by boarding a viewing boat or watching from the banks of the river. Most of the action is upriver from Nagara-bashi. Tour boats begin embarking from about 6:00 pm (for those serving dinner aboard) until 6:30 or 7:00 (a bit later during the peak of summer). The night-fishing show begins after dark, around 8:00 pm or later during the summer months, and finishes by 9:00, in time to get back to a train station and return to Nagoya for those on a day trip. Kinka21 - 125px|Japanese kindergartners climb Kinka-zan

Mt. Kinka - 金華山 | from train station, take buses bound for Gifu Park - Ropeway round trip ¥1050, ¥520 children. Museum ¥200. Squirrel park ¥200 - Mt. Kinka is a 329-meter peak next to Gifu Park, with good views of the Nagara River and the city below. On top of Mt. Kinka is Gifu Castle, a small castle museum, and a "squirrel park". Most people will take the ropeway to the top. As an alternative, you can hike through the forest, taking either the shorter and steeper hyaku-magari ('100-bend') or the longer and gentler nana-magari ('7-bend') trail. Each will take over an hour, and good hiking footwear is recommended, especially on the "100-bend" (actually 135-bend) trail. The meiso no komichi (めい想の小径) trail is easier, with some steep sections, and is a popular school outing for local kindergartens; while the uma no se (馬の背 'horseback') trail is direct and more demanding.

Nagara River Fireworks Festival: Held on the last Saturday in July and the first Saturday in August, thit is actually two events, each sponsored by a rival local newspaper (Chunichi Shinbun and Gifu Shinbun). As they are rivals, of course they attempt to out-do one another, resulting in two spectacular firework displays on the banks of the Nagara River, against the backdrop of Mount Kinka. The evening displays start at around 7pm, but due to the crowds it is advisable to arrive as early as feasible - after around 6pm you are very unlikely to find anywhere to sit. If you miss out on a seat and the bridge makes a good vantage point to stand and watch - but wear comfortable shoes, as the displays last around 90 minutes. Special buses run from both Meitetsu Gifu and JR Gifu stations from 4.30pm onwards. Once you have managed to find somewhere to squeeze your tarpaulin/seating mat, wander round and sample typical Japanese festival foods from the many stalls lining the upper banks, and enjoy watching the many people in yukata. The special buses on the way back are very crowded and start some way from the site, so you may find it easier and cooler to make the 40-minutes walk back to the downtown.

Shopping

The traditional industries of Gifu City are Japanese umbrellas (wagasa) and lanterns, both of which are made of hand-made paper.

Halal Restaurants

El Paso - エル・パソ | 35.41025, 136.761751 Near Meitetsu Gifu Station - Serves the best and widest selection of Mexican food (TexMex) & drinks in Gifu. They also have a variety of other delicious dishes. Prices are reasonable and the service is great. The waitress speaks a little English and the menu is in English and (Japanese). The decor is a little eclectic with Buzz Light Year and Woody from Toy Story. The TV will be playing either sports or Country/Western music videos. The place is a bit small, and can fill up, but they are open until around 1:00 A.M., with fewer clients then.

Gishu - 岐州 | 1-31 Sumidamachi 35.411649, 136.757813 ☎ +81-58-266-6227 - The most popular gyoza restaurant in the city. There's always a line and it's not uncommon for them to sell out of gyoza.

The NEMS 2-12-2 Kinen-cho 35.40475, 136.768803 One kilometer east-southeast of Gifu Station, between the Meitetsu and JR tracks - Serves great International food & drinks only; no soy Sauce or miso in this mom & pop shop. Pilaf, Doria, Cheese Yaki Spaghetti, Spicy Chili Tomato Spaghetti, Gratin, Seafood Risotto, Vegetable Salad, Crustless Pizza, Hot or Cold Barley Berry Tea, and 80 more items are on the menu. Prices are regular and the portions are large. The owner speaks English. The decor is Western with foreign knick-knacks to entertain your eye. There is a selection of English & Japanese magazines and books. Wi-Fi is available to regulars. Native language lessons available from the American, French, Mexican & Japanese family.

Rodeo Roundup Akutami-cho 35.452623, 136.846471 On highway 156, 500 meters north of the post office. - Serves super delicious Steaks and the best Ribs in the U.S. and Japan; both about ¥7000 for the largest sizes. They are cooked over a wood fire on a big brick & iron Santa Maria-style barbecuer. I've stopped ordering Steaks and Ribs at all other places in Chubu because nothing else has ever come close. Rodeo Roundup is a cowboy restaurant & bar, with all the decor coming straight from Santa Maria (California) | Santa Maria, California. Bring a pillow if your butt is bony and you plan to stay a while. MANY more items are on the menu, from Octopus Salad to Mexican Tacos. Prices are reasonable. The owner speaks English, having lived in Santa Maria and other places for 5 years as an illegal alien. You'd be needing reservations for this place every night if it wasn't 10 kilometers from Gifu Station.

