Gifu Castle: Where Is A Good Real Estate Agent When You Need One

It was originally constructed at the start of the 13th century by the Nikaido clan and called Inabayama-jo. But obviously, it`s been renovated and reconstructed a number of times.

Most notably by Oda Nobunaga.

Probably since there was a lack of decent real estate agents at the time, he attacked the castle and then claimed it, renaming it Gifu-jo (Gifu Castle).

After being bombed during World War II, it was rebuilt in the 1950`s into its current ferro-concrete version.

Like many reconstructed Japanese castles, the interior has been converted into a museum (on the first three floors with an entry fee of 200 yen), which displays Edo period artifacts including samurai hardware such as weapons and armor.

On the fourth floor there is an observation gallery which has some fairly wonderful views of surrounding Gifu. Japan`s castles usually have an observation deck of some kind but Gifu`s really allows for a great 360 degree view.

Opening Hours:

March 16th - May 11th: 9:30 am - 5:30 pm
May 12th - October 16th: 8:30 am - 5-30 pm
October 17th - March 15th: 9:30 am - 4:30 pm

In summer, the castle is open after sunset which makes for some fantastic night time views as well.

April 28th - May 6th: 9:30 pm close.
July 14th - August 31st: 10:00pm close.
September 1st - October 14th: 9:30pm close (Holidays and weekends only).
October 15th - November 30th: 6:30pm close.

Hike To Gifu Castle... Did You See The Size Of That Squirrel?

Of course the easiest way to get there is to take the Mt. Kinka Ropeway. It runs every 10 min on the weekends and holidays and every 15 min Monday to Friday.

The Ropeway is available from 9am to 6pm, but this can change depending on the season. For a return trip, it will set you back 1050 yen for adults and 520 yen for children.

If you prefer to do it the old fashioned way, you can hike to the castle.

There are a four trails:

- "Hundred turn"(Hyaku magari) 1,100 m (3,609 ft) Intermediate. 50 min+

- "Seven turn" (Nana magari) 1,900 m (6,234 ft) Beginner. 60 min+

The above two trails start from the sothern area of Gifu Park.

The two below start near the Mt. Kinka Ropeway which is located in the middle of Gifu Park.

- "Meditation Path" (Meisou no Shoukei) 2, 300 m (7,546 ft) Beginner. 60 min+

- "Horse`s Back Mountain Trail" (Umanose Tosandou) 1,100 m (3,609 ft) Advanced. 40 min+

"But what about the squirrels?" You ask...

Well for all of you squirrel lovers, at the summit of the mountain is the Mt. Kinka Squirrel Village. Not only can you learn about the various species of squirrel inside the park, (four to be exact), you can also feed them.

What more could you want?

By the way, if you do see any giant squirrels in Gifu Castle, make sure you let me know.

Mt. Kinka Squirrel Village is open from 9:30am to 4:30pm (last entry 4:15pm), and cost 200 yen to enter.

Leave Gifu Castle and discover more about Gifu, Japan.

Leave Gifu Castle and discover more about Japan and Japan Travel.