Best cherry blossom spots in Gifu

Best cherry blossom spots in Gifu

Gifu Prefecture is famous for the historic thatched houses of Shirakawago, the old town of Takayama, and the breathtaking scenery of the Japanese Alps.

Brimming with  interesting historical sites and beautiful nature, Gifu becomes another place that is suitable for admiring the cherry blossoms in the Spring season.

This year, the cherry blossoms in Gifu start blooming from late March, coming into full bloom as it gets closer to the beginning of April. In this feature, we introduce some of the best spots all around Gifu where you can enjoy viewing the cherry blossoms.

Index : Best cherry blossom spots in Gifu

1. Gifu Park
2. Ogaki Castle
3. Gero Onsen
4. Gifu Castle
5. Shirakawago

1. Gifu Park

Gifu Park is one of the most popular parks in Gifu, located in the center of Gifu city, at the foot of Mt. Kinka. The park is dotted with many cherry trees, including the Ukai Zakura Tree, a gigantic cherry tree that is over 100 years old.

The park is also known as the home of Nobunaga Oda, the famous Sengoku general and the master of Gifu Castle. Surrounded by the beautiful nature of Mt. Kinka, and the three-story pagoda, you can enjoy the view of dainty pink cherry blossoms while visiting the remains of Nobunaga’s residence, and also the Gifu City Museum of History in the park.

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2. Ogaki Castle

Ogaki Castle is a castle in Ogaki, a city in Gifu, and it was known as one of the finest castles in Japan, especially after its main keep designated a national treasure of Japan in 1936. The castle functioned as the headquarters for Mitsunari Ishida (1559-1600). The main tower was destroyed in World War II, and the current main tower was reconstructed in 1959.

The castle is located in Ogaki Park, a famous cherry blossom spot in Gifu, making it a popular destination in spring for cherry blossom viewing.

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3. Gero Onsen

Gero Onsen (下呂温泉) is a hot spring town, and it was known as one of Japan’s three best onsen in the Edo period. The onsen is still loved by the Japanese, and many people visit the town to enjoy its high quality hot spring waters, offering many health and beauty benefits.

The onsen is located between Nagoya and Takayama, and in spring, the streets of Gero Onsen are dotted with cherry trees, offering a splendid view of fully bloomed cherry blossoms.

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4. Gifu Castle

Gifu Castle, which was formerly known as Inabayama Castle, is located in Gifu Park, on the top of the 300 meters high Mt. Kinka. The castle was originally built in the 13th century, but was destroyed in the Battle of Gifu Castle in 1600. The castle was later reconstructed in the 1950s.

The premises of Gifu Castle are dotted with numerous cherry trees, making it a perfect spot for cherry blossom viewing in spring. Since it’s located in Gifu Park, you can also see the Ukai Zakura Tree, which can be found near Gifu Gokoku Shrine.

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5. Shirakawago

Shirakawa-go is perhaps the most popular tourist destination in Gifu, mainly known for its gorgeous Japanese traditional houses. Unlike other cherry blossom spots in Gifu, due to its relatively cold weather, Shirakawa-go is some of the few places where you can enjoy late-blooming cherry blossoms.

The cherry trees in Shirakawa-go do not bloom until mid April to early May, and the village is dotted with cherry trees, giving you a chance to take some beautiful pictures of Japanese traditional houses and dainty pink cherry blossoms!

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