Gifu Prefecture, nestled in the central region of Japan, is a place of rich natural beauty and unique geographical features. Surrounded by the Northern Alps' towering peaks in the north and crisscrossed by the vast Kiso River in the south, Gifu offers a diverse natural environment that captivates visitors year-round.
The prefecture is enveloped by the majestic mountains of the Northern Alps, including notable peaks like Mount Hakusan and Mount Norikura, which are popular among mountaineering enthusiasts for their stunning seasonal landscapes. The clear streams and rivers, such as the Kiso and Nagara Rivers, nourish the Mino region, while scenic lakes like Lake Shirakawa in Gujo Hachiman dot the landscape, adding to the prefecture's scenic beauty.
In terms of geographical features, Gifu is known for its contrasting landscapes, from the Hida region's central highlands around Takayama, a city famous for its well-preserved old town and rich local culture and crafts, to the historical townscapes of Gujo Hachiman, renowned for its traditional summer dance festival.
Special places of interest include Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses set against a backdrop of heavy snowfall. Gero Onsen, recognized as one of Japan's three most famous hot springs, offers visitors the chance to enjoy its therapeutic waters alongside beautiful river views. Okuhida Onsen Village, nestled in the Hida Mountains, provides a serene setting for enjoying numerous hot springs with spectacular natural vistas.
Gifu Prefecture melds its breathtaking nature with a deep-seated cultural heritage, offering a wealth of attractions from mountain adventures and soothing hot springs to historical town explorations. It's a diverse region that promises memorable experiences for nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and cultural aficionados alike.