Gifu City is an excellent destination to escape the summer heat, just a short 20-minute train ride from Nagoya. Known for its cooler temperatures, Gifu offers a refreshing evening getaway. One of the highlights is the Panorama Night View at Gifu Castle, which is open until 10 pm during special summer hours from mid-July to the end of August.
Gifu Castle is a magnificent historical monument atop Mount Kinka, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding natural beauty. It is a testament to Japan’s feudal history and played a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s cultural and political landscape. The castle was built in the early 13th century as a fortress, and its strategic location made it a coveted seat of power among feudal lords. Oda Nobunaga, a prominent figure in Japan’s unification during the Sengoku period, seized control of the castle in 1567. Originally called Inabayama Castle, Oda Nobunaga renamed it Gifu Castle, marking it as a regional center of political and cultural significance.
The observation gallery on the top floor offers visitors breathtaking panoramic views of the Nagara River, the surrounding mountains, and Ise Bay to the south, making it a highlight for most visitors. There are two ways to reach Gifu Castle, and both are equally exciting. Visitors can either embark on a scenic hike up the mountain on one of the trails or take a leisurely 3-minute ride on the Kinka Ropeway (also known as Kinkazan Ropeway) for a magnificent view of the North/Northwest side of Gifu. Once you reach the top of the ropeway, you can take a pleasant walk up to the castle, which would take around 15 minutes. The castle is now a museum filled with weaponry and artifacts from its history, giving visitors a glimpse of Japan’s rich cultural heritage.
2024 Gifu Castle Panoramic Night View Schedule
- April 27th (Saturday) to May 6th (Monday, National Holiday): Every day, open until 8:00 pm.
- July 13th (Saturday) to August 31st (Saturday): Every day, open until 8:30 pm.
- September 1st (Sunday) to November 30th (Saturday): Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, open until 8:00 pm.
- January 18th (Saturday) to January 26th (Sunday): Saturdays and Sundays, open until 8:00 pm.
- March 20th (Thursday) to March 30th (Sunday): Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, open until 8:00 pm.
Gifu Castle: 18番地 Tenshukaku, Gifu, 500-0000 (map)
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“Gifu Castle Panorama Night View.” Gifu Convention and Visitors Bureau, Gifu Castle. Accessed July 21, 2024.
