5 Popular Date Spots in Gifu Prefecture – Outing Destinations Couples Can Enjoy Together

Gifu Prefecture is located roughly in the center of Japan. Blessed with abundant nature, majestic mountains, and beautiful rivers, it is not only home to many sightseeing attractions but also a popular choice for date destinations.
Gifu is divided into five areas. The Hida area boasts Shirakawa-go’s gassho-style houses, the old town of Takayama, and Gero’s hot springs. The Chuno area offers Monet’s Pond in Seki, Nihon Showa Village in Minokamo, and the old streets of Gujo. The Seino area has Ogaki Castle, the Sekigahara Battlefield, and Yoro Falls. The Tono area features the Tajimi Pottery Festival, Ena Gorge, and Magome-juku. The Gifu area includes Gifu City, Mount Kinka, Kakamigahara, the Kakamigahara Aerospace Science Museum, and the Yamagata City Fragrance Museum, among others.
Here are five carefully selected spots especially recommended for couples.

1. For an Unforgettable Scenic View – Shinhotaka Ropeway

The Shinhotaka Ropeway is one of Gifu’s prides, offering panoramic views of the Alps from an elevation of over 2,000 meters. It is one of the rare double-decker ropeways in Japan, making it a must-try for couples. As a sightseeing destination, it’s popular year-round, with seasonal scenery to enjoy from the windows. Visiting in different seasons will give you a new experience each time.
Once you reach the summit, head to the observation deck to take in the vast landscape featured in the Michelin Green Guide Japan. This breathtaking panorama will surely become one of the highlights of your shared memories. There are many facilities near the summit to keep you entertained. When hungry, enjoy local cuisine or freshly baked bread, and after exploring, you might want to relax in an open-air bath.

2. A Strolling and Food-Tasting Date in Takayama’s Old Town – A Feast for the Stomach and the Heart

The castle town in Takayama retains old buildings from the Edo period, with its streets lined with latticed houses and the Takayama Jinya, earning it the nickname “Little Kyoto of Hida.” It attracts many tourists from overseas and is increasingly popular as both a sightseeing and dating destination.
The town is filled with sake breweries and atmospheric shops, offering plenty to see and do. You can enjoy a leisurely stroll with your partner, sampling local treats, or create a unique memory by riding in a rickshaw. Famous local specialties include skewered Hida beef and Takayama’s soy sauce-flavored mitarashi dango. For a sit-down meal, Takayama ramen or Hida beef steak are excellent choices. The shopping street leading to Takayama Station is lined with souvenir shops and restaurants, and nearby attractions include retro-style museums such as the Showa Museum. With hot springs also nearby, you can enjoy a day trip or an overnight stay.

3. A Timeless and Magical Date – Shirakawa-go

The UNESCO World Heritage Site Shirakawa-go is a famous tourist spot in Gifu’s Ono District. Designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, it is known for its gassho-zukuri houses, similar to those in Gokayama. The nostalgic atmosphere makes it a perfect date location, with the gassho-style village surrounded by Gifu’s natural beauty offering different themes to explore.
Visiting each gassho-zukuri house gives you a sense of history and culture. Museums and folk art centers display tools, artworks, and documents from the past. Local cuisine and souvenir shops abound, and sharing the “Shirakawa-go Onsen Hida Beef Suttate Nabe,” a new specialty dish, is sure to bring you closer together.
After your meal, head to the Tenshukaku Observation Deck for a spectacular view of Shirakawa-go from above—an image you’ll treasure for years to come.

4. Festival-Like Date at Chiyoho Inari Shrine

Located in Kaizu City, Gifu, Chiyoho Inari Shrine is affectionately called “Okochobo-san.” One of its attractions is the many shops lining the approach, giving the area a lively, fair-like atmosphere every day—perfect for a fun date. Though small in scale, Chiyoho Inari is counted among Japan’s three major Inari shrines alongside Fushimi Inari and Toyokawa Inari. It is believed to bring blessings for business prosperity, academic success, and matchmaking—ideal for couples wishing to strengthen their bond.
At the end and beginning of each month, the shrine is as lively as during New Year’s. Many shops stay open until late at night, making evening dates possible. You could also check out the famous “golden toilet” at Tamaya, a skewered cutlet shop featured on TV, or sample food from the many kushikatsu stands and taiyaki stalls. For the adventurous, some eateries even serve catfish dishes.

5. Shopping Date at Toki Premium Outlets

Surrounded by nature, Toki Premium Outlets offers a refreshing atmosphere for a shopping date. Modeled after the U.S. state of Colorado, the mall gives the feeling of being abroad. With nearly 180 stores, there’s plenty to explore without getting bored.
From luxury brands to sports and outdoor goods, home furnishings, and both elegant and casual clothing, there’s something for everyone—from babies to adults. You might even enjoy picking out matching accessories together. After shopping, you could relax at a nearby hot spring or stop by a roadside station for souvenirs before heading home.

Summary

The date spots introduced here in Gifu Prefecture are also popular tourist destinations where you can enjoy seasonal beauty. In spring, there’s the Shokawa cherry blossoms; in summer, cormorant fishing on the Nagara River; in autumn, colorful mountain foliage and matsutake dishes; and in winter, ski resorts. With its many hot springs, you could also enjoy a romantic hot spring-hopping trip. Gifu is the perfect place to deepen your bond while exploring together.

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5 Popular Date Spots in Gifu Prefecture – Outing Destinations Couples Can Enjoy Together