Spots List | V-Trip Japan

Gifu-Hashima Station

Gifu-Hashima Station is Gifu’s only Shinkansen (bullet train) stop and serves as the southern gateway to the prefecture. The station area is a convenient hub for travelers heading to major sightseeing spots like Shirakawa-go or Sekigahara via rental car or express bus. It is also famous for the statue of local heroes Banboku Ono and his wife. The calm atmosphere and easy access make it a smooth starting point for exploring Gifu’s rich history and nature.

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Gujo Hachiman

A historic castle town famous for its pristine waters and traditional crafts. You can see the "Mizubune" system where locals still use pure canal water for daily life. In summer, the town ignites with the energy of the Gujo Odori festival. It is also the food sample capital of Japan, where you can try making ultra-realistic food replicas. With its beautiful Gujo Hachiman Castle, water culture, and unique industries, this town offers endless discoveries for visitors.

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Mosaic Tile Museum, Tajimi

Located in Tajimi, Japan’s top tile-producing area, this museum’s building itself is a work of art designed by Terunobu Fujimori to resemble a clay quarry. Inside, you’ll find vast collections of tiles ranging from nostalgic retro pieces to contemporary art. The top floor, where light pours through an open ceiling onto shimmering tile mosaics, is highly popular on social media. You can also try making your own original tile crafts in the workshop area.

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Naegi Castle Ruins

Known as the "Castle in the Sky," Naegi Castle Ruins sit atop a cliff overlooking the Kiso River. Its unique architecture utilizes massive natural boulders as part of the stone walls, a rare sight in Japan. From the observation deck at the peak, you can enjoy a 360-degree panorama of Mt. Ena and the winding river. It is a must-visit for photographers and history fans seeking a blend of historical romance and powerful natural landscapes.

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Magome-juku

A stunning post town on the Nakasendo Way where stone-paved streets wind up a steep slope lined with historic wooden buildings. The sound of waterwheels and flowers along the eaves evoke the spirit of the Edo period. The scenic hiking trail to nearby Tsumago-juku is extremely popular among international travelers. From the observation deck, you can see Mt. Ena, making it one of the most photogenic spots blending history and nature.

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Amamo Prefectural Natural Park

A botanical paradise located above 1,200 meters, offering breathtaking views of the Northern Alps. In early summer, the marshes are filled with "Mizubasho" (skunk cabbage), and autumn brings brilliant golden foliage. The primeval beech forests provide a sense of absolute serenity and pure air. This hidden gem, accessible only after a scenic mountain drive, offers a celestial nature experience for hikers seeking Nagano and Gifu’s deep alpine beauty.

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Ochobo Inari Shrine

Affectionately called "Ochobo-san," this shrine is famous for bringing business prosperity. A unique tradition involves offering fried tofu (abura-age) and candles instead of coins. The approach is lined with over 100 lively shops selling famous kushikatsu (skewers) and local street food. It’s an energetic place where Japanese faith meets everyday food culture, perfect for experiencing the vibrant, authentic lifestyle of the local people.

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Tanekura Village

A hidden gems of a village where traditional terraced rice fields and "Itakura" (wooden storehouses) create a classic Japanese landscape. Unlike commercial tourist spots, it offers a peaceful glimpse into sustainable rural life preserved by the local community. The seasonal flowers and misty fields feel like a painting. It is the ultimate retreat for travelers seeking quietude, authenticity, and a connection with Japan’s original agricultural soul.

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Ganatatekyo Gorge

A massive rock wall formed by lava from Mt. Ontake’s eruption thousands of years ago. Stretching 72 meters high and 120 meters wide, its scale is breathtaking. Walking trails lead to crystal-clear waterfalls like Karatani Falls, where the contrast between volcanic history and pure water is stunning. This sacred site offers a powerful experience of Earth's raw energy and is perfect for nature enthusiasts seeking off-the-beaten-path landscapes.

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Gifu Sekigahara Battlefield Memorial Museum

A state-of-the-art museum where you can experience the Battle of Sekigahara through immersive technology. The massive ground vision and theater use wind and vibrations to bring the heat of battle to life beyond language barriers. Exhibits include precious armor and letters from the warlords. From the top floor, you can view the actual battlefield. It is an excellent, sophisticated facility for all ages to learn about Samurai history and the strategic depth of the era.

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Sekigahara Battlefield

The site of the historic "Battle of Sekigahara" in 1600, which decided the course of Japanese history. Visitors can explore campsites of legendary warlords like Tokugawa Ieyasu via bicycle or on foot with audio guides. The original landscape and place names remain, allowing history enthusiasts to feel the exact moment Japan's era shifted from war to peace. It is a highly inspiring site for international visitors interested in Samurai culture and Bushido spirit.

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Amidaga Falls

Selected as one of "Japan's Top 100 Waterfalls," this 60-meter waterfall was famously depicted in ukiyo-e by Katsushika Hokusai. Walking trails allow visitors to feel the powerful spray and refreshing negative ions up close. The contrast between white water and lush greenery or autumn leaves is stunning. In summer, enjoying "Nagashi Somen" (flowing noodles) while listening to the waterfall offers a multi-sensory Japanese experience that refreshes both mind and body.

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Goshikigahara Forest

A vast 3,000-hectare primeval forest at the foot of Mt. Norikura. Entry is strictly controlled and requires a certified guide, preserving its mystical, untouched nature. Walking through the forest filled with mossy giant trees, crystal streams, and stunning waterfalls, you’ll feel a powerful natural energy. This sanctuary offers an authentic nature experience far from city bustle, highly rated by international nature lovers seeking Japan’s rich and raw wilderness at its peak.

