Gifu Castle / 岐阜城 (Gifu)
About Gifu Castle
It is said that the first fort of the Gifu Castle was built during the Kennin Era (1201-1204) by the Kamakura shogunate butler, Nikaido Seiji, on the summit of Kinkazan [Mt. Kinka]. Gifu Castle, which towers over a rocky mountain, was known as an impregnable castle, and it was said that "He who controls Mino controls the world". During the Sengoku period, it was also the residence of Saito Dosan, the protagonist of the novel "Kunitori Monogatari". Then, in the 10th year of Eiroku (1567), Oda Nobunaga overtook the castle and became the lord. It is said that Nobunaga changed the name of the place from "Inokuchi" to "Gifu" and "Inabayama Castle" to "Gifu Castle", which became the base for unifying the country.
©岐阜市
Gifu Castle, the symbol of Gifu City, is a three-layer and four-story high structure, with an exhibition room with historical materials inside the castle, and observatory on the top floor.
Gifu Castle, located 329 meters above sea level, is one of the highest castles today. Looking down from the top floor of the castle, the majestic Nagara River, famous for Ukai [cormorant fishing], flowing though the city is able to be observed. To the east, Enasan [Mt. Ena] and Ontakesan [Mt. Ontake] gives a magnificent view, and to the north, Norikura and the Japan Alps line the mountain. To the west are the mountain ranges of Ibuki, Yoro, and Suzuka, and to the south is the rich and vast Nobi Plain, with a panoramic view of Kiso River flowing into Ise Bay.
©岐阜市
The Gifu Castle Museum is located just to the east of Gifu Castle. The old armory and food storehouse were restored in 1975 in the style of corner turret castle construction. There is a photo spot inside of the museum.
©岐阜市
After the war, Oda Nobunaga handed Gifu Castle over to his son Nobutada in 1576 and moved to Azuchi Castle. Nobunaga used the red ink seal of "Tenka Fubu", to unify the nation by force and devoted himself to reconstructing the castle town.
After the Honnoji Incident (1582), where Oda Nobunaga was attacked by his vassal Akechi Mitsuhide for rebellion, the castle was handed to Oda Nobutaka, Ikeda Terumasa, Toyotomi Hidekatsu, and Oda Hidenobu.
During the decisive Battle of Sekigahara in 1600, the battle divided the country into the Eastern Army led by Tokugawa Ieyasu, and the Western Army led by Ishida Mitsunari, and the castle was abandoned in 1601.
The current castle was rebuilt in 1956, and the Kinkazan [Mt. Kinka] area was designated as a National Historic Site in 2011 as "Gifu Castle Ruins".
Getting there and around
by Train and Bus
■From Nagoya Station: Take the Meitetsu or JR Line to Gifu Station (approx. 20-30 min.)
■From Meitetsu Gifu Station or JR Gifu Station: Take the Gifu Bus (any bus with "N" except for "N11") to "Gifu-shi Rekishi Hakubutsukan [Gifu City Museum of History] Mae"
Walk 3 minutes to the ropeway at the foot of Kinkazan [Mt. Kinka], and ascend to the summit.
Recommendations
Gifu Castle / 岐阜城
In "Shincho Koki" [The Chronicle of Oda Nobunaga], it is noted "He moved from Mount Komaki in Owari Province (Aichi Prefecture today) to Mount Inaba in Mino Province (Gifu Prefecture today), the name "Iguchi" was changed to "Gifu", intended to unify the country under the rule of the emperor. Oda Nobunaga renamed his new abode "Gifu Castle".
Kinkazan Ropeway / 金華山ロープウェイ
The ropeway operates from Gifu Park at the foot to the summit of Kinkazan [Mount Kinka]. In about 4 minutes, the ride will take you to the primeval forest, the natural beauty of Nagara River, and the view of Gifu City underneath. Upon arriving at the summit station, there are Gifu Kinkazan Squirrel Village, a souvenir store, a café and a restaurant with a breathtaking view. The ropeway also operates at night during the summer every year to also enjoy the marvel night view.
Cherry blossom viewing in Gifu Park
The area from Gifu Park, where Gifu Castle is located, to the banks of the Nagara River, is home to 400 cherry trees, with species of Someiyoshino cherry trees, mountain cherry trees and Edohigan cherry trees. The trees stretch about 1 km and tremendous number of visitors is seeking cherry blossoms in full splendor every spring. The Edohigan cherry tree, also known as the "Ukai-zakura" [cormorant cherry tree], is said to be 100 year old, with trunk of 2.5 meters in width and is 8 meters in hight.
©岐阜市
Unique Local Experiences
Kinkazan [Mt. Kinka], where Gifu Castle is located, has ten hiking trails to reach the summit on foot. The courses are for wide range of ages, each taking about 30 minutes to one hour. To take the ropeway one way and hike the other way is another suggestion.
Travel Recommendations
The picture of Gifu Castle towering above Kinkazan [Mt. Kinka] with the huge full moon has become a hot topic spreading on social media and even made headlines in mainstream media. Check the position of the moon on the night of a full moon to catch the moment, and the sheer beauty of the castle aglow in the moonlight will be a memorable moment.
Accommodations
Gifu Grand Hotel / 岐阜グランドホテル（Gifu）
648 Nagara, Gifu, Gifu
Gifu Grand Hotel is a resort hotel located at the foot of Mt. Kinka (Kinkazan) featuring Gifu Castle on the summit, and the views of the abundant nature of the clear Nagara River in front of the hotel. This hotel is great to enjoy the famous Nagara R....
Nagoya Travel Guide