[Gifu 1-Night, 2-Day Model Course] A Romantic Journey Through Gifu Following the Footsteps of Sengoku Warlords

The journey begins at Gujo Hachiman Station. Walk from the station to the “Gujo Hachiman Ekimae” bus stop, then take the Mame Bus Red Route for Approx. 10 minutes.
Get off at the “Jokamachi Plaza” bus stop, and after a 1-minute walk, you will arrive at your first destination, “Yanaka Mizu no Komichi.”
Yanaka Mizu no Komichi, a symbolic spot in Gujo Hachiman, is a charming path along a waterside canal, with cobblestone lanes and the soothing sound of flowing water.
The street blends beautifully with the surrounding traditional townhouses, and small water basins are scattered along the canal. As you stroll at a relaxed pace, you can enjoy the scenery of water and everyday life in Gujo Hachiman.

After enjoying the charming streets along the canal, it’s time for lunch at Sumibiyaki Unagi Uotora, a long-established restaurant in Gujo Hachiman.
Founded in 1930, this renowned restaurant prepares eel that has been kept for 2 days in water drawn from a Gujo well, selected as one of Japan’s 100 Famous Waters, then grills it over binchotan charcoal for a rich, fragrant finish.
The fluffy flesh, crisp grilled skin, and secret sauce passed down since the restaurant first opened are all exquisite.
Savoring the natural blessings of Gujo Hachiman makes the trip even more satisfying.

After lunch, head to Gujo Hachiman Castle. Since it stands on a hill, it takes Approx. 25 minutes on foot, but the leisurely walk through the castle town is part of the joy of the trip.
This castle on the summit of Mt. Hachiman began as a fortress built in 1559.
The current castle keep was reconstructed in 1933.
It is the oldest existing reconstructed wooden castle in Japan. From the top-floor observation area, you can take in sweeping views of the castle town and the mountains of Oku-Mino.
Don’t forget to pick up a castle seal made with hand-crafted Mino washi paper as a souvenir of your trip.

Next, visit the Gujo Hachiman Old Government Office Memorial Hall, a tourist information center housed in a former town office building constructed in 1936. It is about a 15-minute walk from Gujo Hachiman Castle.
This photogenic retro Western-style building is a valuable structure designated as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property of Japan.
Inside, you’ll find the Old Government Office Cafeteria, where you can try local dishes, as well as a shop stocked with souvenirs, making it a perfect place for a short break during your walk.
Take advantage of the wait for the bus to enjoy some souvenir shopping.

After picking up some souvenirs, take the bus back to Gujo Hachiman Station, ride the Nagaragawa Railway for Approx. 80 minutes, transfer to JR at Mino-Ota Station, and continue to Gifu Station. It’s a relaxing train journey with peaceful scenery passing by the window.
Once you arrive at Gifu Station, check in at Comfort Hotel Gifu, about a 2-minute walk away.
After dropping off your luggage, take a short break in the spacious open area called the Comfort Library Cafe.
Once you’ve relaxed in the comfortable space and recovered from the journey, head out to enjoy the night in Gifu.

In the evening, head to Tamamiya, the entertainment district that spreads out north of Gifu Station. This area, known for its retro Showa-era atmosphere, is packed with more than 400 establishments, including izakaya and international restaurants, and is lively with both locals and visitors.
If you’re here, why not try a place where you can enjoy local specialties such as Gifu sake and Hida beef?
If you’re not sure where to go, it’s also a good idea to look for shops that accept the “Tamamiya Tourist Ticket.”
Spend the evening soaking up Japan’s izakaya culture in this energetic nightlife district.

From in front of Gifu Station, take a bus for Approx. 15 minutes, get off at Gifu Koen Rekishi Hakubutsukan-mae, and walk 3 minutes to the Kinkazan Ropeway station. From here, head for the summit of Mt. Kinka at an elevation of 329 meters.
The Approx. 4-minute aerial ride on the Kinkazan Ropeway is a refreshing experience with views of Gifu City and the Nagara River below. This historic ropeway first opened in 1955, and its sixth-generation gondolas are now in service.
Around the summit station, you’ll also find plenty of facilities, including shops, observation decks, and the restaurant Le Pont de Ciel.
After enjoying the view from the observation deck, it’s finally time to head to Gifu Castle, a place closely associated with Nobunaga.

An 8-minute walk from the summit station of the Kinkazan Ropeway brings you to Gifu Castle, standing proudly atop Mt. Kinka.
Once the residence of Saito Dosan, this castle is also known as the stronghold Oda Nobunaga used in his bid to unify Japan.
The current castle keep was restored in 1956, and inside you’ll find extensive exhibits introducing the history of Nobunaga and Gifu Castle.
From the top-floor observation deck, you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view.
Standing before scenery that Nobunaga himself may once have seen, you can fully immerse yourself in the romance of the Sengoku period.

After visiting Gifu Castle, enjoy a slightly early lunch at Le Pont de Ciel, a restaurant near the summit station.
From the window seats and the open-air “Nobunaga Terrace,” you can look out over Gifu City. The airy setting is part of the appeal too.
This restaurant is known for authentic dishes made with plenty of ingredients from Gifu Prefecture, including menu items inspired by Sengoku warlords connected to Gifu, such as the “Nobunaga Dote-don,” simmered with local miso, making it perfect after immersing yourself in Sengoku history.
The dessert menu is also extensive, with items such as waffles made with Gifu-grown strawberries and sets with Japanese black tea.
Enjoy a lunch break that satisfies both the eyes and the palate.

After descending the mountain on the Kinkazan Ropeway, transfer by bus and train from the foot of the mountain to Sekigahara.
From Gifu Station, take the JR Tokaido Main Line toward Ogaki and Maibara, and after Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes, arrive at Sekigahara Station.
From the station, it is Approx. 10 minutes on foot to the Gifu Sekigahara Battlefield Memorial Museum. Here, you can learn about and experience the decisive Battle of Sekigahara, where Tokugawa Ieyasu and Ishida Mitsunari clashed, through videos and exhibits.
Highlights include the floor screen “Ground Vision” and the “Theater,” which recreates the battle with powerful visuals, giving you the feeling of being right in the middle of the Sengoku era.
In the exhibition room, you can learn about the background of the battle through armor and historical documents, and from the top-floor observation room, you can also look out over the sites where the warlords set up their camps. It is truly a place where you can relive a major turning point in history with all five senses.

After visiting the Gifu Sekigahara Battlefield Memorial Museum, head to the Sekigahara Sasaoyama Exchange Center, about a 2-minute walk away.
This tourist facility stands near the site of Ishida Mitsunari’s Western Army camp and occupies one of the most representative locations on the Sekigahara battlefield.
A major attraction is the paid armor-dressing experience. There is a wide variety of styles, from Sengoku warlord looks to ashigaru foot soldier outfits, and you can also rent items such as straw sandals and swords as part of the set. Staff will help you get dressed, so even first-timers can feel at ease.
Once fully suited up, you’ll instantly feel more immersed in the Sengoku spirit.
Of course, the finishing touch is a commemorative photo. If time allows, it’s also recommended to go explore the historic site while still dressed in armor.
Wrap up your trip with this memorable dress-up experience and create lasting Sekigahara memories in photos.