Gifu Daibutsu (Shoboji Temple)
Gifu Daibutsu, standing alongside the great Buddhas of Nara and Kamakura, is one of the "Three Great Buddhas of Japan." The 11th generation head priest of this temple, Priest Ichu, initiated its construction to protect the populace from repeated disasters. The construction took about 38 years and was completed in 1832.
Take a close look at the details of the Gifu Daibutsu and you’ll really appreciate its impressive size and exquisite craftsmanship.
Dairyoji Temple
Located on the border between Gifu City and Yamagata City, this Zen temple enshrines the Kannon Bodhisattva of Childbirth and Safe Delivery, which was commissioned by Emperor Go-Shirakawa. It's famously known as "The Temple of Prayer Daruma" for distributing prayer Daruma dolls.
The garden design at the temple is stunning, with a classic Zen style that makes you want to linger and take it all in.
Kayanoya
A former soy-sauce storehouse turned specialty ingredients shop. Kayanoya has spent 120 years helping more people enjoy “Washoku”, the world-recognized intangible cultural heritage of Japanese cuisine, with easy to use ingredients.
It's a favorite spot for housewives to shop!
Harmonica Alley
Located just outside the north exit of Kichijoji Station, this small alley is home to about 100 shops. The name “Harmonica Alley” is said to come from the fact that the line of small storefronts looks like the holes on a harmonica. Many of the shops sell delicious things to eat, so it’s a great place to stroll while sampling some of the delights. At night, red lanterns light the many izakayas (Japanese style pubs), which are a popular place to have a drink.
This alley is full of retro Showa-era vibes and street food. Kichijoji is a really popular area for locals to live in. Highly recommend taking a stroll here.
COREDO Muromachi
A full line up of different restaurants await, from casual and full-on authentic dining, both in Japanese and Western style. Inside you’ll find all the trimmings of good living, including the historic charm of Nihonbashi veteran shops to a modern-day cinema complex. With so much at this all-in-one shopping stop, there’s plenty of crowds drawn here across a wide range of ages.
This is a super versatile complex with shops, restaurants, a movie theater, and even Eslite Life from Taiwan. You can pretty much find everything you need here.