Origin of Gifu prefectural name
GIFU – Crossroads Hill 岐阜県 The leading theory or popular belief is that warlord Oda Nobunaga, during his unsuccessful quest to conquer and unify Japan, renamed the castle town of…
Gujo-Hachiman in autumn
Gujo-Hachiman (郡上八幡) in Gujo, Gifu Prefecture is a very nice, tourist-friendly provincial city with lots to see in a compact area. The city is north of Gifu city, but not…
What makes Nagara River Ukai Cormorant Fishing in Gifu special
Held in the evening under torchlight on Nagara River, ukai is a traditional fishing method with a master fisherman on a wooden boat using leashed cormorants. The cormorants dive for…
Takehana Festival, Gifu
Saw the annual Takehana Festival with seven tall ornate floats being hauled around central Hashima in Gifu Prefecture on May 3, 2013. Each float puts on a performance of karakuri…