Gifu Prefecture is a captivating blend of living culture harmoniously intertwined with nature’s beauty and pristine waters. It cherishes age-old traditions, nurturing a rich tapestry of craftsmanship, culture, and history that evolves with each passing season. Amidst this cultural tapestry, Gifu offers a plethora of tourist activities, including the ancient art of cormorant fishing, known as UKAI, which has been a cherished tradition in Gifu for over 1,300 years. Additionally, the prefecture hosts a myriad of festivals and events throughout the year, ensuring there’s always something captivating to experience.
But let me assure you, the allure of Japan extends far beyond the well-trodden paths of Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. In Gifu Prefecture, you’ll discover enchanting gems like Shirakawa-go, a picturesque village frozen in time, and Takayama City, where an old street transport you back to the Edo Period.
Situated at the very heart of Japan, Seiki City enjoys global acclaim for its unparalleled knife craftsmanship, which owes its excellence to the exceptional quality of its iron sand, charcoal, and water.
The journey into the mountains, which takes approximately two hours, leads to this charming town. Notably, Seki City and Mino City stand side by side, sharing their cultural treasures. Nearby, the river provides an opportunity for cormorant fishing, a unique and time-honored practice.
During our visit to the Cutler Sansyu Knife Direct Sales store in Seki City, we were treated to a mesmerizing katana sword bamboo-cutting demonstration by the store’s owner, Mr. Yoshita Kazuhiro. Witnessing his exceptional skills in bamboo cutting was an unforgettable experience, shedding light on the artistry beyond the blade’s quality.
Seki’s legacy of crafting superior swords earned it a name synonymous with excellence in Japan, and its reputation as a sword-making center quickly spread far and wide. These time-honored techniques, coupled with the enduring traditions of Japanese sword making, have been passed down through the centuries and remain central to today’s modern cutlery industry.
A visit to the Washi Paper Museum, housed in the former Imai Family Residence, offers an enriching opportunity to delve into Japan’s papermaking history. Here, you can even engage in the craft of creating traditional Japanese paper firsthand. The Mino area is celebrated for its Mino paper, a UNESCO-recognized intangible cultural heritage. As you step through the museum’s entrance, a vintage trade counter provides a glimpse into life from bygone eras. Moreover, you can immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of Mino and the art of washi paper production. The museum showcases historical materials related to the building and tools employed in washi-making.
Adding to the experience is a unique feature in the courtyard: a Suikinkutsu, one of the “100 Soundscapes of Japan.” Suikinkutsu is a decorative element commonly found in Japanese gardens, consisting of an inverted, buried pot with a hole at the top. Water gracefully drips through this aperture into a small pool within the pot, creating a melodic and soothing splashing sound akin to the chiming of a bell. Listening to this indescribable sound can offer a serene and relaxing experience amidst the museum’s ambiance.
Don’t miss the Washi Akari Art Hall, showcasing the exquisite fusion of washi paper and lantern craftsmanship. Explore the historic area and be sure to visit the second-floor exhibition.
And make a point to visit the Chiune Sugihara Memorial Hall—a tribute to a remarkable diplomat who, in defiance of his government, issued 6,000 transit visas to Jewish refugees during World War II. Explore his remarkable life story at the museum, embraced by the beauty of his hometown.
Upon entering the museum, we were welcomed by an informative video that narrated his life and deeds. Notably, there is guidance available in Hebrew, which enhances its accessibility for Hebrew-speaking visitors. While it is heartening that the Japanese government acknowledged his contributions, it’s regrettable that he passed away before witnessing the recognition of his brave endeavors. The museum, along with the Hill of Humanity Park, stands as an enduring tribute to honor his remarkable achievements and ensure his legacy lives on for generations to come. It’s a comforting reminder that there are individuals in this world willing to make personal sacrifices for the greater good of humanity.
Magome-Juku offers a captivating journey back to Japan’s Edo period. This meticulously restored town boasts preserved historic buildings, inns, and shops along the Nakasendo route. What’s unique is that the main street is car-free from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., allowing you to explore without vehicular interruptions. You can also savor panoramic views of the hills and Mt. Ena at the town’s upper end. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a hike along the post road to the next town, with its waterfalls and forested paths, making it a must-visit for a taste of traditional Japan and the crisp mountain air.
Indeed, Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands as a remarkable example of a traditional way of life thoughtfully integrated with the surrounding natural environment and the socio-economic circumstances of its residents, an honor bestowed by UNESCO.
