Gifu Prefecture is located in central Japan, acting as the midpoint dividing Honshu into east and west. The old provincial names of Gifu are Mino Province in the south and Hida Province in the north, which served as the setting for battles and historical events, especially during the Sengoku and Azuchi-Momoyama periods.
During these turbulent times, Gifu Prefecture took center stage in history and produced many great figures and warlords. Rich in historical tourism spots, Gifu boasts many places related to popular warlords, making it a must-visit for history fans. Below, we have detailed information on each historical site. Please make use of this guide for your Gifu historical sightseeing.
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Historical Tourist Spots in Gifu! Introducing Famous Locations and Places Related to Historical Figures
Historical Tourist Spots in Gifu Prefecture ①-Gifu, the Sacred Ground of Oda Nobunaga
When exploring historical sites in Gifu Prefecture, Oda Nobunaga—a key figure of the Sengoku period—stands out as an essential presence. Born in western Aichi Prefecture during the late Muromachi era, Nobunaga was a powerful warlord who leveraged his economic strength to control Gifu. He used the area as his strategic base to assert dominance over warring factions and bring neighboring territories under his rule.
Eventually, Nobunaga’s forces gained control of most of Honshu. Until the Tokugawa period, Gifu remained under the governance of Nobunaga’s family or trusted retainers.
This deep connection between Gifu and Oda Nobunaga has created many sacred sites that history enthusiasts won’t want to miss. Let’s explore some must-visit historical locations tied to his legacy.
Gifu Castle
A key historical landmark, Gifu Castle served as Oda Nobunaga’s command center during his quest for national unification. Today, it stands as a symbol of Gifu City in Gifu Prefecture. Initially named "Inabayama Castle," Nobunaga renamed it upon taking control and coined the name "Gifu," which the area retains to this day.
Although Gifu Castle was decommissioned after the Battle of Sekigahara, it was a vital residence for the Oda family and their allies beforehand.
During its prime, it was hailed as an "impregnable fortress," posing challenges even for Nobunaga during its conquest. Climbing to the castle’s summit today remains a physically demanding hike, though the Kinkazan Ropeway offers an easier option for reaching the castle vicinity.
The Ruins of Nobunaga’s Residence
At the base of Mount Kinka, in Gifu Park near the Kinkazan Ropeway station, lie the ruins of Nobunaga’s residence. While Oda Nobunaga’s name is legendary in textbooks, manga, anime, and TV dramas, this site connects visitors to the real-life figure, offering a sense of historical romance.
Ongoing excavation efforts have revealed many discoveries, which are displayed at the "Nobunaga Residence Excavation Information Center" within the park. The exhibits provide engaging insights into Nobunaga’s governance and daily life, making it a rewarding stop for history lovers.
Admission is free.
Sunomata Ichiba Castle
The turning point in Oda Nobunaga’s attack on Inabayama Castle (later Gifu Castle) was “Sunomata Ichiba Castle,” which is said to have been built overnight by Kinoshita Tokichiro (later Toyotomi Hideyoshi). When Nobunaga was preparing to conquer Gifu Castle (Inabayama Castle), he needed a base nearby. However, being too close to the castle and constructing a fort could risk detection and an enemy attack. Despite this, Hideyoshi completed the construction of the castle in just a few days.
Whether this story is true or not remains unclear, and even if a castle existed, it is widely believed that it was merely a hastily built fort and did not have a keep like the one seen today.
Although there are various theories, the castle grounds now house Toyokuni Shrine, a sacred place marking the start of Hideyoshi's rise to power, which is said to bring good fortune in career advancement. Visitors often come seeking its blessings.
While the current Sunomata Castle keep was added later, the scenery is beautiful, making it a popular photography spot. Its appearance changes with the seasons, and you may capture a great photo while visiting with your camera.
Gifu Prefecture Historical Tourist Spot ②-The Battle of Sekigahara
The Battle of Sekigahara, a large-scale conflict that occurred in 1600, saw the forces of Ishida Mitsunari and Tokugawa Ieyasu clash as they vied for political power. Known as Japan’s largest battle, it is also famous worldwide. Even 400 years later, it has left a significant legacy, with the encampments of various generals who participated in the battle preserved as tourist attractions.
