Unusual & Offbeat Destinations in Gifu, Gifu, Japan

1. Gero Onsen Town

A picturesque town famous for its hot springs, offering unique experiences like sleeping in a traditional Japanese inn.

Natural Hot Springs: Enjoy the therapeutic benefits of natural mineral-rich hot springs.
Traditional Inns: Experience a night in a traditional Japanese Ryokan, complete with tatami floors and kaiseki dining.
Onsen Hopping: Try multiple hot springs within the town, each with unique characteristics.

An offbeat destination for space enthusiasts, featuring a planetarium and telescopes for stargazing.

Planetarium Shows: Watch the universe come alive through immersive shows in the planetarium.
Telescope Viewing: Get a closer look at celestial bodies using telescopes, guided by knowledgeable staff.
Astro-themed Exhibits: Explore interactive exhibits and learn about the mysteries of space.

A serene forest park housing a picturesque waterfall, offering peaceful hikes and scenic views.

Nature Trails: Explore various trails of varying difficulty levels.
Minoo-no-taki Waterfall: Visit the beautiful Minoo-no-taki waterfall, a popular spot for photography.
Autumn Leaves Scenery: Enjoy the stunning autumn leaves scenery during fall months.

A traditional festival celebrated annually in August, featuring lively dance performances and fireworks.

Owara Dance: Witness the unique Owara Noh-Mai dance performances.
Firework Displays: Enjoy breathtaking fireworks displays during the festival.
Local Food and Drink: Sample local Gifu specialties, such as sake and Hakata-jyuuban dango.

A quaint village known for its production of washi (Japanese paper), offering workshops and museums.

Washi Paper Workshops: Learn the art of making traditional Japanese paper in hands-on workshops.
Museums and Exhibits: Visit museums dedicated to the history and techniques of washi production.
Shopping for Washi Products: Pick up unique souvenirs like notebooks, stationery, and artwork made from washi.

A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its traditional gassho-style farmhouses.

Gassho-zukuri Farmhouses: Explore the unique, steeply pitched thatched-roof farmhouses.
Farmhouse Interiors: Step inside traditional farmhouses and learn about rural life in this region.
Natural Beauty: Enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the surrounding mountains and rice fields.

One of Japan's oldest castles, offering a glimpse into feudal Japan with its wooden structures.

Historic Architecture: Admire the well-preserved wooden castle structures.
Castle Grounds: Stroll through the beautiful castle grounds, filled with cherry blossoms in spring.
Museum and Exhibits: Learn about the history of Inuyama Castle and the feudal lords who ruled it.

A historic hot spring resort with a beautiful garden, offering relaxation and scenic views.

Hot Springs and Baths: Relax in the various hot spring baths, each with unique mineral characteristics.
Historic Buildings: Explore the beautiful traditional buildings and gardens surrounding the hot springs.
Gero Onsen Ramen: Taste Gero Onsen Ramen, a local specialty said to be the best in Japan.

A beautiful park filled with over 5 million tulips and other flowers, blooming from mid-April to early May.

Tulip Fields: Admire the vibrant fields of tulips in various colors.
Other Flower Displays: Enjoy other flower displays, such as roses and sunflowers.
Food Stalls and Events: Sample local foods and participate in events during the tulip festival season.

A beautifully preserved Edo Period government office showcasing traditional architecture and art.

Traditional Architecture: Admire the intricate wooden structures and decorations.
Historical Artifacts: Explore the exhibits showcasing historical artifacts from the Edo Period.
Takayama Old Town: Stroll through the charming old town, filled with traditional merchant houses and shops.

A museum dedicated to the art of knife-making, showcasing various types of knives and workshops.

Knife Exhibits: Learn about the history and techniques of knife-making.
Workshops: Participate in workshops to make your own traditional Japanese knives.
Knife Shops: Shop for high-quality Japanese knives at local knife stores.

A museum housing the beautiful and intricate festival floats of Takayama's annual festival.

Festival Floats: Admire the elaborate, ornate festival floats.
Historical Context: Learn about the history and significance of these festival floats.
Related Exhibits: Explore related exhibits, such as traditional clothing and accessories.

A village dedicated to the production of washi (Japanese paper), offering workshops and demonstrations.

Washi Paper Workshops: Learn about the traditional techniques of making Japanese paper.
Gallery and Museum: Visit a gallery showcasing beautiful works made from washi paper.
Shopping for Washi Products: Purchase unique souvenirs like notebooks, stationery, and artwork made from washi.

A modern landmark offering panoramic views of Nagoya and the surrounding region.

Observation Deck: Enjoy breathtaking views from the observation deck.
Restaurant and Shopping: Dine at a restaurant or shop for souvenirs at the base of the tower.
Light Show: Experience the nightly light show projected on the tower.

A unique park where wild monkeys coexist with visitors, offering a fascinating look at these animals.

Monkey Interaction: Interact with the friendly and playful Japanese macaques.
Natural Surroundings: Explore the lush, forested surroundings of the park.
Hot Spring Observation: Observe the monkeys enjoying their own hot springs in designated areas.