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Hida Takayama

Famous for its beautifully preserved "Old Town" from the Edo period, Hida Takayama features wooden lattice streets lined with traditional crafts, sake breweries, and local delicacies like Hida beef skewers. The Takayama Festival, held in spring and autumn, is world-renowned for its ornate floats. Visitors can also experience local life at the Miyagawa Morning Market. Combining history, food, and culture, this "Little Kyoto" is a top destination for international travelers seeking authentic Japan.

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Shirakawa-go

A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring "Gassho-zukuri" farmhouses where Japan’s traditional rural lifestyle still breathes. The landscape of steep thatched roofs feels like stepping into a fairy tale. Whether it's the mystical illuminations in deep winter snow or the golden rice ears of autumn, breathtaking views await in every season. You can tour the inside of some houses to learn about the wisdom and culture of ancestors who lived in harmony with the harsh natural environment. It is a world-class treasure of Japan that everyone dreams of visiting once.

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Shin-Tabisoko Bridge

A magnificent bridge 462 meters long and about 200 meters high, spanning the deep Tabisoko River valley. From the bridge, you can enjoy a thrilling sense of height along with an overwhelming panoramic view of the surrounding nature. Recently, it has gained global attention as a world-class "Bungee Jumping" spot. Diving into the vast wilderness from one of Japan’s highest drops is a ultimate rush of freedom. It’s a must-visit for active travelers looking to challenge their limits while enjoying spectacular views.

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Tarumi Railway

A local railway connecting Ogaki Station to Tarumi Station in Motosu City. From the train windows, you can fully enjoy Japan’s original scenery, including the clear Neo River, peaceful rural fields, and rugged mountains. In spring, many visit to see the "Usuzumi-zakura," a government-designated natural monument over 1,500 years old. Traveling through valleys that change colors with the seasons on a retro train allows you to completely forget the city's hustle and bustle and rediscover Gifu's profound natural charm.

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Kakamigahara Citizen’s Park

A vast green oasis developed on the former site of Gifu University, where visitors are soothed by seasonal flowers and lush trees. Especially famous for cherry blossoms in spring, the park bustles with families and travelers. The spacious lawn is perfect for a relaxing picnic or reading during a sightseeing break. Along with the adjacent "Manabi no Mori" forest and its beautiful tree-lined paths, it’s a photogenic spot where you can rediscover the beauty of daily Japanese life and a slower pace of time.

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Shinhotaka Ropeway

Japan's only double-decker gondola whisks you above the clouds to an altitude of 2,156 meters. The observation deck offers a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of the Northern Alps' majestic peaks, including Mt. Yarigatake. Whether it's the fresh greenery of spring, cool summer breezes, vibrant autumn colors, or the silvery snowscapes of winter, you can experience the grandeur of the "Roof of Japan" easily in any season without professional climbing gear.

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Gujo Odori Festival

One of Japan's three major Bon Odori dances with over 400 years of history, registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Held for about 30 nights from mid-July to early September, the "Tetsuya Odori" (all-night dance) in mid-August is the peak of excitement. The most special feature is the sense of unity, as tourists and locals join in a large circle together, clicking their wooden clogs (Geta). There are 10 types of dances, all simple yet rhythmical, allowing beginners to join easily. It is a unique opportunity to feel the summer spirit and warm heart of Japan.

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Seki City

Ranked as one of the world's three major cutlery centers, Seki City has inherited the tradition of swordsmithing since the famous "Magoroku of Seki" 700 years ago. Its knives and scissors are praised by top chefs worldwide for their sharpness and quality. At the Seki Sword Tradition Museum, you can witness the powerful "Old-style Japanese Sword Forging," where sparks fly in a display of master craftsmanship. The city has also gained fame for the beautiful "Monet's Pond," making it a unique destination where powerful industrial tradition meets miraculous natural beauty.

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Gifu City

The capital of Gifu Prefecture is a historic city where Gifu Castle, the base of the great warlord Oda Nobunaga, stands atop Mt. Kinka. The Nagara River flowing through the city center is home to "Ukai" (Cormorant Fishing), a 1,300-year-old traditional fishing method performed under the mystical light of torches. In the "Kawaramachi" district along the river, historic houses with wooden lattices house traditional craft workshops and stylish cafes. With its mix of natural beauty, historic landmarks, and modern convenience, Gifu City is perfect for those seeking both cultural exploration and relaxation.

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Mino City

Known for the "Udatsu-lined Streets," symbols of wealth and wisdom of Edo-period merchants, Mino City is also world-famous for its 1,300-year history of "Mino Washi" paper. Walking through the historic district decorated with delicate paper lanterns and art feels like traveling back in time. You can try paper-making workshops to create your own original art using traditional techniques. In autumn, the city hosts the "Akari Art Festival," where the historic landscape is illuminated by paper lanterns, creating a mystical and photogenic atmosphere that is a must-see for art lovers.

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Gifu Prefecture

Located in the center of Honshu, Gifu is blessed with the majestic Northern Alps and crystal-clear rivers, traditionally praised as "Hizan Nounsui" (Beautiful Mountains and Pure Waters). Home to the UNESCO World Heritage site Shirakawa-go and the historic streets of Hida Takayama, it captivates travelers with Japan’s original landscapes. In the northern Hida region, you can enjoy unique mountain cultures and hot springs, while the southern Mino region offers traditional crafts like Washi paper and blades. Far from the bustle of the city, Gifu is a "spiritual home" where you can experience authentic Japanese beauty and hospitality.

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