Kawaramachi Streetscape

The Kawaramachi area in Gifu City is the famed downtown drag that covers the Ukai Viewing Boat Dock on the south bank of the Nagara River westward through Minatomachi, Tamamachi, and Motohamamachi.

This esteemed castle town was first constructed by Dosan Saito and later developed to its heyday by Oda Nobunaga, who used it as a base in his quest for unifying Japan. This key page in history led to full designation as a Japanese Heritage coined "Sengoku Castle Town Gifu, alive with Oda Nobunaga's hospitality."

The Kawaramachi area thrived as a river port village utilizing the Nagara River's water access, with numerous paper and lumber merchants lining the streets. Today, it still boasts a unique and beautiful townscape characterized by whitewood lattices.

Make your way down the streetscapes to find artisan producers and boutique sales of Gifu’s heritage crafts like umbrellas and Gifu lanterns, plus featured shops where you can step in yourself and try some local crafting firsthand. Foodies will delight known there are retro-modern eateries set in revamped old-world townhouses, perfect for a scenic town walk. For the best of photo-worthy vibes you can even rent a kimono and take it out for a stroll.