Let’s take a closer look at some of Sekigahara’s tourist sites.
Gifu Sekigahara Battlefield Memorial Museum
The Gifu Sekigahara Battlefield Memorial Museum is a museum that exhibits materials related to the "Battle of Sekigahara." Although it is a relatively new museum, having opened in 2020, it is well-stocked with numerous exhibits.
Inside the museum, there is an immersive theater that reenacts the Battle of Sekigahara, as well as displays of matchlock guns, large cannons, and replica armor. Flags bearing the crests of participating warlords are lined up, creating an irresistible experience for history enthusiasts with its engaging presentations and volume of exhibits.
In addition to the Battle of Sekigahara, visitors can also learn about the lives of people during that time and the basics of warfare, gaining knowledge that is otherwise hard to come by. It promises to be a fulfilling museum visit.
Additionally, near the museum is the final camp of Tokugawa Ieyasu, which was the location where Tokugawa Ieyasu established his base during the battle. By visiting this site alongside the museum, one can enjoy the curious feeling of truly being in a place where such a historic battle occurred.
Matsudaira Tadayoshi and Ii Naomasa's Campsite
Next, we introduce spots that are particularly appealing to history buffs. Sekigahara was the stage of a major battle where about 200,000 soldiers from the East and West armies gathered. Renowned warlords from all over the country gathered in this vast battlefield, and each location where they set up camp now serves as a historical landmark with commemorative monuments.
Just a short walk from Sekigahara Station and on the way to the memorial museum, you will find the campsites of Matsudaira Tadayoshi and Ii Naomasa. Matsudaira Tadayoshi was the fourth son of Tokugawa Ieyasu and a commander of the Eastern Army, supported by Ii Naomasa, a Tokugawa general who led an elite unit.
There are various theories, but it is said that just before the battle, the field was covered in thick fog after rain, and both armies remained in a standoff without making a move. The battle is said to have started when Ii Naomasa, a retainer of Tokugawa, fired at the forces of Ukita, initiating the confrontation.
Fukushima Masanori, who had been tasked with leading the first charge, was outpaced by these two, resulting in a story of rivalry. Fukushima Masanori’s camp is located about a 15-minute walk from Matsudaira Tadayoshi’s camp.
Konishi and Shimazu Campsites
The campsites of Konishi Yukinaga and Shimazu Yoshihiro are where two key units of the Western Army set up their bases during the Battle of Sekigahara. Each site features monuments and explanatory texts.
Konishi Yukinaga, a daimyo of merchant origins, fought valiantly in the battle due to his loyalty to Ukita Hideie, a key Western Army leader, and his animosity towards Kato Kiyomasa, who had sided with the Eastern Army. However, his underprepared forces were defeated, and he was executed. He is remembered as a Christian daimyo, and even the Pope of the time mourned his death.
Shimazu Yoshihiro, known as one of the fiercest warriors of the Sengoku period, had originally intended to side with the Tokugawa but ended up joining the Western Army due to unforeseen circumstances. Unfortunately, an uprising in his domain the previous year left him unable to mobilize many troops, and he participated in the battle with only about 1,000 soldiers.
Prepared for defeat, Shimazu staged a daring retreat by charging straight through the battlefield, fighting off Tokugawa forces recklessly and inflicting heavy casualties on both sides. Despite significant losses, he managed to return to Satsuma. His campsite remains a popular destination for history fans as the place where Shimazu and his retainers resolved themselves for the battle.
The Battlefield of Sekigahara – The Starting Point of the Battle
Near the camps of the Konishi and Shimazu clans lies the starting point of the Battle of Sekigahara.
This battle is a rare example of a massive clash of forces in history. Known as the “Battle That Decided the Fate of the Nation,” it began here, in a place that is now peaceful and sparsely populated. The area can also be explored using free rental bicycles, so make sure to take advantage of this service.
