Gifu
Snow-blanketed thatched roofs, sake breweries tucked in mountain valleys, and cormorant fishermen with lit torches on a dark river — Gifu is Japan at its most timeless.
白川郷の合掌造り、高山の古い町並み、鵜飼の炎。岐阜は日本の原風景が最も色濃く残る県です。
Landlocked Gifu sits at the heart of Honshu, straddling the Japanese Alps. Its northern Hida region harbors Takayama — a remarkably preserved Edo merchant town — and the UNESCO-listed villages of Shirakawa-go, where multi-story thatched-roof farmhouses (gassho-zukuri) stand against a backdrop of winter snow. Southern Gifu follows the Nagara River, where centuries-old ukai (cormorant fishing) is still performed by imperial appointment.
北の飛騨には高山の古い町並みと世界遺産・白川郷。南の長良川では1,300年続く鵜飼が今も行われています。岐阜は日本の伝統が最も深く息づく県のひとつです。
Recommended Omiyage
おすすめおみやげ 5選
Sarubobo Amulet
Bright red faceless talisman doll from Hida Takayama — a beloved good-luck charm
飛騨高山の伝統的な赤いお守り人形。縁起物として全国で人気。
Mitarashi Dango
Chewy rice-flour skewers glazed with sweet-soy sauce, enjoyed along Takayama’s old street
たまり醤油の甘辛タレがかかったもちもちの串団子。
Hida Sake
Premium junmai sake brewed in Takayama’s cold mountain climate — clean and crisp
飛騨の厳しい寒さが育む辛口の純米酒。酒蔵見学もできる。
Gohei Mochi
Flat rice cake grilled on a stick and brushed with walnut-miso sauce
潰したご飯をくるみ味噌で焼いた、素朴な郷土菓子。
Hida Lacquerware
Translucent golden lacquer on natural-grain wood — a Hida Takayama craft tradition
木目を生かした透明感ある金色の漆塗り。飛騨を代表する伝統工芸。
Must-Visit Spots
おすすめスポット 5選
Shirakawa-go
UNESCO World Heritage gassho-zukuri thatched-roof farmhouse village in deep mountain snow
世界遺産の合掌造り集落。冬の雪景色は息をのむ美しさ。
Sanmachi Suji, Takayama
Perfectly preserved Edo-period merchant district with sake breweries and craft shops
江戸時代の面影を残す酒蔵・工芸品店が並ぶ飛騨高山の古い町並み。
Ukai Cormorant Fishing
1,300-year-old torch-lit fishing spectacle on the Nagara River — May to October nightly
炎と鵜匠の技が川面に映える1,300年の伝統漁。5〜10月の夜に行われる。
Obasute — Gujo Hachiman
Beloved castle town famous for its bon-odori festival danced every night for 31 days
31夜連続で盆踊りが行われる日本一の踊りの町・郡上八幡。
Ontake Mountain
Sacred mountain with crater lake and alpine meadows — popular pilgrimage and trekking
御嶽山や飛騨の高原地帯はトレッキングと紅葉の名所。
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit Shirakawa-go?
Winter (December–February) for illuminated snow scenes is iconic but crowded. Spring and autumn offer quieter, beautiful visits. Summer green is also lovely.
雪の白川郷ライトアップは12〜2月が幻想的。春・秋は比較的空いていて緑・紅葉も美しい。
How do I get from Takayama to Shirakawa-go?
Nohi Bus runs regularly between Takayama and Shirakawa-go (50 min, ¥2,600). Buses also run from Kanazawa (70 min). Book in advance, especially in winter.
濃飛バスで高山〜白川郷は約50分（2,600円）。冬は特に予約が必須。金沢からも約70分。
What is the Takayama Matsuri?
Takayama Matsuri (高山祭) is held in April (Sanno Festival) and October (Hachiman Festival). Gorgeous floats, mechanical puppets and processions make it one of Japan’s three great festivals.
高山祭は春の山王祭（4月）と秋の八幡祭（10月）。日本三大美祭の一つで、絢爛な屋台が見どころ。
Travel Tip
In Takayama, pick up a ‘Sake Street Sampler Ticket’ (available at Hirase Shuzo and Funasaka Shuzo on Sanmachi) letting you taste 3 local junmai varieties for ¥500. Both breweries are open for tours.
