The Nakasendo is an ancient road that has existed for about 450 years and winds through Nagano and Gifu’s magnificent mountainous terrain. It remains a natural road with lots of character, unlike the uniform roads built with heavy machinery that we see in modern infrastructure.

Built on sloped mountain terrain, with a breathtaking view of Ena Valley down below, is the old post station of Magome-juku. As a post station on the Nakasendo Highway, Magome-juku flourished by housing weary travelers that were making their way from Edo (current-day Tokyo) to Kyoto. Magome-juku stands apart from other stations of its kind in Japan because of its location on a slope. The tightly knit, sometimes overlapping wooden houses that cascade downwards feature traditional lattice windows, and line both sides of the cobblestone-style ishidatami road that goes through the station. With this traditional Japanese atmosphere, and the lively locals who sell various merchandise to passing visitors, it’s almost as if you have traveled back 400 years to the golden age of the Nakasendo Highway.

Manufacturing has flourished in Gifu prefecture through out much of its history. Seki cutlery, Mino Ware, Mino Washi paper, and woodwork from Hida are among the distinctive local industries found in Gifu. The expertise and pride of the craftsmen who have continued to make these exceptional products for ages are treasured to this day.

Cutlery forging in Seki has a long history that dates back about 780 years ago. Having all essential elements for sword making, Seki had prospered as one of Japan’s major sword production areas. The history and tradition were passed down to the present day, and Seki is known as the largest cutlery production area in Japan for high quality knives and scissors today.

Considered one of the three most famous hot springs in all of Japan, Gero Hot Spring is particularly famous for the incredibly smooth quality of its water, which in turn makes the skin of those who soak in it just as smooth! Its “water of beauties” attracts people from all over the world, and once they experience the water of Gero, they find it difficult to settle for anything else.

Chiune Sugihara was a diplomat and a native of Gifu who played a pivotal role in saving thousands of Jewish refugees attempting to flee Nazi Germany during the Second World War. Torn between his bureaucratic duties and his empathy for the refugees, he ultimately chose to follow his conscience and issued scores of transit visas through Japan, defying his own government. His decision saved thousands of lives. The Chiune Sugihara Memorial Hall in Yaotsu Town, built to commemorate his deeds and pass on his legacy to future generations, attracts increasing numbers of people from around the world.

The Japanese Diplomat from Gifu "Visas for Life"

Japanese diplomat Chiune Sugihara is revered for defying his own government and rescuing thousands of refugees fleeing Nazi Germany during World War II by issuing scores of life-saving transit visas through Japan.

Chiune Sugihara (1900-1986)

Sugihara, born in Gifu Prefecture, was a diplomat appointed to the Japanese Consulate in Lithuania during World War II.

People Seeking Transit Visas Through Japan

Sugihara, acting diplomat in Kaunas, Lithuania, was shocked when large numbers of Polish Jews fleeing annihilation from the Nazis suddenly appeared at the Japanese Consulate in July 1940, seeking transit visas as their sole hope of survival.

Deciding to Issue the "Visas for Life"

Ordered by Tokyo to reject them for failing to meet the necessary requirements, Sugihara was torn between his duties and empathy for the desperate people before him. "I ultimately reached the conclusion," he recalled later, "that humanity and compassion come first." In the end, he issued at least 2,139 visas on his own initiative, allowing thousands to escape to Japan and then continue onward to other countries free of Nazi persecution.

Another "Visas for life " Story

Most of the Jewish refugees who held a "visa for life" issued by Chiune Sugihara first traveled across the European continent, and then crossed over the sea to Japan. Upon reaching Japan they were then able to escape to other countries like America. JTB played an important role in transporting the Jewish refugees over the Sea of Japan, and then to the ports where they set out for America. Records containing the thoughts and feelings that the related JTB employees experienced as they were fulfilling their duties still exist to this day.

Standing atop Mt. Kinka, Gifu Castle was the home base of one of Japan's great military commanders, Oda Nobunaga, and was said to be unassailable. The castle also features an impressive collection of Japanese armor and swords. The castle is accessible from Gifu Park via the Mt. Kinka Ropeway. From the upper room of the keep, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the entire city and beyond. Take your time to savor every bit of the landscape that the ancient rulers used to enjoy!

Embark on the Shogun & Samurai Legacy Journey through Gifu, Ogaki, and Sekigahara City, where you can explore iconic castles, historic battlefields, and traditional practices, delving deep into the rich samurai history and cultural heritage of this remarkable region.

Located in an isolated mountainous region that is among the few in Japan to see extremely heavy snowfall, Shirakawa Village with its Gassho-style houses subsisted on the cultivation of mulberry trees and the rearing of silkworms. The large houses with their steeply pitched thatched roofs are one of the only examples of their kind in Japan. Despite economic upheavals, the village is an outstanding example of a traditional way of life perfectly adapted to the environment and people’s social and economic circumstances. People say that Shirakawa-go is a village straight out of a fairy tale and this is true no matter the season.

Known by the name “Sanmachi” the old quarter of Takayama consists of three streets in the center of town that preserve much of the look and feel of the castle town as it was hundreds of years ago. Located within a 10 minutes’ walk of Takayama Station, the old quarter is easily accessible and has become one of the must-see destinations in Gifu Prefecture. Old merchants’ houses and sake breweries line both sides of the streets, lending the area a very traditionally “Japanese” atmosphere and architectural style.

Gujo Hachiman is a quaint castle town whose old streets are lined with water canals. These canals are a testament to the locals’ affinity with the clear, pristine water in the area that was at one time their lifeblood. These days, it is still revered and greatly respected, remaining the source of the town’s pride.

Gujo Hachiman is also home to one of Japan’s most famous traditional dance festivals. It is held over 30 times across a period of three months during the summer, and includes a period of four days where the dancing takes place all night long.