Gifu: A Destination for Every Season
Located in the crossroads of Japan, Gifu Prefecture is a perfect destination at any time of year. Take a look below at what each season has to offer, and join us next week as we take a deep dive through an immersive webinar on Tuesday February 16th at 1:30pm EDT.
To view a recording of the webinar, click below!
Spring
When cherry blossom season comes to mind in Japan, most think of Kyoto as the go to destination to bask in their pink glow. However Gifu is the under the radar destination to truly take in the fleeting bloom. There are a variety of vantage points to view them such as the Sunomta Castle, pictured above. Alternatively, the mile long stretch from the Yoro Waterfall to the Yoro train station is home to over 3,000 yoshino, higan, and double-flowered cherry trees, which are dazzling when in bloom. Can’t make it to Yoro park in the springtime? Fall is an excellent alternative as you can see the leaves in outstanding red/yellow color.
Summer
Summer
Everything seems to glow in different shades of green during the summer in Gifu. A notable spot to see these colors is Gifu’s own “Monet’s Pond”, which takes its name from its uncanny resemblance to the French painters water lily paintings. Continue the tranquil summer activities by visiting the nearby giant cedar tree forest which is between 400 and 500 years old. The area is home to over 70 giant cedars whose strange shapes of massive trunks and twisted branches resemble a scene from a whimsical Ghibli movie!
Autumn
The fall leaves in Gifu rival those of the northeastern United States. Take in these leaves in a variety of locations such as the Yokokura-ji Temple, established in the year 803, where the contrast of the bright colors against the aged architecture is striking. For a different type of stunning contrast, soak in a hot spring with a view of the gorgeous Ena Gorge enveloped in fall colors below. Our personal favorite is a sunset soak when the whole valley is aglow.
Winter
Winter is a truly magical time in Gifu. Visitors often feel as though they are in a snow-globe, especially at Shirakawa-go, pictured above. Whether they choose to ski, snowboard or trek, Gifu has plenty of options for winter sports enthusiasts. In Hida-Osaka, a popular way to explore the area is through snowshoeing tours to frozen waterfalls. More experienced hikers can bring their skills to the Northern Alps to take on the challenging winter trails, surrounded by 3,000-meter peaks accessible via the Shinhotaka Ropeway. Whether you choose to hike or not, we suggest that everyone take a ropeway trip for outstanding panoramic winter views.