Gifu Castle

Standing at the summit of Kinkazan (329m elevation) in central Gifu City, Gifu Castle is a celebrated mountain castle associated with the warlord Oda Nobunaga. In 1567, having subjugated Mino Province, Nobunaga renamed Inabayama Castle as Gifu Castle and used it as his base, raising the banner of Tenka Fubu, conquer the realm, in his drive to unify Japan. Known as an impregnable stronghold, the castle commands sweeping views of the Nagara River and the Nobi Plain.

Highlights

The current Gifu Castle keep is a 1956 reconstruction, offering a grand panorama of the Gifu cityscape, the Nagara River, and the Nobi Plain. The view of the winding Nagara River below is overwhelming. In Gifu Park at the foot of the mountain, the remains of Nobunaga's magnificent residence, revealed by recent excavation, have been laid out, allowing visitors to imagine daily life in his time. The mountain trails and stone wall remains convey how the whole of Kinkazan once functioned as a fortress.

Seasonal Enjoyment

Spring greenery (April to May) and autumn foliage (November) are especially beautiful, as Kinkazan turns vivid with colour. In summer, the ropeway sometimes operates in the evening, with periods offering night views of the city and the illuminated keep. Visiting during the Nagara River ukai season (May to October) lets you enjoy the castle and views by day and cormorant fishing by night, savouring the best of Gifu in a single day.

Access and Basic Information

• Location: Kinkazan Tenshukaku, Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture
• Transport: About 15 minutes by bus from JR Gifu Station or Meitetsu Gifu Station, getting off at Gifu Park and Museum of History. The Kinkazan Ropeway reaches the summit station in about 3 to 4 minutes, then about 8 minutes on foot to the keep
• By car: About 20 minutes from Nagoya to Gifu Station on the JR Tokaido Main Line; parking is available around Gifu Park
• Important: The Gifu Castle keep is scheduled to be closed for seismic reinforcement work from May 2026 until around October 2027. Always check official information for the latest opening status before visiting
• Ropeway and admission: From a few hundred yen as a guide (operating status and fares during construction should be confirmed)

Practical Travel Notes

Note: As of July 2026, the Gifu Castle keep is closed for seismic reinforcement work, scheduled to last until around October 2027. The interior of the keep cannot be visited, but the Kinkazan mountain trails, the remains of Nobunaga's residence at the foot, Gifu Park, and the Gifu City Museum of History remain open to enjoy. After the work is completed, the grand panorama from the keep will be available again. Also confirm the operating status of the Kinkazan Ropeway in advance. Allow 2 to 3 hours for a park stroll and the museum, plus about 1 hour when the keep is open. Budget-wise, expect the low thousands of yen per person including admission and the ropeway.

A Word of Advice

Kinkazan can be climbed on foot, but there are several trails with steep gradients, so sturdy shoes are essential. To reach the summit easily, the ropeway is convenient. Before visiting, always check the keep's opening status and ropeway operation on the official website. Gifu Park at the foot can be strolled free of charge, and together with Nobunaga's residence site and the history museum, it makes for a historical walk steeped in the romance of the warring states era.

📚 Sources

The content here is organized from public information on Gifu City, Gifu Castle, and the Kinkazan Ropeway, along with Gifu City tourism guidance. The castle keeps opening hours, the operation and fares of the ropeway, and parking availability may change. A scheduled closure for preservation work has been announced for the keep, so be sure to check the latest public information before visiting. Because fees, hours, and access can change, please confirm with official sources before you set out.

Visitor Checklist

• Time needed: About two to three hours for the park and museum, plus about an hour when the keep is open.
• What to bring: Mt. Kinka also has hiking trails, so if you climb on foot, wear comfortable shoes and bring drinks. For the ropeway, prepare cash or an IC card for the fare.
• Suggested route: Ride the Kinkazan Ropeway up the mountain and enjoy the keep (when open), the Gifu Castle museum, and the view from the summit.
• Combining nearby: Pairing it with the old Kawaramachi townscape at the foot and the night cormorant fishing on the Nagara River fills a full day.
• Note: Even while the keep is closed, you can still enjoy the summit views and a park stroll.