Fandango 1 50 meters southwest of Mirai Hall, which is across the street from Memorial Center. - It's best to get reservations for this place, even on weekdays, because it seats very few people. Decor is (Spanish), but the menu is Western eclectic with a touch of Sashimi, as is usual in this area of Japan, and is very much the owner's style. Try the Beef Tongue, or ask the chef to choose. Prices are a bit high, but you get some very fancy food. The owner speaks a little English. Thit is definitely the place to impress a woman on your first date.
Aka Noren - 赤のれん | 35.41948, 136.812842 2 kilometers east of the south side of the Iwado Tunnel. ☎ +81-58-215-5395 - This place has the best Shio Ramen bar none. The other Ramens and the Dote are great too, and the Gyoza is strange, but good and green and healthy, and cooked with no oil! Prices are cheap. The owner speaks no English, but he is very friendly, and is a wonderful character to sit in front of and watch. If you use your toilet at home, you won't need to use the port-a-potty outside. You'll never find this place empty, and it's often hard to get a place to park or sit, even on weekdays!

Not Curries - ノットカレー | 2-5-12 Yabutahigashi 35.396379, 136.721285 10-15 min walk from Nishi-Gifu Station - Opening Hours: Lunch 11:30AM Monday - 2:30PM, Dinner 5:30PM Monday - 8PM (Closed Tues) Serves delicious Hokkaido -style soup Curries in a pleasant rustic setting.
B's Cafe, Yanagase Shopping Mall. A cool bar frequented by young Japanese and a few foreigners. The management and bar staff are very friendly, it plays good music and it has 'funky environs'. It often holds launch parties for up and coming Japanese music. Drinks are reasonable, at ¥500, and on the first Thursday of every month there's no cover charge. Secondroom, just below offers a place to chill out with the owner, Bryan.
Bier Hall, near Gifu Meitetsu station. The main gaijin hangout in Gifu City, and popular with Japanese too. Notable for the incredibly friendly owner, who speaks a little English, and has an astonishing memory for faces. On your second visit she will greet you like a regular! Also of note is the book exchange corner - if you've finished the paperback you bought to read on the plane, feel free to swap it for a different title. Gifu knit club meet here during the winter, so don't be alarmed if you come in on a Tuesday evening and see lots of people with pointy sticks.
BAR LEON is kitty-corner from the northeast corner of Yanagase on Kanda-machi street. This place is the second most popular foreigner's hangout in Gifu, and would likely be the favorite place if it was nearer to Gifu Station. It has character, ambiance and a wide variety of Japanese & foreign clientele. Don't let the name fool you: Besides alcohol, a wide variety of live music, and dancing, this place has delicious food (1/2 price on Mondays) like the Whole Chicken, roasted with a Brazilian 12 Chicken rotisserie in the Latin American style, and served with a unique spicy, milky-cheesy Sauce on the side.
Scrum is a small bar located above Bier Hall (go up some stairs to the left of Bier Hall). The theme, not surprisingly, given the name, is rugby, more specifically the New Zealand All Blacks- who the very friendly owner is obviously a huge fan of. At Scrum you'll find a good selection of imported soft drinks, a swimming swimmingpool table, and plenty of posters of NZ rugby players.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Gifu

Gifu - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Gifu, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Gifu. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Gifu and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Gifu. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Gifu. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Gifu: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Gifu.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Gifu: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Gifu, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Gifu.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Gifu, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Gifu, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Gifu and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Gifu, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Gifu, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Gifu without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Gifu is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Gifu.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Gifu is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Gifu, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Gifu Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Gifu

eHalal Group Gifu is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Gifu. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Gifu.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Gifu ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Gifu. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Gifu, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Gifu are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

There are numerous business hotels near JR Gifu Station. Stingy backpackers may wish to note that whilst Gifu does have one manga cafe, it offers a single tatami with a table covering half of it as its flat booth, making it not really one suitable for sleeping within.

Castle Inn - 35.412692, 136.760542 Check-in: 3PM / Check-out: 10AM Singles from ¥7500
Ryokan Kimie - 喜美恵旅館 - Sumida Machi 1-34 35.411579, 136.757358 ☎ +81 58-263-0525 about ¥4000 per person Aging ryokan with futon on tatami and a shared bath and toilet. Close to JR Gifu station.

Route Inn Gifu Kencho Minami - 2-1-8 Suga 35.388189, 136.72213 - A nice hotel south of the downtown with Wi-Fi and its own onsen.

Dormy Inn Giku Ekimae - ドーミーイン岐阜駅前 - 35.411468, 136.753752

News & References Gifu

Travel Next

The thermal spas (Muslim Friendly) of Gero Onsen and the hidden valleys of Takayama are within striking distance of Gifu, as is the historical battle site of Sekigahara.
The town of Hida, 2 hours 20 minutes away by train or car, has some interesting museums and a youth hostel.
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