Gifu Park
A mountainside park offering a scenic ropeway to Gifu Castle, with beautiful gardens and stunning city views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Gifu Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A mountainside park offering a scenic ropeway to Gifu Castle, with beautiful gardens and stunning city views.
"The cable car ride up to Gifu Castle offers stunning views of the city and surrounding mountains."
🎟️ Ropeway Tickets
Book ropeway tickets early to save money and time. Weekday mornings are ideal for fewer crowds.
🚶♀️ Hike or Ropeway?
The walk up Mount Kinka is doable for hikers, but the ropeway offers stunning views and is great for all ages.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Gifu Castle
Mount Kinka Summit
A historic castle offering panoramic city views and informative displays. A must-see atop Mount Kinka.
Mount Kinka Ropeway
Gifu Park to Mount Kinka Summit
A scenic cable car ride providing breathtaking views of Gifu city and the surrounding mountains.
Gifu Park Gardens
Base of Mount Kinka
Beautifully maintained gardens known for their seasonal floral displays, offering a peaceful escape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience
Getting to Gifu Park and Mount Kinka
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Ropeway Tickets
Book ropeway tickets early to save money and time. Weekday mornings are ideal for fewer crowds.
🚶♀️ Hike or Ropeway?
The walk up Mount Kinka is doable for hikers, but the ropeway offers stunning views and is great for all ages.
🍜 Local Delicacy
Don't miss trying Gohemochi, a local delicacy recommended by many visitors!
📸 Scenic Views
The cable car ride and castle summit offer fantastic photo opportunities, especially on clear days.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Ropeway Tickets
Book ropeway tickets early to save money and time. Weekday mornings are ideal for fewer crowds.
🚶♀️ Hike or Ropeway?
The walk up Mount Kinka is doable for hikers, but the ropeway offers stunning views and is great for all ages.
🍜 Local Delicacy
Don't miss trying Gohemochi, a local delicacy recommended by many visitors!
📸 Scenic Views
The cable car ride and castle summit offer fantastic photo opportunities, especially on clear days.
🌸 Seasonal Blooms
Visit the botanical gardens for beautiful flowers, especially if you have the park to yourself on a weekday.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Gifu Park for its blend of natural beauty and historical significance, particularly the scenic ropeway ride up Mount Kinka and the panoramic views from Gifu Castle. The gardens are noted for their seasonal charm, and local delicacies like Gohemochi are a hit. Some visitors experienced foggy conditions which obscured the views, and booking tickets in advance is recommended to avoid queues.
"Super easy to get up the mountain to the castle by the monorail! It’s ¥1300 yen for round trip on the monorail. There are surveyors that want tourists to fill out forms but they give you a gorgeous post card and a cute paper crane so it’s worth the time! Also, definitely take the time to try out gohemochi! My professor recommended it as it’s a local delicacy!"
Nami Foster
"The main palace is on top of the mountain which is a very unique place to go. If you fancy some hiking, this is the place.
I really loved how the park is placed below the castle. Everything is well-thought out. You can go up via ropeway within 30 minutes depending on the line. It was a cool experience."
Armando Salayo Jr (Manman)
"A beautiful spot rich in history and nature.
The cable car ride up to Gifu Castle offers stunning views of the city and surrounding mountains.
It's a smooth and scenic journey that's perfect for all ages.
At the top, the castle itself is compact but full of charm, with informative displays and panoramic lookout points. The restaurant near the summit was a pleasant surprise - the Takayama-style ramen served there was delicious and comforting after the climb.
Highly recommended for a day trip!"
Joey Lu
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Gifu Park is conveniently located near JR Gifu Station. You can easily walk from the station, following signs towards the park and the statue of Nobunaga Oda.
Yes, Gifu Park is well-served by public transport. It's a short walk from JR Gifu Station, and local buses also stop nearby.
The most popular way to reach Gifu Castle is by taking the Mount Kinka Ropeway from within Gifu Park. It offers scenic views during the ascent.
While driving is possible, parking can be limited. Public transport is generally recommended for ease of access and to avoid parking hassles.
