Gifu City, nestled in the heart of Japan’s Chubu region, is a destination where rich history, culture, and spirituality come together. Known for its scenic landscapes, historical landmarks, and fascinating stories, Gifu offers a unique glimpse into Japan’s past. Among its many treasures, Gifu Castle and the renowned Buddhist temple housing a majestic statue of Buddha stand out as must-visit sites for travelers seeking a deep dive into the city’s heritage.
Gifu Castle: A Symbol of Japan’s Feudal Past
Atop the verdant hills of Mount Kinka, Gifu Castle stands as a sentinel over the city, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Originally built in the 16th century, the castle played a significant role during Japan’s feudal era, especially under the rule of the warlord Oda Nobunaga. Nobunaga, one of Japan’s most influential military figures, made the castle his base of operations during his quest to unify Japan.
Originally known as Inabayama Castle, Gifu Castle has a history that stretches back to the Kamakura period. However, it is believed that the castle wasn’t fully developed until the Sengoku period under Saito Dosan. In 1567, Oda Nobunaga seized the castle from Saito Tatsuoki during the Battle of Inabayama Castle. Nobunaga then made it his new base, dismantling the original castle grounds to construct a new fortress, which became Gifu Castle. Nobunaga renamed both the castle and the town below to Gifu, symbolizing his ambition to unify the country through military strength.
The ropeway is the fastest and easiest way up to Gifu castle, and it offers amazing views of the surroundings as well.
The castle complex was primarily centered around the fortress atop the mountain and the lord’s residence at the mountain’s base, with routes connecting the two. Fortifications were strategically placed at key points along the mountain, which itself served as a natural fortress. The lord’s residence was situated in Keyakidani, on the western foothills of Mount Kinka. Originally built during the third generation of the Saito clan, it was extensively renovated by Nobunaga. Excavations have uncovered two buildings flanking a large pond, as well as a spacious garden. The residence is believed to have remained in use until the early stages of the Battle of Sekigahara.
After Nobunaga’s death, Gifu Castle was ruled by several lords, including Oda Hidenobu. However, Hidenobu sided with the Western Army during Ishida Mitsunari’s rebellion, and in the Battle of Gifu Castle (1600), a precursor to the Battle of Sekigahara, the castle was attacked and captured by Ikeda Terumasa and Fukushima Masanori of the Eastern Army. The following year, Tokugawa Ieyasu abandoned the castle.
The current structure at the summit is a reconstructed castle tower, built in 1956 using reinforced concrete. Excavations near the base of the mountain began around 1984 and are still ongoing. The remnants of Nobunaga’s residence, located in Gifu Park at the mountain’s foot, are terraced on both sides of the Tsukidani stream, with buildings and gardens arranged across them.
The modern reconstruction of the castle allows a glimpse into the past, with displays of armor, samurai weapons, and historical artifacts. The view from the top is breathtaking, offering a 360-degree panorama of Gifu City, the Nagara River, and the distant mountains. It’s a peaceful spot, perfect for reflecting on the city’s long and storied past.
Believed to have been constructed by Saito Dosan, the southern slope served as the main route to Gifu Castle for those with business there. It was also the path taken by Nobunaga and other visitors traveling to the castle.
The Path to the Castle
Visitors can ascend to the castle via a hike through the mountain or by taking the scenic ropeway.
Mt. Kinka, standing 329 meters tall, offers hikers four trails of varying difficulty levels. The Meisoku no Komichi trail, the easiest of the four, still has some challenging sections. Hiking the trails takes about 76 to 90 minutes to reach the summit. For those less inclined to hike, the Mt. Kinka Ropeway offers a quick 3-minute ride to the top (1300 yen roundtrip). All trails start from or near the large Gifu Park, where the ropeway station is also located.
From the ropeway station at the top of Mt. Kinka it takes about a 10 minute hike over different kinds of steps, so it’s still recommended to wear comfortable non-slip shoes.
On the way to the castle, visitors will encounter the Gifu Kinkasan Squirrel Village, created to offer children a chance to interact with wild squirrels. After years of training, Japan’s first “Squirrel Village” opened in 1965. Both local children and tourists visit the village to watch the charming squirrels eat food from their hands.
Pay a visit to Enma, King of the Underworld, on your way from the ropeway station to Gifu castle.
Enma-do
On the way to Gifu Castle is also Enma-do, a temple dedicated to King Enma. The “Wooden Sitting Statue of King Enma” housed in Enma-do Temple was created in 1358. The Enma-do was built and consecrated in 1975 to pray for the removal of evil spirits and harmful diseases and for the prosperity of the area.
The statue stands 40 cm tall, crafted from inlaid wood, and has a fierce, angry expression. It wears a crown, holds a scepter in its right hand, and its left hand rests on its knee, dressed in martial arts attire. The wooden structure is coated with thick mud lacquer and is believed to date back to the late Kamakura period. It is one of the city’s rare treasures and was designated an Important Cultural Property by Gifu City on September 9, 1975.
Today, visitors come to this temple seeking blessings for success in entrance exams, academic improvement, prosperity in business, family safety, traffic security, and protection from fires and theft.
With its serene expression and the tranquil ambiance of the temple surrounding it, the statue offers a deeply calming and reverent atmosphere.
One of Japan’s Three Great Buddha Statues
A giant quietly resides in Gifu City. Tucked away in an unassuming temple near Gifu Park stands the Great Buddha of Gifu. Completed in 1832 after 38 years of construction, Gifu’s Great Buddha stands 13.7 meters tall inside Shoho Temple and is recognized as one of Japan’s Three Great Buddha Statues.
Built around a massive ginkgo tree, its skeletal framework consists of wood, while high-quality bamboo and clay form the exterior. The entire statue was then covered with Buddhist sutras before being coated in lacquer and finished with gold leaf. The creation of the Gifu Great Buddha required an immense number of Buddhist sutras to cover its entire surface. To gather them, Ichu, the temple’s 11th-generation priest, traveled across Japan, even walking as far as the Shinetsu region in northeastern Gifu, seeking donations and scripture. After 38 years of dedication, the statue was finally completed in 1832.
Lining the north and south walls are 500 wooden statues of Buddha’s disciples, known as Gohyaku Rakan. Their paint has faded, and some have chipped over time, but each one is uniquely crafted with distinct expressions, clothing, and poses. Above these statues, a series of detailed dioramic paintings adds to the temple’s rich visual experience.
Near the entrance stands a wooden statue of Yakushi Nyorai, believed to offer relief for ailments. Visitors rub the corresponding body part on the statue to seek healing—those with knee pain, for example, touch its knee.
A City Steeped in Culture
Gifu City is a place where history and culture intertwine, offering visitors a chance to experience the best of Japan’s past and present. From the strategic heights of Gifu Castle to the tranquil spirituality of Shoho Temple and its Great Buddha statue, the city’s landmarks provide fascinating insights into Japan’s cultural heritage.
Whether you’re exploring the ancient architecture of the castle, enjoying the views from Mount Kinka, or meditating at the temple, Gifu offers a fulfilling travel experience that will leave you with lasting memories of Japan’s history, culture, and spiritual depth.
Access to Gifu
From JR Nagoya Station, take the Tokaido Main Line bound for Gifu or Ogaki. The journey takes approximately 20 minutes on the Rapid train. Alternatively, from Meitetsu Nagoya Station, board the Meitetsu Nagoya Main Line bound for Meitetsu Gifu Station. The Limited Express train reaches Meitetsu Gifu Station in about 30 minutes.
Entrance to Gifu castle is 200 yen, and the same for Shoho Temple. To reach them, you can take the local bus using your IC card or buying a ticket onboard.
