Category: Gifu Highlights

  • A Gentle Autumn Journey Through Nakatsugawa: Magome-juku to Tsumago-juku on the Nakasendō Trail

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    Walking the Magome‑juku → Tsumago‑juku section of the historic Nakasendō Trail is one of the most peaceful ways to experience the charm of the Nakatsugawa region in Gifu Prefecture. My husband and I recently enjoyed this walk during autumn, and the journey turned into a beautiful blend of crisp colour, traditional streets, local food, and…

    Written by

    Genevieve G.
    A scenic downhill street in Magome-juku with traditional wooden houses, autumn foliage, and visitors walking under clear mountain skies.

  • A Visit to Ochobo-san: The Little Fox Shrine of Blessings and Business

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    Tucked away in the quiet countryside of Kaizu, Chiyoho Inari Shrine, lovingly called Ochobo-san, is a place where faith and daily life meet. For over a thousand years, people have come here to thank the gods for prosperity, family safety, and the simple joys of each month. Visitors light candles and offer fried tofu to…

    Written by

    Genevieve G.
    Image of OChobosan

  • Half a Day in Gifu City — A Gentle Walk Through History and Hills

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    From a butter-toast breakfast near Gifu Station to the golden smile of the Great Buddha by afternoon — this quiet half-day in Gifu City blends history, nature, and gentle living. The perfect slow adventure between mountain and river

    Written by

    Genevieve G.

  • A Golden Giant in Gifu — The Great Buddha of Shōhō-ji

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    Behind a quiet lane in Gifu lies a 13-metre golden Buddha built of bamboo, clay and layered prayer. At Shōhō-ji, the Gifu Great Buddha invites quiet reflection — here’s its story, its meaning, and how to visit.

    Written by

    Genevieve G.
    daibutsucho image

  • Kurikinton in Gifu – Japan’s Pure Chestnut Sweet That Marks the Start of Autumn

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    Discover Gifu’s kurikinton (栗きんとん) — a simple chestnut + sugar wagashi that signals Japan’s autumn. Learn the difference between osechi 栗金団 and Gifu’s fall version, explore Nakatsugawa & Ena shops, and taste the spirit of the season.

    Written by

    Genevieve G.
    Three pieces of kurikinton, traditional Japanese chestnut sweets, placed on a glossy black lacquer plate with soft autumn lighting, surrounded by blurred red and orange maple leaves on a warm washi paper background.

  • What Is a “Day Service” in Japan?

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    Every day service in Japan is unique — each with its own rhythm and personality. Here’s what daily life looks like at the warm, café-style day service where I work in Gifu.

    Written by

    Genevieve G.
    A warm café-style interior with wooden tables and sunlight streaming through the windows, creating a cozy and welcoming atmosphere.

  • A Morning at 251 Café – Simple, Cozy, and Worth the Wait

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    Hidden in Gifu, 251 Café (ニコイチカフェ) offers a warm and minimalist space perfect for slow mornings. Enjoy a beautiful Morning Set with croissant, salad, and latte — simple, cozy, and worth the wait.

    Written by

    Genevieve G.
    The wooden exterior of 251 Café in Gifu, with black metal letters and a small olive tree in front, creating a warm and rustic welcome.

  • The Morning Set Culture in Gifu: Discover Japan’s Unique Breakfast Tradition

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    One of the things I’ve grown to love about living in Gifu is the morning set culture. Unlike in other parts of Japan, where breakfast might mean grabbing an onigiri from the konbini, in Gifu it’s all about heading to a cozy kissaten (coffee shop) and enjoying a full plate of food that comes free…

    Written by

    Genevieve G.
    A sweet and savory morning set in Gifu, with thick French toast, salad, and an iced coffee topped with cream, served on a wooden café table.

  • Gifu Station: More Than Just a Transit Stop

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    Gifu Station is often overlooked as just a stopover to Takayama or Shirakawa-go, but it’s full of history, food, and local culture. From Nobunaga’s golden statue outside to morning cafés, bentos, and izakaya, here’s why Gifu Station deserves more than a quick glance.

    Written by

    Genevieve G.
    Gifu Station

  • Pascal Kiyomi Auto Campsite: Family Camping & River Fun in Gifu

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    Last August, when Japan’s summer heat climbed close to 40°C, my family and I escaped to the cool shade of Pascal Kiyomi Auto Campsite in Gifu. Nestled in the mountains, this campsite offered fresh air, tall trees, and a crystal-clear river perfect for swimming. With kushikatsu sizzling on the grill, kids laughing by the water,…

    Written by

    Genevieve G.
    camping set up