Introducing 4 recommended tourist spots in Gifu Prefecture that you can enjoy even on rainy days!

Gifu Prefecture is close to the Kanto region and has many tourist spots, making it a popular destination where you can also enjoy nature. During long holidays, it can get quite crowded, so it’s recommended to visit at other times. When sightseeing, the weather is always something to consider. Especially during the rainy season, it can be hard to decide where to go. There are probably many people who want to know about tourist spots they can enjoy even on rainy days. Knowing about these places in advance will make it easier to plan your trip just in case it rains.

To make your trip to Gifu more enjoyable, it’s a good idea to have plans for rainy days as well. In this article, under the title "Introducing 4 Recommended Tourist Spots in Gifu Prefecture You Can Enjoy Even on Rainy Days!" we would like to introduce some of Gifu’s best spots.

1. Hirayu no Mori

Gifu is also famous for its abundant hot spring resorts. With so many hot spring spots in Gifu Prefecture, many people may find it hard to decide where to go. How about starting with Hirayu no Mori? Hirayu no Mori offers high-quality hot springs where you can enjoy continuous flowing (kakenagashi) hot spring water. There are open-air baths as well, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in nature while relaxing in the hot springs. It's the perfect place to thoroughly enjoy authentic hot springs at your leisure.

Hirayu no Mori has a wide variety of baths, with about seven for men and nine for women. Each bath differs in temperature and water qualities, so you can enjoy various kinds of hot spring experiences. It’s a spot where you can enjoy a more genuine hot spring experience compared to a typical super public bath. If you want to relax, Hirayu no Mori is a great choice.

Hirayu no Mori offers not only day-use but also accommodation. Spending a whole day relaxing in the hot springs sounds great, doesn't it? There are also well-equipped restaurants, so it’s nice to enjoy a bath and a meal together. Please take your time and fully enjoy the Hirayu Hot Springs.

2. Hida Great Limestone Cave

The Hida Great Limestone Cave is known as the limestone cave located at the highest elevation in Japan. It stays cool even in summer, making it a perfect place to visit during the hot season. It’s also open for tours on rainy days, so it’s a recommended spot even when it rains. The inside of the cave is beautifully lit, making it a breathtaking sight. If you’ve never seen a limestone cave before, why not take this chance to visit?

Once inside the cave, there’s a spot called "Night View of Ryugu," where lights on the ceiling create a stunning scene of the limestone formations. There are numerous limestone features inside, offering plenty to see. The cave stretches about 800 meters in total, making it quite large and popular among tourists. The elevation is about 900 meters above sea level. Pets are allowed here as well, so you can enjoy the visit with your furry friends. It’s a fun place for families and couples to explore together.

3. Aqua Totto Gifu

Aqua Totto Gifu is another must-visit spot. It’s famous as the world’s largest freshwater aquarium. The theme of Aqua Totto Gifu is "from the source of the Kiso Sansen and Nagara Rivers to their estuaries, and freshwater fish from around the world." True to its theme, you can observe many species of fish and creatures here that you wouldn’t normally see at a regular aquarium. It’s a fun destination for both children and adults. You’ll be amazed by the rare fish you’ve probably never seen before.

The rivers and exhibits are realistically recreated here, so you can easily spend an entire day exploring. There are also shows featuring sea lions and capybaras, so make sure to check the showtimes and catch a performance. It’s sure to delight small children too. This is an ideal spot even on rainy days. If your plans are disrupted by the weather, having this as an alternative destination is a great idea. Since the weather is unpredictable, it’s always good to have a backup plan.

4. Gifu City Tower 43

Gifu City Tower 43 is a multi-purpose commercial complex located right in front of Gifu Station. As you can see, it’s a tall building, with the top floor being the 43rd floor. On the 43rd floor, there is an observation deck as well as restaurants where you can enjoy a meal. It’s great to visit during the day, but nighttime is highly recommended too. The night view from here is stunning, making it a classic spot for dates. It’s also a great place to visit for dinner. Although it's a spot you’d ideally want to visit on a clear day, you can still enjoy it even on a rainy day.

Gifu City Tower 43 is a combined commercial and residential facility. Its design is unique—said to be inspired by the traditional cormorant fishing boats (ukai-bune). The exterior of the building is modeled after the Gifu lantern, and this distinct design is beloved by the locals. Whether for shopping or sightseeing, Gifu City Tower 43 is a place you’ll definitely want to stop by. When visiting Gifu, it’s worth spending some time around Gifu Station too. It’s an ideal place for Gifu sightseeing.

◎ Summary

Unfortunately, there may be times when you encounter rainy weather while sightseeing in Gifu. While you can't control the weather, it’s always a good idea to have backup plans that include spots you can enjoy even on rainy days. In this guide, we introduced some recommended tourist spots that are great to visit even when it rains. We hope you find this information helpful! Rainy days can make you feel a bit down, but sometimes going out and enjoying yourself despite the weather can be a good idea. Wishing you a wonderful trip to Gifu!