JPN: Gifu City Downtown

Gifu City, Gifu, Japan

Gifu City is the capital of the landlocked prefecture in central Honshu that shares its name. Playing a pivotal role during the Sengoku period from the 15th to the 16th century, it was once a stronghold of the powerful warlord Oda Nobunaga. Compared to nearby Nagoya, the city embraces a more relaxed urban rhythm.


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JPN: Gifu City Downtown <YOU ARE HERE!>
JPN: Nagoyaeki Access Hotel
JPN: Ise Shrine
JPN: Flight of Dreams
JPN: Chubu Centrair International Airport
JPN: All Nippon Airways NH494 (Economy)
JPN: All Nippon Airways NH833 (Business)
VIE: Le Saigon Hotel
VIE: Tan Son Nhat International Airport
VIE: Le Saigonnais Business Lounge
SIN: Singapore Airlines SQ177 (Business)

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Gifu City is easily accessible from Nagoya within 30 minutes by train.



An iconic local snack of Gifu is the sweetfish-shaped sponge cake.
The train station is connected to ASTY Gifu, with its dedicated dining floor offering a range of eateries just steps away from the platforms.



Operating exclusively in Japan, Excelsior Caffé was established in 1999.
Just outside the north exit of the train station lies Nobunaga Yume Hiroba (lit. Nobunaga's Dream Plaza). At its centre stands a striking golden statue of Oda Nobunaga.


The statue was erected in 2009 to commemorate the city's 120th municipal anniversary.

Here are some photos of the square and the surroundings after sunset.




Gifu City spans an area of 203.6 square kilometres with a population of nearly 400,000 as of 1 January 2025.


How about sitting there to observe life unfolding around you?


Such a colourful mural adds vibrancy to the urban landscape, doesn't it?
Famed for its golden torii (Shinto shrine gate), Kogane Shrine has long been revered as a place to pray for financial prosperity.


The shrine was founded in 135.


Oh, wishing stone, grant me early retirement so the only deadlines I need to worry about are catching flights.
Gekijo-dori, a lively covered arcade lined with shops, cafés and boutiques, is part of the main shopping district of the city.

The 1966 song titled 'Yanagase Blues' romanticises the vibrant charm of the district.


Talk about an eye-catching cinema!


I couldn't resist plunging into the basement level of Takashimaya to immerse myself in its food heaven.



I’d absolutely love to have this as my birthday cake someday.


Quincy or Andes melon for you?
Gifu City Tower 43 stands as the tallest building in the prefecture, soaring to a height of 163 m.


Besides a shopping mall, the building also houses condominium units.


Delicate dreams unfurl in violet whispers~
At the very top floor, you'll find an indoor observatory and a restaurant. The best part is that there's no admission fee to go up.



Enjoy the sweeping views of the city.



Though there wasn't a picture-perfect sunset, I enjoyed watching the sky ablaze with fiery oranges.


It was worth returning after dinner as the night scenery unveiled a different kind of beauty.
In a bid to have gyukatsu (lit. beef cutlet) before leaving the city, I ventured south of Gifu station.



The area has a noticeably older, worn-down vibe.


I soon realised I had wandered into a night entertainment district.
I shall post two photos of the interior of the restaurant I was looking for.




Drop by my food blog to find out more about these eateries:
- Azuma Tei (Japanese)
- Le Pont de Ciel (Japanese)
- Oraga Soba (Japanese)
- KU-DETA (Japanese and Western)

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