Introduction to Instagrammable Photos of Gifu Prefecture
Gifu Prefecture is blessed with historical and cultural sites, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Shirakawa-go and Gokayama Gassho-style Villages,” Gifu Castle, the Gujo Hachiman Castle known as the “Castle in the Sky,” and Magome-juku, an old post town from the Edo period.
Shirakawa-go
The Shirakawa-go in Gifu Prefecture and Gokayama in Toyama Prefecture were recognized for their unique landscapes and Gassho-style houses and were registered as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1995. These areas are heavy snowfall regions, once considered Japan’s remote areas, leading to the development of steep thatched-roof houses designed to withstand heavy snow. These multi-story houses were designed for large families living together, with the first floor serving as a spacious living area and the upper floors used as bedrooms or workspaces.
Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: All seasons
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: 1 hour 30 minutes by bus from Kanazawa Station
Gifu Castle
Gifu Castle gained fame when Oda Nobunaga conquered it in 1567, renaming the area from “Inokuchi” to “Gifu” and establishing it as a base for unifying the country. The current castle was reconstructed in 1956, with the interior serving as a museum and an observation deck. Located at an elevation of 329 meters, the top floor offers views of the Nagara and Kiso Rivers, the surrounding mountains, and the expansive plains. The Nagara River is famous for Ukai, a traditional fishing method using cormorants.
Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: All seasons
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: 14 minutes by bus from Gifu Station
Gujo Hachiman Castle
Built by the Endo family in 1559, Gujo Hachiman Castle was ruled by five families over 17 generations until the end of the Edo period. The castle offers panoramic views of the town and surrounding mountains. From early to mid-November, the area around the castle is adorned with red autumn leaves, which are illuminated at night.
Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: All seasons
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: 1 hour 10 minutes by bus from Gifu Station, then a 20-minute walk
Magome-juku
Located in Nakatsugawa City, Gifu Prefecture, Magome-juku is a post town along the historic Nakasendo route, established in the early Edo period. The town features picturesque rural landscapes and stone-paved slopes lined with souvenir shops and quaint cafes. Visitors can enjoy strolling and shopping while experiencing the nostalgic atmosphere. The “Kisoji” road, which extends for 80 kilometers from Magome-juku towards Tokyo, retains the scenery of the Edo period.
Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: All seasons
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information:1 hour 20 minutes by bus from Nagoya Station
Monet’s Pond
Located in Seki City, Gifu Prefecture, the “Nameless Pond” (commonly known as Monet’s Pond) is famous for its clear spring water, beautiful water lilies, and gracefully swimming koi fish, reminiscent of Monet’s paintings. The best time to visit is early summer when the water lilies are in full bloom. For easier navigation, set your car navigation system to “Flower Park Itadori.”
Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: All seasons
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: 1 hour 30 minutes by bus from Gifu Station
Enbara River
The Enbara River, one of the sources of the Nagara River, is a clear stream flowing for about 8 kilometers. The river maintains its transparency through subterranean filtration and features beautiful moss. Especially on summer mornings, the river mist and sunbeams create a magical scene, making it a popular spot for photography enthusiasts.
Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: Early summer mornings
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: 1 hour 30 minutes by bus from Gifu Station
