Gifu Castle: The Heart of Feudal Japan

History

Gifu Castle was established around 1201. Nikaido Yukimasa, the head of his clan, was the central figure in building the castle. The castle was constructed on Kinkazan Mountain, at an altitude of 300 meters. Due to its high-up location, the castle was known to be one of the most difficult to intrude.

During the Warring Period (1467 – 1568), Gifu Castle was the arena of some significant battles. One of the most significant events was when feudal lord Oda Nobunaga invaded and seized the castle from Saito Dosan, the ruler of the Mino province (current Gifu prefecture). Oda changed the name of the castle from its original name “Inabayama Castle” to its current name, “Gifu Castle”, and made himself the lord of the castle. He then proceeded to stay in Gifu and base the area for his rule, as the province located right in the center of the entire country.

The current Gifu Castle is a remake of the original. It was made in 1956, and is a steel concrete structure.

Sights at Gifu Castle

The view from Gifu Castle

Gifu Castle is one of the castles in Japan with the highest altitudes. The view from the castle tower is amazing, with the Japanese Alps in the north, the Nobi Plains in the south, and the Nagara River flowing through the city.

Splendid view from top of the Castle

Gifu Castle’s fall foliage

Although the view from Gifu Castle is outstanding year round, the view during the autumn months is especially phenomenal. Kinkazan Mountain turns into a beautiful rustic red and yellow shade, and is an unforgettable sight from the peak or the base.

Gifu Castle in Fall

Light-up

The view from Gifu Castle is stunning, but the view of the castle is just as breathtaking. Gifu Castle looks especially ethereal during the night, when the castle is lit up from sunset to 11p.m.

Kinkazan Ropeway

You can get to Gifu Castle by hiking up Kinkazan Mountain, which takes a little less than an hour. An alternative option is taking the Kinkazan Ropeway, which is recommended for those running on a tight schedule. The ropeway will take you to the castle in about 4 minutes. The scenic view from the ropeway is something you can’t experience from the hike.

Kinkazan Ropeway

【Opening hours】
Mar. 16 to May 11: 9:00a.m. – 6:00p.m.
May 12 to Oct. 16: 8:00a.m. – 6:00p.m.
Oct. 17 to Mar. 15: 9:00a.m. – 5:00p.m.
Jan. 1: 5:00a.m. – 5:00p.m.
＊Open until 10:00p.m. or 10:30p.m. during the Panorama Night View event.

【Fees】
General (over 12 years old/middle school):
・ One-way: ¥620
・ Return trip: ¥1080
Children (between 4 and 12 years old):
・ One-way: ¥280
・ Return trip: ¥540
*During the Panorama Night View event:
・ Adult return trip: ¥900
・ Children return trip: ¥450

Gifu Castle Museum – 岐阜城資料館

Right next to the castle is the Gifu Castle Museum, which was used as a weapon and food storage in ancient days. The storage was renovated in 1975 and turned into this museum. The museum exhibits documents related to the castle and introduces the history of it.
【Fees】
General (over 16 years old): ¥200
Children (over 4 and under 16 years old): ¥100

Events

Gifu Castle Panorama Night View (Apr./May; July/Aug. or Sep./Oct.)

During these three months, the castle tower is open until later at night for visitors to enjoy the night view of the city. For more details, check Gifu Castle’s official website.

Night view of the city

See the beautifully fallen leaves in the Autumn

Gifu Castle in the Autumn

How does a visit to Gifu Castle, the castle built to promote unity of Japan, sound? The castle has no holidays and is open all year long, however, the autumn season is by far the best time to visit. Looking at the castle with the whole area painted red and yellow is truly breath-taking.

Access

Nearest station: JR Gifu Station / Meitetsu Gifu Station

From JR Gifu Station

【Gifu Sta.】Gifu Bus “N80” / for Takatomi, Nagarabashi or a City Bus
【Gifu Park・History Museum Sta.】→ about a 3-minute walk to Gifu Park, you can take a ropeway to the Castle (or about one-hour climbing the mountain)

From Meitetsu Gifu Station

【Meitetsu Gifu Sta.】Gifu Bus “N80” / for Takatomi, Nagarabashi or a City Bus
【Gifu Park・History Museum Sta.】→ about a 3-minute walk to Gifu Park, you can take a ropeway to the Castle (or about one-hour climbing the mountain)

Chubu Centrair International Airport

【Chubu International Airport Sta.】Meitetsu Airport Line / for Shinunuma
→【Kanayama Sta.】Meitetsu Nagoya Airport Line μ-SKY / for Meitetsu Gifu
→【Meitetsu Gifu Sta.】Gifu Bus “N80” / for Takatomi, Nagarabashi or a City Bus
→【Gifu Park・History Museum Sta.】→ about a 3-minute walk to Gifu Park, you can take a ropeway to the Castle (or about one-hour climbing the mountain)

Nearby Destinations