Gifu Prefecture

Craft and Test Your Knife Under the guidance of skilled craftsmen, you'll forge a stunning Damascus kitchen knife. Once completed, you'll test its sharpness by cutting fresh vegetables, experiencing firsthand the exceptional quality of your creation. You may be amazed at just how sharp your knife is! Learn the Art of Sharpening Throughout the knife-making process, you'll learn the essential skill of knife sharpening. This knowledge ensures you can easily maintain the razor-sharp edge of your knife, keeping it in prime condition for years to come. Choose Your Perfect Knife Select from three distinct types of knives to craft: Japanese Damascus Kitchen Knife: Ideal for everyday culinary use. Folding Damascus Hunting Knife: A versatile and portable option for outdoor enthusiasts. Chinese Damascus Kitchen Knife: Perfect for traditional Chinese cooking techniques. (Note: Prices vary based on the type of knife chosen.) Join us for a memorable and educational experience.

Gifu City is famous for its scenic Gifu Castle and cormorant fishing. It is a place where good old Japanese scenery still remains. You can experience how to handle a Japanese sword and try your hand at swordsmanship. You can also experience Japanese jujutsu.

Holiday, a Japanese information service used by approximately 4 million people per month, offers a photography program that guides visitors to some of Japan's most popular and special Hida-Takayama destinations. The program is staffed by highly qualified photographers who can work with your travel schedule to capture natural compositions and identify photo spots. (Please send us your preferred location in the chat!) Correction work is done by the vintage atmosphere of analog sensibilities, and mood and color can be adjusted if desired. Because this experience is private, you will be photographed at your own pace. Enjoy the atmosphere as if you were with a friend, and enjoy the conversation while you shoot! We can arrange a photographer who lives in Gifu, so we can introduce you to local areas you may not know. Let us capture your happy time in Hida-Takayama in photos.

Gifu Castle, a historic mountain fortress, showcases the ingenious defensive design characteristic of Yamajiro (mountain castles). Unlike many mountain castles, it offers easy access via a scenic ropeway. At the top, visitors can explore the reconstructed Tenshukaku (main keep), which houses exhibits highlighting the achievements of Oda Nobunaga, one of Japan's greatest unifiers. The displays also provide a glimpse into the castle's former grandeur during Nobunaga’s reign. Perched on Mount Kinka, the castle offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscapes, making it not only a site of historical significance but also a rewarding destination for nature and history enthusiasts alike.

Create Your Own Kitchen Knife Experience Discover the art of crafting your own kitchen knife with a personalized touch by engraving your handwritten name on a stunning Damascus steel blade. This unique tour goes beyond a simple visit to a tourist spot, offering participants a deeply meaningful and satisfying experience. Crafting Your Unique Knife Collaborate with skilled craftsmen to create your own knife, tailored exclusively for you. Be prepared to be amazed by the exceptional cutting performance of your handmade knife. Test Your Knife Put your newly crafted knife to the test by slicing through vegetable. Experience firsthand the superior quality and performance of your creation. Explore the Blacksmith Museum Delve into the rich history of Japanese Samurai swords and Seki City at the Blacksmith Museum. Gain a deeper appreciation for the enduring value of Japanese traditions. This tour promises an unforgettable adventure, combining hands-on craftsmanship, cultural exploration.

Visit skilled artisans whom you normally wouldn't have the chance to meet and learn about traditional crafts. Afterward, enjoy a hands-on experience painting your favorite design on a Gifu Lantern or a mini Gifu Japanese Umbrella made by the artisans. The finished piece will be an unforgettable souvenir from your trip.

Discover the best of Gifu City on this exciting half-day tour packed with history, breathtaking views, and traditional charm. Start your journey at JR Gifu Station before heading to Shobo-ji Temple to marvel at the awe-inspiring Gifu Great Buddha. Next, ride the Kinkazan Ropeway and ascend to the iconic Gifu Castle, where you’ll step into the world of samurai and learn about the castle’s fascinating history, including its ties to Oda Nobunaga. Don’t forget to capture stunning views from the mountaintop! End your adventure in Kawaramachi, a picturesque historic district brimming with traditional shops, handmade umbrellas, and unique souvenirs. This tour is perfect for those looking to dive into Gifu’s rich culture and enjoy an unforgettable experience.

Immersive Samurai and Castle Tour It provides a deeply meaningful and satisfying experience as you learn the essence of the Samurai Soul. Step into the World of the Samurai Begin with Samurai experience guided by a qualified master. You'll learn not only the physical skills of a Samurai but also the discipline, focus, and ethical principles that define these legendary warriors. Explore Historic Inuyama Castle After your Samurai training, take a walk to Inuyama Castle. Step inside and explore the castle as if you were a lord from the past. Ascend to Gifu Castle Travel to Gifu Castle, perched atop Mount Kinka at an elevation. Enjoy a quick ascent via ropeway to the summit, where you'll be rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view from the top floor of the castle. Join us for an unforgettable adventure that combines Samurai training, historical exploration, and stunning views, leaving you with lasting memories and a deeper connection to Japan's rich cultural heritage.

This is a one day luxury car tour, taking you from Kyoto to Gifu & back. The tour was created by an MK Taxi driver who is knowledgeable about history. It is a plan that can be enjoyed by fans of the Shogun TV Drama, Japanese History buffs and families alike. While the driver cannot speak English, you will be accompanied by a interpretor who will translate everything for you.

