Discover Gifu 4 Days : Samurai History, Swordsmiths & World Heritage Villages
Discover Gifu 3 Days : Samurai History, Swordsmiths & World Heritage Villages
Independent Suggested Itinerary – 4 days
This itinerary is provided as inspiration only and is not a packaged tour.
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Day 1 – Kyoto → Sekigahara → Gifu
Sekigahara
Sekigahara is a historic town in Gifu Prefecture, famous as the site of the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600, one of Japan’s most important battles that led to the Tokugawa shogunate.
Visitors can explore the monuments, and the modern Sekigahara History Museum, which features state-of-the-art video exhibitions with English-language support. The museum is within walking distance from Sekigahara Station, making it very accessible.
Access: From Kyoto, Sekigahara is about 1 hour 15 minutes by JR via Maibara.
Sekigahara Battlefield Experience
This tour offers hands-on and interactive experiences at Sekigahara.
Visitors can try on Sengoku-era traditional armor and weapons and explore the battlefield memorial sites.
Duration: Approx. 5 hours
Gifu City:
Gifu Castle & Mount Kinka
Ride the Mt. Kinka Ropeway from Gifu Park to Gifu Castle for sweeping city views. Explore Gifu Park, home to the ruins of Nobunaga’s former residence, and visit Shobo-ji Temple to see Japan’s largest lacquered Great Buddha. Seasonal cherry blossoms and autumn foliage add extra charm.
Kawaramachi District
Stroll through historic riverside streets lined with traditional shops, cozy cafés, and local craft boutiques—a perfect spot for souvenirs and photography.
Gifu Cormorant Fishing & Luxury Dinner Cruise
From May to October, witness the centuries-old tradition of cormorant fishing on the Nagara River. Visit the Ukai Museum and a master fisherman’s home, then enjoy a luxury dinner cruise featuring a multi-course meal. Watch the torchlit spectacle unfold as night falls, with English guidance provided.
Duration: Approx. 5 hours 30 minutes
Stay: Gifu (or Nagaragawa Onsen)
Stay at a riverside hotel for easy access to downtown and hot springs.
Access: About 35–45 minutes by JR Chuo Line from Tajimi to Gifu City.
Day 2 – Gifu → Seki → Gero
Seki:
Seki City is renowned as one of Japan’s leading cutlery and sword-making towns, with a blade-making tradition dating back over 700 years. Known as the “City of Blades,” it is home to skilled craftsmen, knife workshops, and museums showcasing the art of Japanese sword forging. Today, Seki combines its samurai heritage with modern craftsmanship, producing some of Japan’s finest kitchen knives.
Samurai Sword Forging & Zen Experience
Experience traditional Japanese sword forging at the Seki Hamono Museum, try Zazen meditation, and learn basic iai swordsmanship. English guidance and costume rental included.
Duration: Approx. 5 hours
Notes: Pickup from Gifu City included
Stay : Gero Hot spring
Wander around Gero, strolling through the charming hot spring town and enjoying its atmosphere.
You can reach Gero Onsen from Gifu on the JR Limited Express “Hida” in about 1 hour 10–15 minutes.
Day 3 – Gero → Takayama
Takayama:
Hida-Takayama is a picturesque city in northern Gifu Prefecture, known for its well-preserved Edo-period streets, traditional merchant houses, and vibrant morning markets. Start early at one of Japan’s famous markets: the riverfront Miyagawa Market and historical Jinya-mae Market. Browse fresh produce, seasonal crafts, pickles, and Hida specialties, all while chatting with local farmers. Visitors can enjoy local crafts, sake breweries, and Hida beef, as well as seasonal festivals such as the famous Takayama Festival in spring and autumn.
Access: Gero Onsen to Takayama: about 1 hour 15 minutes by JR Limited Express “Hida.”
Hida-Takayama Experiences
Various guided tours and hands-on experiences are available in Hida-Takayama.
1 – Traditional Takayama Townhouse Cooking & Cultural Experience
Step inside a 200‑year‑old townhouse to learn and prepare seasonal Takayama dishes, enjoy the meal together, and hear stories about local history and customs from your English‑speaking host.
Duration: Approx. 4 hours
2 – Hida Regional Cuisine Cooking Class
Learn to cook regional Hida dishes like gohei‑mochi, hoba miso, and onigiri under the guidance of a local cook, then enjoy your creations with traditional sweets.
Duration: Approx. 3 hours
3 – Historic Takayama Walking Tour
A guided stroll through Takayama’s historic streets, visiting landmarks such as the Nakabashi Bridge and Takayama Jinya, while learning about local culture and history.
Duration: Approx. 1 hour 10 minutes
4 – Traditional Japanese Wedding Photoshoot in Takayama
Couples can enjoy a wedding photoshoot in traditional attire around scenic historic sites, with makeup and a photographer included.
Duration: Approx. 5 hours 30 minutes
Day 4 – Takayama → Shirakawa-go → Kanazawa
Shirakawa-go
Shirakawa-go is a UNESCO World Heritage village famous for its traditional thatched-roof houses, some of which are over 250 years old. Nestled in a scenic mountain valley, the village offers a glimpse of historic rural Japan, with seasonal beauty: snow-covered landscapes in winter, fresh greenery in spring, and colorful foliage in autumn. Visitors can explore the open-air houses, local museums, and craft shops, experiencing traditional lifestyles and culture.
Access: From Takayama, Shirakawa-go is about 50 minutes by bus.
Shirakawa-go to Kanazawa: about 1.5 hours by bus.