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Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)
Gifu Castle is the remains of a castle and its reconstructed keep located on the summit of Mount Kinka (approximately 329m above sea level) in Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture. During the Sengoku period, it was known as "Inabayama Castle" and served as a base for the Mori and Saito clans, and was captured by Oda Nobunaga in 1567, after which it was renamed "Gifu Castle." The castle has great historical significance as a fortress, and the current keep was rebuilt out of concrete during the Showa period, with the interior now housing an exhibition room (museum).
One of its features is that from its location at the top of Mount Kinka, you can enjoy a nearly 360-degree panoramic view of Gifu city, the Nagara River, and even the Nobi Plain in the distance. There are plenty of seasonal attractions, such as cherry blossoms in the spring, autumn leaves in the fall, and views of cormorant fishing (on the Nagara River) on summer nights.
Highlights
- Exhibits inside the castle tower (reconstructed castle tower): Learn about the history of the castle and the region at that time through materials from the Sengoku period, historical documents related to Gifu and Oda Nobunaga, and dioramas.
- View from the observation deck: A spectacular spot overlooking Gifu city, the Nagara River, and the distant mountain ranges. If the weather is good, you can see as far as Nagoya and the Nobi Plain.
- Kinkasan Hiking Course: Depending on your physical strength, you can hike up the mountain trail and enjoy the mountain's natural beauty and seasonal flowers.
- Gifu Park and the statue of Oda Nobunaga at the foot of the mountain: There is a statue of Nobunaga in the park, and it is a good place for a stroll or a picnic.
- Viewing cormorant fishing on the Nagara River (seasonal): Cormorant fishing, a traditional fishing method performed in the summer, is a nighttime spectacle. On some days, you can see the fish from Gifu Castle in the distance, and the combination of the lights of the cormorant fishing boats and the castle is quite picturesque.
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
- Nearest stations: JR Gifu Station and Meitetsu Gifu Station (both in central Gifu City). From the station, Gifu Park and the Kinkazan Ropeway station are about a 20-30 minute walk or can be accessed by local bus.
- Ropeway: It takes about 3 to 5 minutes to get to the summit from the Gifu Park side (foot of the mountain) by taking the Kinkazan Ropeway. The ropeway is convenient for those who are not confident in their physical strength or who want to reach the summit in a short amount of time. Operating hours vary depending on the season and day of the week, so we recommend checking in advance.
- Walking (Hiking): The time required to reach the summit from the hiking trail varies depending on the route and your physical condition, but it usually takes about 30 to 50 minutes. There are several well-maintained walking trails.
- Car/Parking: Accessible by car from within the city. Paid parking is available at the foot of Mt. Kinka and around Gifu Park, but it is recommended to use public transportation as they tend to fill up during the tourist season.
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
- If you only want to see the castle tower (exhibition): Approximately 30 to 60 minutes
- Round trip ropeway + general sightseeing including the castle tower and observation deck: 1-2 hours
- If you want to enjoy a leisurely hike, including hiking: 2-3 hours (including round trip hiking, views, and breaks)
- If you combine visiting nearby Gifu Park and viewing the cormorant fishing: half a day to a full day
Nearby spots
- Gifu Park: A park at the foot of Mount Kinka. A popular walking course where you can enjoy the statue of Oda Nobunaga and seasonal flowers.
- Nagaragawa River/Kawaramachi (Kawaramachiya): This area features traditional townscapes and a landing point for cormorant fishing viewing boats, and is a great place to eat and look for souvenirs.
- Gifu Great Buddha (Shohoji Temple): This is the city's Great Buddha and one of its tourist attractions.
- Gifu City History Museum and local historical sites: Useful for learning more about Gifu's history.
Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)
- Crowds: During the cherry blossom season in spring, Golden Week, autumn foliage season, and the summer cormorant fishing season, the ropeway and parking lot become crowded. If you want to avoid the crowds, consider visiting early in the morning or in the evening on a weekday.
- Clothing and equipment: If you are heading to the summit, we recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes. Be careful when it rains, as the hiking trail can become slippery.
- Opening hours and fees: The opening hours of the castle tower (exhibition room) and ropeway, as well as admission fees, vary depending on the season and events. Please check the official website in advance for the latest information.
- Manners: Mountain areas and parks are also natural environment conservation areas. Please observe basic manners such as taking your trash with you and not entering restricted areas.
- Photography/Drones: Photography is generally permitted, but there are rules such as restrictions on flash photography of exhibits and the prohibition of drone use. Drones are prohibited in most cases, so please check in advance.
- Seasonal notes: In summer, take precautions against the heat (drinks and hats), and in winter, take precautions against the cold as it can get cold at the summit. Cormorant fishing is an evening event that is only held for a limited time (usually from May to October), so if you plan to watch it, it's a good idea to check the schedule and reserve a seat early.
Reference: Before visiting, please check the official Gifu Castle and Kinkazan Ropeway websites and Gifu City Tourism Information for the latest opening hours, operation status, and event information.