Embark on a shopping adventure to find the perfect Japanese knife, showcasing unparalleled quality This is a program where you visit Seki to test knives, allowing you to purchase the perfect knife suited for you while experiencing knife testing firsthand. Seki Blade Seki City, acclaimed worldwide for its outstanding cutlery and swords, owes its reputation to centuries-old traditions and unparalleled craftsmanship in blade forging. The blades crafted here stand out due to their exceptional sharpness, durability, and meticulous attention to detail, making them favorites among professional chefs and enthusiasts alike.

Head to the battlefield of Sekigahara, where the "decisive battle for the nation" took place after the death of Toyotomi Hideyoshi! Get a panoramic view of the battlefield from the site of Tokugawa Ieyasu's Tokobukiya (Tokugawa Ieyasu's final camp) and the site of Ishida Mitsunari's camp (Ishida Mitsunari's camp), and feel the atmosphere of the battles and the romance of the warlords. This taxi plan uses the Gifu Sekigahara Battlefield Memorial Museum as its base and combines walking around the area with luxury minivan travel. A must-see spot for samurai fans and history lovers, the newly opened Gifu Sekigahara Battlefield Memorial Museum is an experienced-based facility that makes use of state-of-the-art technology to give you a deeper understanding and an immersive experience of this dramatic and decisive historical event.

Embark on a unique program in Seki, where you can test various knives and purchase one that best suits your needs. Immerse yourself in the ancient art of swordsmithing, shaping your very own samurai sword with the help of seasoned craftsmen. Seki Blade Seki City, acclaimed worldwide for its outstanding cutlery and swords, owes its reputation to centuries-old traditions and unparalleled craftsmanship in blade forging. The blades crafted here stand out due to their exceptional sharpness, durability, and meticulous attention to detail, making them favorites among professional chefs and enthusiasts alike.

Gifu City is the capital of Gifu Prefecture, which can be reached from Nagoya in 30 minutes. On the other hand, Gifu City is a place where history is still being carved as a stage of unification of Japan since the Warring States Period, as a merchant town, and as a town that protects traditional fishing industry. It is one of the best places in Japan to visit, especially for those who have once visited Japan and are interested in Japanese history, nature lovers, and those who are interested in the townscape and culture typical of Japan. This tour is like a condensed version of the charms of Gifu Castle, the residence of Oda Nobunaga, who briefly united the country, a museum that tells the fascinating story of cormorant fishing, one of Japan's traditional fishing industries, and a walk through old streets where you can feel as if you have stepped back in time to the Warring States period.

Japanese Cutlery Factory Tour Embark on a fascinating journey of the most advanced kitchen knife factory tour. You can see the highest technology, offering you an in-depth look into the history and technology of Japanese cutlery, rooted in the rich tradition of Samurai sword craftsmanship. Craft Your Custom Pocket Knife Under the expert guidance, you will create a pocket knife tailored to your preferences. This hands-on experience allows you to delve into the meticulous process of knife-making. Discover Samurai Sword History Learn about the legendary history of Samurai swords and how their craftsmanship has influenced modern Japanese cutlery. Explore Advanced Japanese Cutlery Technology Witness the highest level of Japanese cutlery technology, a seamless blend of tradition and innovation. Join us for a tour that promises not only the creation of a unique pocket knife but also a deep appreciation for the enduring legacy and advanced technology of Japanese cutlery craftsmanship.

Join us for one of the most popular local biking tours in Hida and feel the local's daily life in the Japanese countryside! Your knowledgeable English-speaking guide will provide you with insight of the history and culture for the area and, by biking with the slow pace, you will have a chance to feel the seasonal beauty and local people's lives in this farming village. This tour will take you to some exclusive places where you can experience the daily activities as well as local culture handed down for generations in Hida.

Visit Seki City, one of the world’s top three blade-producing regions, and discover 700 years of swordsmithing history at the Seki Blacksmithing Tradition Museum. Afterwards, visit the Fukuda Cutlery Industry factory and experience the latest technology by touring the cemented carbide knife brand "KISEKI:" and m aking a pocket knife. After the experience, enjoy seasonal cuisine at a traditional Japanese restaurant involved in the development of "KISEKI:" products.

Visit the historic town of Seki, renowned for its blade craftsmanship, and explore the 700-year history of swordsmithing at the Seki Traditional Swordsmith Museum . Then, tour the sword production factory at Noshudo, admir e valuable Japanese swords, and enjoy an iaido (sword-drawing) experience.

Discover the profound connection between Seki’s centuries-old swordsmithing tradition. In this unique tour, experience the seamless blend of Seki’s swordsmithing heritage and the timeless art of Iaido. Learn the History and Craft of Samurai Swords Begin your journey at a traditional museum where you will learn about the rich history of Samurai swords and the intricate process of them from a master blacksmith. Train with a Qualified Master Receive direct instruction from a qualified Samurai master. This training emphasizes not just physical skills but also the discipline, focus, and ethical principles that define the Samurai way of life. It is an immersive journey into the heart of Samurai culture, offering a profound appreciation for the values and skills of these legendary warriors. You will gain a deeper understanding of the sword as more than just a weapon—it is a symbol of Japan’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage, infused with the soul of the swordsmith.