Located almost in the center of Japan, Gifu Prefecture is divided into two major regions—the Hida area in the north and the Mino area in the south. Surrounded by majestic mountains, the Hida area is home to the World Cultural Heritage-listed Shirakawa-go village as well as a number of hot spring villages. It also has several places where you can encounter Japan’s history, such as the castle town of Takayama.
The Mino area, on the other hand, is easily accessible from Nagoya and is home to the beautiful clear waters of three rivers known collectively as the Kiso Sansen. This area has nurtured traditional Japanese arts and crafts as well as food culture. Gujo Hachiman (crisscrossed with waterways) and the spring water of Ogaki are leading attractions.

Each area is accessed differently. If you're heading to the Hida area, the best way is via Toyama Kitokito Airport. The Mino area is closer to Nagoya, so the nearest airport is Chubu Centrair International Airport. Your journey will be much more efficient if you plan with a good understanding of Gifu’s distinct areas.

The warlord Nobunaga Oda, active during Japan’s militaristic Sengoku era, is said to have declared that "winning Mino means winning the world!" Located right in the center of Japan, Gifu is full of the charm and atmosphere of old Japan, with its wealth of waterways, traditional paper crafts, and rustic woodland villages such as Shirakawa-go.