Top Night View Spots in Gifu Prefecture – Among the Best in the Tokai Region

Gifu Prefecture, located in the Tokai region, is known for its diverse geography. It’s home to numerous tourist attractions, including the World Heritage site Shirakawa-go, Hida no Sato, and the Shinhotaka Ropeway. The prefecture also boasts many spectacular night view spots such as Mount Kinka and Mount Ikeda, which are considered top-class even within the Tokai region.
In addition, Gifu is blessed with expansive rivers like the Kiso River, Nagara River, and Ibi River, where you can enjoy the beauty of night views reflected on the water's surface. Gifu’s proximity to Nagoya also means a high volume of city lights, creating a stunning blend of natural and urban scenery.
In this article, we introduce some of the best night view spots in Gifu Prefecture.

1. Mount Ikeda

Mount Ikeda, located in Ikeda Town, Ibi District of Gifu Prefecture, has an elevation of approximately 924 meters and is known as part of the mountain range that includes Mount Ibuki. Around the 800-meter mark, there are hang glider and paraglider launch points. Watching the night view from here is truly breathtaking—you can enjoy a vast panoramic view centered on Gifu City. On clear days, it's even possible to see as far as Nagoya and the northern part of Aichi Prefecture.
Though the route to Mount Ikeda is complex and takes about 20 minutes to reach the summit by car, there are many spots along the way where you can enjoy the night view from your vehicle. Note that during winter, snow can make the road impassable.
It’s a bit far from central Gifu City, but with available parking, it’s a perfect spot for a scenic drive.

2. Gifu Castle Tenshukaku (Main Keep)

Gifu Castle, located at the summit of Mount Kinka in Gifu City, allows nighttime access to its main keep during limited periods. Historically the residence of warlords like Saitō Dōsan and Oda Nobunaga, the nighttime opening began as part of the 800th-anniversary project of the castle's founding and is still held annually for a limited time.
From the main keep at an elevation of about 329 meters, you can enjoy a sweeping view of the Nōbi Plain—comparable to some of Japan’s most famous night views. It’s a popular spot offering 360-degree panoramic views.
The mountain’s elevation makes for a pleasantly cool atmosphere. Tripods aren’t allowed in the keep, so night photographers should take note. You can reach the keep via the Kinka Ropeway or hike up by foot.

3. Mount Kinka Observation Deck

This observation deck rivals the main keep of Gifu Castle as a night view spot on Mount Kinka. Located atop the restaurant near the ropeway station, it offers panoramic night views centered on the Nagara River and Gifu City, reaching as far as Nagoya.
While nighttime ropeway operations are available during Golden Week and summer, the observation deck is closed outside of those periods. In summer, a beer garden is held here, allowing you to enjoy food alongside the night view. The restaurant also offers nighttime views for those who prefer indoor dining.
Thanks to Gifu Prefecture’s clean air and relatively low buildings, this is one of the best places for far-reaching night views. Be sure to stop by during your trip!

4. Gifu City Tower 43

Gifu City Tower 43 is a 43-story skyscraper located in front of Gifu Station. The lower floors are commercial, while the middle floors are residential. The top floor is a glass-walled observation deck reachable in about 45 seconds by a dedicated elevator.
The observation floor is divided into east and west sides. From the main east side, you can overlook Gifu Station and enjoy expansive views toward Mount Kinka and even Nagoya. From the west, the view includes the Nagara River area, Mizuho City, and Ōgaki City.
The Sky Lounge observation room is fully glass-walled, creating an open and romantic atmosphere with subdued lighting at night. There’s also a restaurant on the same floor where you can dine with a view.

5. Mount Kinshō

Located at the southeastern edge of the Ibuki mountain range, Mount Kinshō is famous for fossil discoveries. It is also home to the Kinshōzan Fossil Museum, and the observation parking lot there offers views of the nighttime cityscape of Ōgaki.
At around 217 meters in elevation, the views from the parking lot are not as vast, but you can enjoy them from the comfort of your car. Easily accessible from downtown Ōgaki, it’s a popular spot for casual dates or rest stops.

◎ Summary

Gifu Prefecture offers a wealth of sightseeing opportunities both day and night—from Mount Kinka and Gifu Castle to hot spring towns. With a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and urban scenery, Gifu's night views are a must-see. Don’t miss out on visiting these popular nighttime spots during your trip!

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Top Night View Spots in Gifu Prefecture – Among the Best in the Tokai Region