Historical Romance and Flower City: 5 Must-Visit Attractions in Kani City, Gifu Prefecture

Kani City, the birthplace of Sengoku warlords Akechi Mitsuhide and Mori Ranmaru, is a treasure trove of history. The city boasts ancient burial mounds, Sengoku-era castle ruins, and kiln sites that captivate history enthusiasts. Additionally, the Flower Festival Commemorative Park (Hana Festa Memorial Park), home to one of the world's most stunning rose gardens, offers a beautiful space for leisurely strolls year-round. Meanwhile, the Hatobuki Mountain Trail provides breathtaking natural scenery and fresh air, perfect for nature lovers.

1. Gifu World Rose Garden: One of the World's Largest Rose Gardens!

The Gifu World Rose Garden is a prefectural urban park that was originally developed after the "Flower Expo '95 Gifu" and later renovated by the Gifu Prefecture to become what it is today. Spanning an area equivalent to 17 Nagoya Domes, this massive garden is home to over 7,000 varieties of roses (30,000 rose plants). Among its most famous attractions are the "World Rose Garden" and the "Rose Theme Garden", where visitors can admire a stunning collection of old roses—close to the original wild species—and four-season blooming varieties that bloom in spring, summer, and autumn.

Aside from roses, the garden features a diverse range of flowers and greenery that captivate visitors all year round. The "Flower Earth Pavilion," a large greenhouse, offers a pleasant walking experience where visitors can enjoy lush plants in every season. For a breathtaking view, head to the 45-meter-tall observation tower, which features a glass-walled observatory and deck, offering panoramic vistas of the flower-filled garden, as well as Mount Ontake and the Central Alps. Designed to resemble a ship sailing through a sea of flowers, this tower provides a unique aerial perspective of the garden.

For food lovers, the park offers restaurants specializing in Gifu Prefecture's local ingredients, including a Hida beef specialty store and a theme garden café serving pink curry—a unique dish inspired by the rose garden. You can also savor rose-flavored ice cream, a treat that allows visitors to experience the essence of roses through taste. Families and kids can enjoy interactive experiences at the workshop area, where they can try pizza baking and making "Hana-zushi" (flower-patterned sushi)—a popular hands-on activity.

With seasonal flowers, exciting events, and year-round attractions, Gifu World Rose Garden continues to attract visitors, many of whom purchase annual passes to return multiple times. The park is easily accessible via bus or taxi (10 minutes) from JR Kani Station or Meitetsu Shin-Kani Station.

2. Hatobuki Mountain Hiking Trail & Relaxing Spa at Yunohana Island Plaza

Hatobuki Mountain, standing at approximately 313 meters above sea level, offers a scenic hiking trail perfect for beginners and nature enthusiasts. One of the four trailheads, Ōwaki Trailhead, leads to the summit in about one hour. The trail is well-maintained, making it accessible even for those with little hiking experience. Along the way, hikers can take a break at various benches and gazebos, enjoying a leisurely climb despite occasional steep sections.

At the summit, breathtaking panoramic views of Komin Plain stretch before your eyes, and on clear days, you can see the distant Japanese Alps. In March, a vast area near the Katakuri Trailhead blooms with katakuri (dogtooth violet) flowers, creating a stunning seasonal spectacle. Entering from the Katakuri Trailhead allows visitors to experience the beauty of springtime mountain trekking.

After your hike, refresh and unwind at the nearby Yunohana Island Plaza, conveniently located near the Katakuri Trailhead.

Opened in 2008, Yunohana Island Plaza has become a top attraction in Kani City. The spa features natural hot springs sourced from 1,800 meters underground, offering a serene view of the Kiso River's lush surroundings. Visitors can relax while watching boats drift by and listening to the calming sound of flowing water.

The facility boasts various types of hot baths, including Tsubo-buro (pot bath) for a private soaking experience, Carbonated hot spring bath for enhanced circulation and Silky bath, known for its moisturizing effects on the skin.

One of the must-try experiences is one of Japan's largest stone spas. The facility offers eight different types of stone spa caves, including the rare Black Germanium and Radium Cave, which promote deep body detoxification and improved metabolism.

Yunohana Island Plaza also features a relaxation lounge, manga and internet corner, and nap rooms, allowing guests to unwind even after their bath.

3. Kobuchi Dam Lake

If you want to explore more of Kani City's natural beauty after hiking the Hatobuki Mountain Trail, Kobuchi Dam Lake is a hidden gem worth visiting. This lake, formed by the Kobuchi Dam, is located along the Kukurigawa River (a tributary of the Kiso River system). Notably, Kobuchi Dam was Japan’s first-ever rockfill dam—a dam constructed by piling up rocks and soil. Its completion marked the beginning of rockfill dam construction in Japan.

A picturesque wooden suspension bridge, called Kobuchi Bridge, spans the lake, providing a perfect spot for visitors to take memorable photos.