We explored Shirakawa-go on foot from the observation point. The village boasts beautiful and well-preserved Japanese Grasso houses, reminiscent of Swiss chalets. The streams running through the properties are remarkably pure. A visit to the Wada-Ke House, the town’s largest gassho-Zukuri farmhouse, is a must.
It’s now a public museum, showcasing its unique interior and attic. Shirakawa-go takes immense pride in its heritage and offers breathtaking scenery both in and around the town.
Seto in Hida Furukawa boasts a charming 500-meter stretch of white plaster walls, lined with white-walled storehouses and temples. The town exudes tranquility, with carp swimming in the canal, picturesque stone bridges, and a sense of cohesiveness. It’s a peaceful and idyllic spot, perfect for a leisurely walk in a castle town where you might spot kids carrying on the tradition of fishing with bait.
In 1904, a devastating fire ravaged the town center, leaving it in ruins. However, in the aftermath, the houses were meticulously reconstructed following traditional architectural styles. Today, a handful of townhouses from that era still stand as historical relics. Throughout the town, you’ll also find newly constructed houses featuring an array of architectural types, adorned with bay windows, and showcasing exceptional craftsmanship that never fails to dazzle the eye.
Takayama Jinya: This museum is housed in a historic Edo-period government office complex, which once accommodated approximately 100 workers. As you explore its spacious rooms, you’ll gain valuable insights into Japanese daily life and the bureaucratic workings of the Edo era. While you can’t enter the beautiful Japanese garden at the center of the complex, the most intriguing part may be the display of historical torture tools.
Outside the complex lies the bustling Takayama Street market, a vibrant hub where local vendors offer an array of items, from cutlery, knives, and utensils to everyday necessities, delicious food, fresh fruits like juicy strawberries, and local produce.
Additionally, make sure not to miss the Takayama Festival, a renowned event held in April and October each year and counted among Japan’s three most beautiful festivals. Recognized as UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage in 2016, it provides a close-up look at the exquisite craftsmanship of traditional floats.
Gujo Hachiman, situated in the heart of Gifu Prefecture, is famous for the ‘Gujo Odori’ dance, a tradition dating back to the Edo Period. Each August, the town hosts a grand festival where the Gujo Odori is performed throughout the night, making it a captivating cultural experience.
This quaint town is perfect for leisurely strolls along its preserved waterways and canals. Clearwater serves various purposes, and you’ll notice red buckets ready for fire emergencies. With charming shops, a peaceful atmosphere due to minimal vehicles, and attractions like the Seki Blacksmith Oral History Museum, Gujo Hachiman-jo Castle, and Food Replica Workshop Sample Kobo, it’s a lovely taste of traditional Japan.
The Port of Humanity Tsuruga Museum is a must-visit to gain insight into Japan’s role in providing shelter to Jewish and Polish children after World War II. The museum delves into Tsuruga’s history, particularly its efforts to accommodate Polish children orphaned during the Russian Revolution and Jewish refugees seeking safety from Nazi persecution through “visas for life” issued by Japan’s consular hero, Sugihara Chiune. It’s a poignant testament to humanitarianism during a challenging time in history.
The Port of Humanity Tsuruga Museum offers a comprehensive understanding of Tsuruga Port’s history and provides valuable insights into the enduring value of life. This historically significant port has served as a pivotal hub for both land and sea transportation for centuries.
Inside the museum, you’ll find a compelling collection of artifacts, photographs, and documents that vividly narrate the stories of 763 Polish orphans rescued from Siberia in 1920, as well as approximately 6,000 Jewish refugees who, in 1940, sought refuge from Nazi Germany. Mr. Chiune Sugihara, acting as the consul of the Japanese consulate office in the Republic of Lithuania, issued these refugees “visas for survival”.
The museum also preserves heartwarming accounts of their interactions with residents, including a teenager who shared apples, a benevolent bathhouse owner who offered free accommodations, and a compassionate watch shop owner who purchased their valuables.
While most of the refugees did not stay long in Tsuruga, opting to relocate to established Jewish communities in Kobe and Yokohama, the museum’s oral accounts vividly recount their arrival and time spent in Tsuruga.
As the world evolves, it remains essential never to forget the enduring value of life and the pursuit of peace.
For more information, visit:
To plan a trip to Japan, you can contact the GIFU Prefectural Government or visit:
Website: https://www.kankou-gifu.jp/
Author: Meyer Harroch, New York Jewish Travel Guide and New York Jewish Guide
The author participated in a press trip sponsored by the GIFU Prefecture and the Japan Travel Bureau (JTB).
