Experiences

Gain precious insight into the stories, the techniques, and the masters behind one of Gifu's best-known and well-loved traditional crafts - the beautifully delicate but enduring Gifu wagasa (traditional Japanese umbrellas), before creating your very own miniature piece in the city of Japan's largest manufacturer of traditional umbrellas. Explore the quaint surroundings of the former riverside port district of Kawara-machi District while learning of the origins of the Gifu wagasa, then visit the workshop of one of only two craftsmen in Japan specializing in umbrella frames, deepening your understanding of Japan's crafts and culture. Craft and complete your original mini Gifu wagasa, a wonderful reminder of your unforgettable time in Gifu, along the Nagara River. 
*Closed length (including handle): about 28cm, open diameter: about 35cm

Take the road less traveled - dotted with fresh, gushing springs and paved in epic history blending seamlessly into the present here in Ogaki. Stroll around this city of deep, understated beauty, which flourished as both a post town and a castle town on the Tokaido Highway during the Edo period, and you‘ll be quick to find vestiges of a bygone era sketched into its visage - from the boats ambling down in its river canals, to the sturdy remains of an old lighthouse and port, and the large storehouses that house elaborate festival floats. One can also easily find numerous, famous sites of natural spring water around the area, living up to its name, the “City of Water” from days of old. Delight in the fresh verdure of the cherry trees lining the banks of the Suimon River, the sight of the iconic red Sumiyoshi Bridge, the soughing of the lone weeping willow gently swaying in the wind as ducks and black carp swim idly by while you follow the footsteps of unparalleled haiku poet, Matsuo Basho at the final stop of his major journey on foot, and a setting from his masterpiece - Oku no Hosomichi, (often translated as The Narrow Road to the Deep North).

Try your hand at traditional crafts like mizu-manju (sweet water mochi) making and masu (wooden box) making, with steps inspired by techniques used in tasks like water transportation and sake brewing from the past, cultivated by the region’s abundance in water. Experience it all for yourself here, where folk tales are born of, that speak of the intimate connection between the lives of the local people and the sustenance afforded by water. Let your worries drift away as you soak in the goodness of life here at the Water Capital, rivers undulating like poetry in motion.

Relive the day on which Japan's history was forever changed by its largest, most tumultuous and most decisive battle, fought on the grounds of Sekigahara (also one of the world's three major ancient battlefields) in the year 1600. See with your own eyes and tour the very areas ventured by Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder and first shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate, and his opponent, Ishida Mitsunari, as you discover the historical setting of the battle with weaponry and armory. Explore the Memorial Museum, featuring revolutionary technology in showcasing the details of main happenings and people of the battle, as well as exhibits both original and models that you can touch and interact with. Equip yourself with Sengoku armor and weapons, before making your way around the remains of Ishida's base camp and taking commemorative photos. Choose between a lunch of delicious Udon with tempura (in either Eastern or Western-styled broth) plus complimentary souvenir, and Sukiyaki made from famous Omi beef. Turn back time and imagine yourself fighting to the very finish, joining in actions of bravery or perhaps, treachery, in the greatest samurai battle of all - the Battle of Sekigahara.

Here at Gifu City’s Oblige International Preschool, experience firsthand daily life in a kindergarten where English-language learning go hand-in-hand with traditional Japanese etiquette and discipline, where children practice everyday habits that develop both mind and body like saying cheerful greetings and ready replies, as well as arranging shoes and pushing in chairs.

 A highlight of the educational philosophy here is “ritsuyo” (sitting up straight), posture education with the belief that sitting up straight helps children cultivate concentration and willpower, building a strong foundation for their character. Study along with the students, as you gain insight into the basis of Japanese educational culture – the nurturing of the heart and mind.

How about trying out these classroom staples yourself? Start by joining the students and teachers with a session of cleaning up, before moving on to an exciting line-up of educational, fun lessons with origami, singing, and more! Class is in session so come along, pull up a chair, and join in the daily life at school. The joy of learning never ends.

