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 The first letter “gi” of the name “Gifu (岐阜)” was taken from “Qishan（岐山）,” a mountain in China where Wen Wang set out to establish the Zhou Dynasty, laying a foundation for 800 years of peace. The second letter “fu （阜）” refers to “Qufu（曲阜）,” birthplace of the Chinese philosopher Confucius, regarded as the father of learning and scholarship. Thus the name “Gifu” connotes a burning desire to make this region a place for peace and learning. The Medieval warlord Oda Nobunaga used this etymology to rename a village in his domain, which used to be known as Inoguchi-mura, calling it Gifu-cho. He made it a household name all across Japan, as he sought to pacify rival warlords and rule over the whole country, using Gifu as his home base. Let us add that there are a number of other theories about the origin of the name “Gifu.” Some say that it was already in use when Oda Nobunaga renamed his village.
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 The Hida region, in the northern part of the prefecture, is dotted with mountains whose peaks jut above 3,000 meters, including Mt. Mitake , Mt. Norikura and Mt. Okuhodaka. In contrast, the Mino region in the south is covered by the Nobi Plain, with three well-known rivers―the Kiso, the Ibi and the Nagara―flowing across it. The middle reach of the Nagara River is particularly pure and clear, and is listed as one of one of the “Best 100 Water Sources in Japan.” Truly blessed with diverse natural beauty, Gifu Prefecture has long been known by the name “Hizan Nosui,” meaning the spectacular northern Hida mountains and the pure streams of southern Mino. Because of its geography, the altitude in the prefecture varies greatly, from the plains virtually at sea level to mountain ranges more than 3,000 meters high, and that accounts for its great variations in climate. The average temperature in the city of Gifu is 16.2℃, while that of Takayama, in northern Gifu, is 11.4℃, for example. Thanks to these variations of geography and climate, Gifu offers habitats for a great variety of plant and animal species.
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| Gifu |
16.2 |
16.2 |
16.2 |
16.2 |
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| Takayama |
16.2 |
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16.2 |
16.2 |
16.2 |
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 Gifu Prefecture produces a great variety of agricultural products throughout the year, with each region specializing in crops suited to its natural conditions. Rice is the predominant crop on the plains in the southwestern part of the prefecture, where the climate is mild, while farmers on the plateaus in the central and eastern Mino region, as well as the high mountains of Hida, make use of their cool summer climate to grow summer and autumn tomatoes, spinach, summer daikon and other vegetables. These mountainous regions are also home to dairy farmers who produce cattle for beef as well as milk. Gifu also has a vibrant fisheries industry, famous for the Ayu (sweet fish) harvested from its rivers. There are also an increasing number of aquaculture installations, growing rainbow trout, Amago salmon and other freshwater fish. Gifu has always been a center of industry as well. About 19% of all businesses in the prefecture are engaged in manufacturing―the highest ratio among Japan’s prefectures. Many of the businesses are engaged in making unique local products, such as fashion goods, ceramics, furniture, woodwork, cutlery, paper, plastics and food products. |
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| 1.Shirakawago (Shirakawa-go) |
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| One might see the ‘old Japan’ in these nostalgic villages in the mountains, famous for their “Gassho-zukuri” houses (literally means praying hands, since the roof lines of the steep thatched houses look like two hands clasped together in prayer). Here, each season reveals startlingly beautiful scenery. The area has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. |
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| The city was built around Lord Kanamori Nagachika's castle. It is well known for the manufacture of high-quality, hand-woven paper, and for the well-preserved houses of wealthy merchants dating back to the Edo period, with a peculiar roof structure, called udatsu. |
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| Ride a covered river boat and watch the 1,300-year-old art of “Ukai,” or cormorant fishing. Dressed in traditional costumes, fishermen skillfully work flocks of cormorants to catch Ayu (sweet fish). |
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| See the site of “the Battle of Sekigahara,” often referred to as the “Realm Divide” which was fought in 1600. One can visit the battle site and retrace the ways paved by the feudal warlords of those days. The entrance to the Ibuki-yama Highway is located here as well. |
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| During the "All Night Dancing Festival," this usually quiet castle town teems with visitors and lively excitement. Streets lined with old houses and clear canals running here and there evoke the prototype of a traditional Japanese town. |
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| Along with Arima (Hyogo Prefecture) and Kusatsu (Gunma Prefecture), Gero is one of Japan’s three best-known hot spring resorts. Stroll the streets with inns and shops along the limpid Hida River. For those who are not staying at hotels, there are bath houses and footbaths for day visitors. |
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| With well-preserved streets of old architecture, Takayama is often called “little Kyoto.” Wander through antique shops, ateliers of traditional art and restaurants that serve local delicacies, to experience the sophistication of this charming city. Don’t miss the farmers’ morning market, and the festivals held in spring and autumn. |
| 8.Okuhida Hot Spring Village |
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| Soak yourself in natural hot tubs along the river, with mountain peaks in the background. There are about 180 outdoor baths in five separate resorts―Hirayu, Fukuji, Shin-Hirayu, Tochio and Shin-Hodaka. All resorts welcome visitors with interests in skiing and hiking excursions as well. |
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| This charming old city is known for its old sake brewery warehouses with gleaming white earthen walls. You will be greeted by more than 800 multi-colored carp swimming in the network of canals along the city streets. Every April, the city attracts many visitors who come here for the Hida-Furukawa Festival, a traditional and gallant drum festival. Men wearing huge loincloths storm through the streets and battle for the main drum called “Okoshi Daiko.” |
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