Weather in Gifu

Gifu, on the banks of the Nagara River, is famous for ukai - traditional cormorant fishing using trained birds and firelight, a practice with over 1,300 years of history that still takes place on summer evenings. The city is overlooked by a reconstructed castle perched on Mount Kinka, reachable by ropeway, and makes a convenient, less-visited base for exploring the Nagara River and nearby Takayama.

Best areas to stay in Gifu

Nagara River & Ukai Area

The riverside area where cormorant fishing boats depart on summer evenings, lined with ryokan and restaurants.

Mount Kinka & Gifu Castle

The forested hill above the city, reached by ropeway, topped by a reconstructed castle with sweeping views.

Gifu Station Area

The modern city centre around the station, with shopping arcades and access to Nagoya.

Yanagase Shopping District

A retro covered arcade with local shops, izakaya and a glimpse of everyday Gifu life.

Getting to Gifu

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Flights

Fly into Tokyo or Osaka Kansai (KIX), then take a Shinkansen to Nagoya followed by a local train to Gifu (around 20 minutes).

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From London

~13-14 hours total from London including transfers

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Getting around

The castle ropeway, riverside, and ukai boats are all within walking distance of central Gifu Station.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Gifu?

Cormorant fishing (ukai) runs from May to October on the Nagara River, making summer the most distinctive time to visit; cherry blossom season is also popular.

How do I get to Gifu?

Gifu is around 20 minutes by train from Nagoya, making it an easy add-on to a Nagoya stop or day trip from the Kansai region.

What is cormorant fishing (ukai)?

A traditional fishing method where handlers use trained cormorants on leashes to catch fish at night, illuminated by fire baskets on boats - visitors can watch from passenger boats.

What is there to see at Gifu Castle?

A reconstructed castle atop Mount Kinka, reached by ropeway, offering panoramic views over the city and Nagara River.

Is Gifu a good base for visiting Takayama?

Gifu can work as a stop en route to Takayama by train, though Takayama itself usually warrants its own overnight stay given the journey length.

Traveler reviews

★★★★★

Watching the cormorant fishing at night with the fire baskets reflecting on the river was unlike anything else we saw in Japan, and far less crowded than more famous sights.

Ed R. · July 2024

★★★★☆

The view from Gifu Castle over the river and city at sunset was beautiful, and the ropeway up Mount Kinka is quick and easy.

Naoko I. · April 2023

★★★★☆

A nice, low-key stop between Nagoya and Takayama, the Yanagase arcade had a great selection of small izakaya for dinner.

Steve L. · October 2024