History

Travel back in time through the magnificent past preserved in the glorious present, whether you walk in the footsteps of Edo-period samurai along the historical Nakasendo Road, or relive the day of the greatest and most decisive of all samurai battles - the Battle of Sekigahara.

Area Map

Experience Content

Interweavings of History and Culture: Encountering Hida Takayama

Unravel the threads of Hida Takayama's culture steeped in history and cultivated in centuries of relative isolation as you visit its key locations accompanied by a local guide in this popular walking tour recommended for first-time visitors.

North Gifu

Symphonies of Steel: Create Your Original Damascus Knife

Create your original razor-sharp Damascus knife using traditional Japanese methods from start to finish, from blade and handle sharpening, assembling, to engraving your name onto your handmade masterpiece, under the guidance of master swordsmiths.

Central Gifu

Miraculous Edge: Cemented Carbide Original KISEKI: Pocketknife-making and Factory Tour

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!

Central Gifu

Takumi・Zen・Samurai Unbound: Traditional Japanese swordforging, zazen meditation and iai swordsmanship

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!

Central Gifu

Cherished through Centuries: Gifu Cormorant Fishing Aboard A Chartered Luxury Boat on the Nagara River – exquisite dinner included

Unfold the rich tapestry of culture and tradition at the heart of Gifu City through this illuminating course. Witness the ukai from a vantage view as it begins at sunset, transporting you back in time with its subtle yet profound beauty.

Central Gifu

Past Reignited: 1-Day Ena and Iwamura Tour, time travel through Edo ukiyo-e and a Sengoku castle town

Ride the waves of time, back into the Sengoku and Edo period with this tour jam-packed with the many highlights of Ena and Imamura - from art at the museum of Hiroshige ukiyo-e prints, legendary tales at the Iwamura Castle Ruins and tales of the “Onna Joshu” (lady castle lord), history of the Sengoku cuisine and sake, and culture of the Kakeuchi (sake store where you can drink at).

Southeast Gifu

Legendary Treasures: Guided tour of Kokeisan Eiho-ji Temple, Suigetsugama pottery, lunch in Minoyaki ware

Unearth calm repose, encounter the world of Zen and enlightenment in creation through this course with a guide, taking you through the peaceful, scenic grounds of the Kokeizan Eiho-ji Temple. Then, at the Suigetsugama Kiln, tour the climbing kiln and learn of how it revolutionized the ceramics industry centuries ago. For lunch, feast your senses on Japanese cuisine carefully plated on tableware crafted by Mino ware artists, taking in the delightful harmony in presentation and taste.

Southeast Gifu

Revival in Tranquility: Exclusive Minoyaki pottery and green tea retreat

Heal and restore your mind, body, and soul away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life as you work on your very own clay creations, explore the rich history of the local area and uncover the deep and undeniable connection between soil and soul.

Southeast Gifu

Traversing Time and Taste: Nakatsugawa-juku walking course and Japanese tea tasting paired with traditional seasonal sweets

Walk parts of the historical Nakasendo at Nakatsugawa-juku and go back in time to the Edo period. Spend a moment traversing time and taste with a delightful range of Japanese tea and kurikinton here, just like the travelers of old.

Southeast Gifu

Journey to the Past: Customize Your Nakasendo Hike (with guide and car)

Embark on a special journey along the Nakasendo Trail (also known as the Samurai Trail for its regular use by Shogun rulers traveling with samurai guards) tailor-made just for you.

Southeast Gifu

Revolving Stages, Involving Roles: Star in a Country Kabuki Play – trip to Tsukechi Gorge and lunch included

All the world's a stage, and this one has a role with your name on it! Check out one of Gifu's treasured local specialties, ji-kabuki, or country kabuki, distinct from other types of kabuki for its down-to-earth atmosphere and strong connection to the local community.

Southeast Gifu

Clashing Forces, East Meets West: Sekigahara, Japan’s Greatest Samurai Battlefield

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.