Harvest tea leaves and stroll through the lush, verdant tea fields at an altitude of 300 metres, at the Kamigare Tea Plantation in Kasuga Village, Ibigawa Town - a little-known region dubbed "Gifu's Machu Picchu" on social media. Take home processed tea leaves with a gentle, sweet aroma ready for brewing as a souvenir of your sojourn. Please note that due to time constraints the tea leaves you will be bringing home are different to the ones from your harvest. For lunch, look forward to a delicious and wholesome meal made from Ibi medicinal herbs unique to Kasuga Village - the village of medicinal herbs, cultivated at the foot of Mount Ibuki from days of old and fresh, local Mino vegetables. Next, head to Temple, a destination along the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage route, Japan’s oldest pilgrimage route with about 1,300 years of history. Experience the legendary and the spiritual for yourself as you make your way along this sacred path, and learn of yet another, separate way through the "kaidan meguri" ritual (the practice of going down to the basement of the main hall of the temple to search for a lock in complete darkness). 

Unfold the rich tapestry of culture and tradition at the heart of Gifu City through this illuminating course. Learn all about ukai (cormorant fishing) at the Nagara River Ukai Museum before visiting the home of a Cormorant Fishing Master, who will show you around and explain the ins and outs of his work, recognized by the Imperial Family of Japan. Alternatively, choose an option highlighting the artistry of one of Gifu City's beloved traditional crafts, Gifu lanterns, by visiting the private space of world-renowned artist, Isamu Noguchi's AKARI Gallery displaying his "sculptures of light". After a delightful teatime at a hotel lounge, enjoy a splendid dinner of grilled ayu (sweetfish) aboard one of three exclusive luxury observation boats, with a dedicated chef and wait staff. Witness the ukai as it begins at sunset, from a vantage view afforded in the comfort of your bench seat, transporting you back in time with its subtle yet profound beauty. 

Take on this very special hands-on tour of the factory behind the highly sought-after and constantly sold-out premium, cemented carbide kitchen knives - a first in Japan, right here in Gifu! Watch the production process, help with sharpening and testing blades. After the tour, create your very own original pocketknife by affixing the cemented carbide (said to be the hardest material next to diamond) blade to the handle, made of wood produced in Gifu. For lunch, enjoy a delicious serving of unadon (eel rice bowl), a classic meal in Seki, the City of Blades, said to be a source of strength and stamina especially during summer days of scorching heat.

Take your very own awe-inspiring photo of Gifu Castle atop Mount Kinka with a supersized full moon as a magnificent backdrop, using only a smartphone at a photography course supervised by a local expert photographer. Before that, enjoy a delicious kaiseki lunch at a ryokan with an illustrious history of 130 years. Look forward to a menu inspired by the clear waters of Gifu, its local culture, and history, with dishes such as prized salt-grilled sweetfish, sarasa salmon, and ikadashi nabe - a recreation of the local fishermen’s stew. Riceballs and the Shokado refreshments are also available for those who prefer a lighter meal. After lunch, soak in a private rotenburo (open-air bath)* while you take in the grand scenery of nearby Gifu Castle and Mount Kinka. Then, take the ropeway to Gifu Castle and begin your exploration of the castle grounds with a guide. Consider the different compositions and timing for your photography as you learn of the history and culture of the castle. At the end of the photoshoot, you will be gifted a Gifu "Moon & Castle" Baumkuchen as a token of your travels. All this in a day of experiencing Gifu’s stunning sights and its countless wonders.

* available as an option until late March 2026

Step into the daring domain of the Japan’s historical warriors with this travel plan featuring sword forging, iai-jutsu (sword drawing), Zen history, philosophy and meditation embodied by the samurai spirit. The best part is experiencing it all firsthand - start by watching the sparks fly up close as a master bladesmith puts tried and trusted techniques to astounding work, hammer the steel fashioned into a blade at a famous workshop, before calming your heart and mind with Zazen meditation amidst the tranquil surroundings of a traditional temple, and finally, witness the swift but deadly motions of iai-jutsu with a genuine katana on temple grounds. Unleash the fighter in you.

Take in the marvelous sights along the pristine Nagara River, one of Japan's three clearest rivers as you e-bike for about 70km from Gujo Hachiman to Gifu City, surrounded by abundant nature, history, and local culture. Stop by popular destinations like the Udatsu Wall Historical District of Mino City, Gifu’s Great Buddha, Kogane Shrine and the Seki Hamono Museum, where you get to not only observe a traditional sword smithing demonstration, but also hammer a katana the way it's been done for centuries at the workshop of renowned bladesmith Fujiwara Kanefusa, whose family has been crafting swords for the Tokugawa family from the Muromachi Period for generations. Truly an exclusive experience! This course is recommended for those staying overnight in Gujo City and are planning to travel southwards the day after. Luggage will be delivered separately to your destination, further adding to your convenience with light and easy travel.