Gifu Prefecture Historical Tourist Spots ③–Historical Attractions Across the Prefecture
In addition to the historical spots mentioned earlier, Gifu Prefecture boasts a variety of historical sites, castle ruins, and places connected to notable figures scattered across the region.
From iconic sanctuaries to lesser-known castles, each spot has its own unique charm. Check out detailed guides to explore these captivating locations.
Akechi Castle Ruins
One of the prominent figures from Gifu Prefecture’s history is Akechi Mitsuhide. Known for his role in the Honno-ji Incident, where he betrayed and killed Oda Nobunaga, Mitsuhide is often regarded as a traitor. However, recent years have seen a reevaluation of his character, with growing recognition of his competence and a surge in his popularity.
Akechi Mitsuhide was a samurai who served Oda Nobunaga for over a decade as his right-hand man. Before that, he served the Ashikaga Shogunate and the Asakura clan, and even earlier, he was a vassal of the Saito clan, which ruled his birthplace, Mino. He lived a wandering life until joining the Oda family. It is believed that Mitsuhide spent his 20s at “Akechi Castle” in his hometown.
Thanks to the 2020 NHK Taiga Drama, Akechi Castle Ruins have become a popular pilgrimage site. The grounds include not only the ruins but also features such as the “Otemon Gate” and “Jubei Slope,” offering ample opportunities for leisurely exploration.
The “Akechi Castle Ruins Trail Entrance” is conveniently located about 5 minutes by car or a 20-minute walk south of Meitetsu Hiromi Line’s “Akechi Station,” ensuring easy access for visitors.
Ōgaki Castle
Ōgaki Castle is a historic site located in the western part of Gifu Prefecture, serving as a symbol of Ōgaki City. During the Sengoku period, Ōgaki's advantageous location made it an important base, leading to repeated battles over its control. For this reason, it is known as a castle where lords and rulers frequently changed hands.
In the Toyotomi regime's era of peace, the castle tower was built, and despite the passage of time through the Edo and Meiji periods, it was preserved as a national treasure rather than being demolished. Although it was later destroyed by air raids, the exterior was reconstructed, and it is now counted among Japan's Top 100 Castles, remaining a beloved tourist destination for history enthusiasts.
The castle's restoration was designed with tourism in mind, rather than as a purely historical replica, so it features abundant exhibits and panels.
Located about 1.4 km away from the nearest station, Ōgaki Station, it takes less than a 20-minute walk to reach the site. The castle is easily accessible by car, bus, or on foot.
Gujo Hachiman Castle
Gujo Hachiman Castle is situated in Gujo City, central Gifu Prefecture. Gujo lies in a mountainous area known as "Oku-Mino," serving as a midway point between the Hida Highlands and Gifu's urban areas.
As a symbol of Gujo City, Gujo Hachiman Castle was originally constructed in the mid-Sengoku period and later served as the domain office during the Edo period. Although dismantled during the Meiji era, its current castle tower is a replica modeled after Ōgaki Castle.
While it is not a large castle, the views from the castle are exceptional. The late novelist Ryotaro Shiba praised it as "Japan’s most beautiful mountain castle," making it a must-visit spot for not only history fans but also those seeking stunning scenery.
Access to the castle is possible by foot or bus from Gujo Hachiman Station, though it takes about 40 minutes. Enjoying the town's leisurely atmosphere on the way to the castle is also recommended.
◎ Summary of Tourist Spots in Gifu Prefecture
Here is a summary of historical tourist spots in Gifu Prefecture.
Gifu Prefecture was a key strategic point connecting eastern and western Japan during the Sengoku period, Gifu Prefecture witnessed numerous battles. In the era of Oda Nobunaga, it played a central role to Oda Nobunaga’s conquests and defenses, and later to the pivotal Battle of Sekigahara—making it a defining stage for medieval Japanese history.
Beyond the famous spots mentioned, Gifu also has lesser-known castle ruins, historical sites, and ancient burial mounds. There are various ways to explore the historical tourist spots, so take your time planning your trip.
