Gifu Castle
18番地 Tenshukaku, Gifu, Japan, 500-0000
Perched atop the 1,079-foot (329-meter) Mt. Kinka, Gifu Castle’s elevated position made it an excellent defensive fortification during Japan’s turbulent Warring States period. First built in the early 13th century, the castle is now a National Historic Site and offers commanding views of the surrounding area, including the Nagara River and the city of Gifu.
The basics
The current 4-story, reinforced concrete Gifu Castle dates from 1956. Inside, you can view exhibits of Edo Period armor, paintings, and samurai weapons. In the upper room of the keep, a viewing platform has panoramic views of Gifu and the Nagara River below. Sightseeing tours of Gifu often include a stop at Gifu Castle—for the ultimate photo opportunity, some tour operators offer the chance to explore the city while wearing a kimono.
Things to know before you go
There is a fee to enter the castle, which is halved for children.
Inside the castle there are explanations in both English and Japanese.
There is a restaurant close to the summit ropeway station.
How to get there
From Gifu Station it is a 15-minute bus ride to the Gifu Koen-mae (Gifu Park) bus stop at the base of Mt. Kinka. From there you can ride the Mt. Kinka Ropeway from the Sanroku station to the summit, then walk around 10 minutes to the castle. The ropeway runs every 15 minutes on weekdays and every 10 minutes on holidays.
When to get there
Gifu Castle is open to visitors year-round. The area of Mt. Kinka around the castle is known for its fall colors; November is the best time to spot the resplendent oranges and reds. The nighttime view of Gifu from the castle tower is also well worth seeing and opening hours are extended in the summer months.
Hiking Mt. Kinka
Energetic travelers can hike up the forested Mt. Kinka to Gifu Castle. A number of trails begin near the Mt. Kinka Ropeway Sanroku station and Gifu Park: you can take the popular 1.4-mile (2.25-kilometer) Meditation Path (Meisou no Komachi); or the challenging 0.68-mile (1.1-kilometer) Horse Back Mountain Trail (Umanose Tosando), which is direct, but very steep.
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