Gifu Park is part of a larger area with attractions like the Nobunaga Oda statue and is the gateway to Mount Kinka and Gifu Castle.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Gifu Park itself is generally free. However, there are fees for attractions within the park, such as the Mount Kinka Ropeway and Gifu Castle.
Gifu Park is typically open during daylight hours. Gifu Castle and the ropeway have specific operating hours, which can vary by season. It's best to check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
While onsite purchase is common, booking ropeway tickets in advance or early in the day can help save time and potentially money.
Information on combined tickets can vary. It's advisable to check at the ticket counter or the official Gifu Park/Castle website for any package deals.
Discounts may be available for students, seniors, or groups. It's worth inquiring at the ticket office or checking the official website for any promotions.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Gifu Park offers beautiful gardens, walking paths, and is the base for the Mount Kinka Ropeway leading to Gifu Castle. It's a great place for a scenic stroll and enjoying nature. 
Gifu Castle features informative displays about its history and offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscape from its lookout points.
The hike is considered doable, but the ropeway is a more accessible option for many visitors, especially those with limited time or mobility.
Absolutely! The ropeway journey, the castle itself, and the panoramic views from the summit are all excellent spots for photography.
Gifu Park is beautiful year-round, but autumn is particularly stunning with its colorful foliage. Spring also offers lovely cherry blossoms.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a restaurant near the summit of Mount Kinka that serves local dishes like Takayama-style ramen.
Gohemochi is a highly recommended local delicacy that visitors should try.
While specific picnic areas might not be designated, enjoying a snack amidst the park's natural beauty is often possible. Check for any posted regulations.
The area around JR Gifu Station offers a variety of dining options, from casual eateries to more formal restaurants.
The restaurant near the summit offers comforting dishes, with Takayama-style ramen being a notable recommendation.
📸 📸 Photography
The Mount Kinka Ropeway journey, the exterior and interior of Gifu Castle, and the panoramic views from the castle summit are prime photography locations.
Yes, especially from the top of Mount Kinka, where you can capture sweeping views of Gifu city and the surrounding natural landscape.
Morning or late afternoon can offer softer light and potentially fewer crowds. Clear days provide the best panoramic views from the castle.
Photography is generally allowed inside Gifu Castle, but it's always good to check for any specific restrictions or signs.
The serene pond within the park, especially during seasons with vibrant foliage or blossoms, can offer beautiful, tranquil shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider packing snacks and drinks, as dining options at the summit are limited. The walk up the mountain is manageable for older children, but the ropeway is a more comfortable option for families with very young children or strollers. The overall experience is a good balance of fun, education, and scenic beauty.
🚶 Budget Travelers
For a more budget-friendly experience, consider the hike up Mount Kinka instead of the ropeway if you are physically able. This allows you to enjoy the natural surroundings without the ticket price. Exploring the gardens and the general park area provides a fulfilling experience even without ascending the mountain.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Gifu Park and Mount Kinka
+1The ropeway journey itself is a highlight, providing breathtaking panoramic views of Gifu City and the surrounding mountainous landscape. This scenic ride is suitable for all ages and offers a unique perspective of the region. Upon reaching the summit, visitors are greeted by the imposing Gifu Castle, a reconstruction that stands as a symbol of the city's rich history.
Inside Gifu Castle, informative exhibits detail the area's past, and the castle's lookout points offer unparalleled vistas. For those who enjoy a bit of a challenge, hiking trails are also available for ascending Mount Kinka, providing a more immersive nature experience. The combination of the serene park, the exhilarating ropeway ride, and the historical castle makes Gifu Park a comprehensive destination for a day trip.
Gifu Castle: History and Views
Visitors to Gifu Castle can explore its various floors, which house museum-like exhibits detailing the castle's history, the life of Oda Nobunaga, and the region's heritage. The highlight for many is the panoramic observation deck at the top, offering sweeping views of Gifu City, the Nagara River, and the distant mountains. On a clear day, the vistas are truly spectacular, making it a prime spot for photography and appreciating the landscape.
The journey to the castle via the Mount Kinka Ropeway is an experience in itself, offering a gradual ascent with ever-expanding views. The castle's compact yet charming interior, combined with its commanding position, makes it a compelling destination for history buffs and sightseers alike.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit