Gifu(Japan) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

For breathtaking views of Gifu Castle and the Kiso River, stay at Gifu Castle Sky View Hotel, located directly across from the historic Tenshu Tower. This modern boutique hotel features floor-to-ceiling windows in every room, offering panoramic vistas of the castle’s stone walls, cherry blossoms in spring, and golden sunsets over the river. The rooftop terrace is perfect for evening drinks or stargazing, while some suites include private outdoor onsen baths facing the water. The hotel also provides complimentary shuttle service to Nakamura Park and Shirakawa-go, ideal for exploring nearby cultural sites. With its blend of tradition and contemporary comfort, this hotel delivers an unforgettable stay for history and nature lovers.

The Gifu Station District near Meitetsu Gifu Station is the ideal base for first-time visitors. It offers seamless access to Gifu Castle, Kiso River Promenade, and Osu Shopping Street, all within a 10-minute walk. Stay at Hyatt Regency Gifu, a centrally located luxury hotel with spacious rooms, a rooftop lounge, and direct links to local trains and buses. The area buzzes with energy—try authentic Hida beef at Yoshida-ya, sip matcha at a traditional tea house, or enjoy street food at the night market along the river. Its mix of modern amenities and deep-rooted culture makes it perfect for travelers wanting both comfort and authenticity.

Tourists should experience Hida Folk Village (Hida no Sato), a living museum preserving Edo-period wooden townhouses. Here, you can participate in kimono dressing sessions, learn tea ceremony rituals, and craft handmade wagashi sweets under expert guidance. Another highlight is the Gifu Gion Festival, one of Japan’s top three Gion festivals, held annually in July. Expect vibrant parades with elaborate floats, traditional music, and dazzling lantern displays. For artisans, book a Hida wood carving workshop—use hand tools to shape a miniature animal or decorative box. These immersive activities offer deep insight into Japanese craftsmanship and seasonal traditions.

Yes, Hoshinoya Gifu, nestled in the Hida Mountains, is a premier family-friendly resort. Designed for children and parents alike, it offers guided forest exploration walks, hands-on pottery classes, and nightly storytelling sessions in a cozy cabin setting. Each suite includes a tatami-child room and child-safe facilities. The resort features a small animal garden where kids can interact with Hida cattle and goats. Enjoy a family-style kaiseki dinner using organic local ingredients, and take part in a morning nature scavenger hunt. With private onsen pools and lush greenery surrounding the property, it’s a peaceful retreat that blends adventure with relaxation.

Stay at Fujihara Ryokan, a century-old inn in Ogaki City, just 40 minutes from Gifu. Renowned for its natural sulfur-rich hot springs, the ryokan offers open-air baths overlooking the Hida Mountains and Jingi River. The traditional wooden buildings feature serene gardens that change with the seasons—cherry blossoms in spring, maple leaves in autumn, snowscapes in winter. Guests enjoy a full kaiseki dinner featuring Hida beef and fresh river fish. The staff speaks English and offers personalized services like early-morning forest walks and photography tours. Book in advance, especially during peak autumn foliage and winter ski seasons.

Visit Kino Oto Inn, a restored artisan’s home in Kiso Valley, where guests can join daily Hida wood carving workshops led by master craftsmen. Using traditional chisels and saws, you’ll carve animals, bowls, or decorative items from Hida cedar wood. The inn itself is a living gallery—every piece of furniture, from tables to shelves, is handcrafted on-site. Evening events include paper lantern making and tea ceremonies with local elders sharing stories of Hida’s heritage. This immersive experience connects visitors deeply with Japan’s artisanal soul and sustainable craftsmanship.

Must-try dishes include Hida beef, known for its marbled texture and rich flavor—best enjoyed grilled at Yoshida-ya or Hida Gyudon. Try tofu cuisine made from locally grown soybeans, served in hearty tofu hot pot at Tofu no Ie. Don’t miss Kiso River fish, especially sea bream and ayu sweetfish, grilled over charcoal at riverside restaurants. Pair these with local sake like Tsukasa Kuro or Yamahai. For street food, visit the Gifu Station Front Food Market, where vendors serve everything from yakitori to matcha soft serve. Every bite tells a story of mountain terroir and culinary pride.

Gifu Castle Sky View Hotel is the ultimate spot for photographers. Perched directly opposite Gifu Castle Tenshu, its glass-walled rooms and rooftop terrace provide frame-perfect shots of the castle’s silhouette against the Kiso River and surrounding mountains. Sunset views are particularly stunning, with golden light reflecting off the water. The hotel offers drone photography packages with certified pilots for aerial footage of the cityscape. During cherry blossom season and autumn foliage, they host special light projection shows on the castle walls, creating magical backdrops. Whether capturing cityscapes or intimate moments, this hotel delivers cinematic visuals.

Don’t miss the Gifu Seven Stars Festival (Gifu Shichiseki Matsuri) in August—one of Japan’s top three summer festivals. Thousands of colorful streamers, lanterns, and handmade decorations hang along the Kiso River, forming a luminous “river of stars.” Participate in writing wishes on paper tags or watch the grand parade with traditional dancers and drummers. In October, attend the Gifu Gion Festival, a centuries-old event with ornate floats, taiko drums, and masked performances. During spring, the Hida no Sato Spring Festival features tea ceremonies, woodcraft exhibitions, and hanami picnics under blooming cherry trees. These festivals offer deep cultural immersion and unforgettable memories.

Choose Yume no Niwa Inn, a secluded love nest beside the Kiso River. Each suite features a private outdoor onsen bath, a semi-open courtyard, and a king-sized bed with views of the stars. The hotel offers candlelit dinners on the riverside deck, featuring Hida beef tartare and fresh river fish sashimi. Couples can enjoy a morning meditation session or share a handwritten letter exchange in a tranquil cabin. With no public pools or large gatherings, privacy is paramount. Special touches include rose petals on the bed, custom cocktails, and a surprise lunch picnic basket delivered to your room. A true sanctuary for romance and connection.