Nagara River

The Nagara River flows through nearly the center of Gifu Prefecture, bringing life to the urban areas. Its source is in the Hida Mountains, and the region is also known as a tourist destination for its beautiful scenery. In particular, the Kawaramachi area along the Nagara River is famous for traditional cormorant fishing, a hallmark of summer. Nearby is Gero Onsen, a hot spring resort also known for its riverside location.

Chinese cabbage

In Gifu Prefecture, Chinese cabbage grown by making use of the winter cold is famous. Exposure to the cold reduces excess moisture and enhances sweetness, making it delicious. In particular, “Hida-Takayama Chinese cabbage” is known as a brand-name vegetable, prized for its sweetness and umami.

Mino washi (traditional Japanese paper from Mino)

Mino washi is a traditional craft with a history of over 1,300 years and is inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list. It is widely used as an essential part of traditional Japanese life and culture, such as for calligraphy paper and shoji screens.

outrageous; absurd; exorbitant

"Berabō" is used in Gifu Prefecture to mean "very" or "extremely." For example, if you say "berabō ni umai," it means "very delicious."

Umeko Tsuda

Umeko Tsuda was an educator from Gifu Prefecture and is known as Japan’s first female overseas student. She founded a higher girls’ school (the predecessor of today’s Tsuda University) and was also called the “Saint of Mino Province.”

Mount Ontake

Mount Ontake is an active volcano standing 3,067 meters tall, located on the border between Nagano and Gifu Prefectures, and is known as an object of worship. It is also cherished as a place for many outdoor activities, such as hiking and nature observation.

Shirakawa-go

The World Heritage Site in Gifu Prefecture is Shirakawa-go (the Gokayama gassho-style villages). The region’s distinctive gassho-style houses are a unique architectural form built to withstand harsh winters, and their historical value is highly esteemed.