Gifu Castle in Gifu Prefecture is located at the top of Mount Kinka. It was renamed after Oda Nobunaga captured it during Japan’s Sengoku period. Since it is at the top of the mountain, you need to take the ropeway from Gifu Park below. Building this castle back then must have taken tremendous effort, so it’s no wonder it was easy to defend and difficult to attack. After getting off the ropeway, you still have to walk for about 10 minutes. If you come here, you definitely have to go up to the castle keep. From there, you can see the Nagara River and the city scenery in the distance. Gifu Park at the foot of the mountain has a hydrangea season in June, so besides visiting Gifu Castle, you can also enjoy the hydrangeas below the mountain castle.
Gifu Castle | Review by hdwf2002
Other Reviews by hdwf2002
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Harunire Terrace
This is a “small town” with nine buildings connected with wide wooden decks, utilizing a grove of more than 100 Japanese elm trees alongside the clear stream.
Harunire Terrace in Naka-Karuizawa is built along a stream, with wooden buildings, boardwalks, and forest cabins. The outdoor decks have free tables and chairs, while the small shopping area sells various goods and food. It’s a great place to visit in the afternoon and is very chill. I highly recommend the rich and delicious ice cream from Nagai Farm. A day trip by bicycle is also a great option—ride over from Karuizawa Station and enjoy a different way of exploring.
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Ishiyamadera Temple
This is the head temple of the Shingon school on the bank of the Seta River, which flows from Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan. There are strange rocks erected all over the precincts, including the large rock towering in front of the Hondo (main shrine).
When traveling around Lake Biwa by JR, you'll pass JR Ishiyamadera Station, so consider visiting Ishiyamadera Temple. It's a 10-minute drive from the station. This is a famous fall foliage spot in the Kansai region and where The Tale of Genji was first written. Coming here feels like stepping into another world. Surrounded by tranquility and maple trees, it's very relaxing to stroll through the temple grounds. If you visit in mid-November, the red maple leaves and fallen foliage offer another kind of peaceful experience. You don't have to worry about crowds, and it's a good place to relax your body, mind, and spirit.
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St. Paul's Catholic Church in Karuizawa
Nestled along “Waterwheel Lane,” just a short step off the main Old Karuizawa Ginza Street, this is the only Catholic church in Karuizawa.
Old Karuizawa Ginza Street has a retro feel. Besides visiting this old street, travelers can walk a little farther to St. Paul's Catholic Church. I understand it was built in 1935 and combines European architecture with stonework design. If you're lucky, you can go inside. The interior is entirely solid wood, and you can really feel its historic character. It's truly worth the walk to visit.
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