The park surrounding the dam is a popular destination in spring, when cherry blossoms bloom, and in autumn, when the colorful foliage transforms the landscape. The park is also family-friendly, with playground equipment for children. Additionally, visitors can enjoy trout fishing in the lake by paying a fishing fee, making it an ideal spot for both adults and kids to enjoy a relaxing and refreshing outdoor experience.

4. Step Back in Time to the Sengoku Era! Explore Kani City's Historical Sites

Located in Kani City, the Kaneyama Port Ruins (兼山湊跡) were once a bustling river port along the upper Kiso River. Since ancient times, the Kani region, where the Tosando road and the Kiso River pass through, has been a hub of economic and human activity. The stone-paved dock and eternal lantern (常夜灯) at Kaneyama Port tell the story of the area's economic prosperity. With mountains surrounding Kani, the strategic landscape made it an important military site. It was also home to Akechi Castle (also known as Nagayama Castle), a must-visit location for history enthusiasts.

Kani City is famously known as the birthplace of Akechi Mitsuhide, the samurai who defeated Oda Nobunaga and changed the course of Japanese history. It is said that Mitsuhide spent nearly 30 years in this region before rising to power.

Today, the Akechi Castle Ruins (明智城址) have been developed into a walking trail, making it an accessible destination for visitors. The site features notable historical landmarks, including "Senninzuka" (千人塚), a memorial for those who perished during the castle's downfall, and the "Six Relatives and Kin Spirits Tower" (六親眷族幽魂塔), built to honor the Akechi clan. These memorials were once buried underground, as the Akechi family was deemed traitorous after the Honnō-ji Incident. However, they were rediscovered during excavation efforts at the castle site.

The ruins are about a 15-minute walk from Meitetsu Akechi Station, making them a convenient stop for travelers.

Near the ruins, Tenryū-ji Temple houses the largest memorial tablet (ihai) of Akechi Mitsuhide in Japan, along with a wooden statue of Mitsuhide. The memorial tablet stands at 6 shaku 1 sun 3 bu (approximately 184 cm or 6 feet 1 inch), symbolizing June 13, the day of Mitsuhide’s passing. Every June, a memorial festival is held in his honor, attracting history buffs and tourists alike.

5. Sengoku Yamashiro Museum: A Historic Landmark and Cultural Treasure

The Sengoku Yamashiro Museum (formerly Kaniyama Historical Folklore Museum) is housed in a repurposed school building with a rich historical background. Originally constructed in 1885, this three-story schoolhouse is one of the oldest surviving school buildings in Japan. In 1993, the structure underwent restoration while preserving its original form. The building features the “Kakezukuri” architectural style, an intricate technique where the southern side appears two-storied while the northern side is three-storied, making it a rare architectural gem among school buildings. This unique construction method and its historical significance make the museum a valuable cultural property.

Inside, visitors can explore artifacts related to Mori Yoshinari, the first lord of Kanayama Castle, who was granted this castle by Oda Nobunaga. Exhibits also showcase personal items and letters belonging to Mori Ranmaru, one of Nobunaga’s closest retainers.

Historically, Kanayama Castle was also known as Kaniyama Castle due to a renaming of the village in 1656. Both names refer to the same area, now Kani City, Gifu Prefecture. The castle ruins, designated as a National Historic Site in 2013, are a must-visit after learning about its history at the museum.

The museum’s exhibits extend beyond the Sengoku period, featuring artifacts from the Meiji era, including phonographs and memorabilia from the now-defunct Meitetsu Yaotsu Line. With numerous prefecture- and city-designated cultural assets, the Sengoku Yamashiro Museum is a must-visit historical attraction in Gifu for those interested in Japanese samurai history and local heritage.

◎ Discover Kani City: A Blend of History, Tradition, and Nature

Located on the border of Gifu and Aichi Prefectures, Kani City has developed in recent years as a commuter town for the Nagoya metropolitan area. While often overlooked, this city is home to hidden historical treasures that even locals may not be aware of. With its rich natural surroundings, Kani City is an excellent getaway for those looking to take a break from their busy lives.

To experience the living traditions of Kani, attending one of its local festivals is highly recommended. The Shirahige Shrine Grand Festival, a designated Intangible Folk Cultural Property of the city, dates back to a victory prayer by Taira no Sadamori. The highlight of this festival is the thrilling yabusame (horseback archery), performed along a 400-meter shrine path.

Other notable events include the Hyakumanben Machinagashi, a traditional Edo-period ritual, and the Cave Summer Festival, held in a wartime cave once used as a military factory—an event where locals gather to escape the summer heat.

For those who love history, culture, and nature, Kani City is a destination worth exploring. Plan your visit and experience the unique charm of this historical and nature-rich city!

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Historical Romance and Flower City: 5 Must-Visit Attractions in Kani City, Gifu Prefecture