Located in central Gifu City, Gifu Park is an expansive historic park stretching across the foothills of Mount Kinka. The area is closely associated with the Sengoku-period warlords Saito Dosan and Oda Nobunaga, and is believed to include the site of Nobunaga’s former residence. Rich in history and samurai-era atmosphere, the park is a popular destination for visitors interested in Japan’s feudal past.
Surrounded by the natural beauty of Mount Kinka, the park contains numerous attractions, including Nobunaga’s Garden, the ruins of Nobunaga’s residence, the Kabukimon Gate, the Gifu City Museum of History, the Eizo and Toichi Kato Memorial Art Museum, the Kasho-ken tea house, and the Nawa Insect Museum.
The park is also home to the foothill station of the Kinkazan Ropeway, which takes approximately three minutes to reach the summit station, as well as the starting points of several hiking trails up Mount Kinka.
In spring, Gifu Castle can be admired through the cherry blossoms, while autumn brings spectacular views of the castle framed by colorful foliage. The surrounding Gifu Park area was selected as one of Japan’s 100 Best Urban Landscapes in 1992 and one of the 100 Best Historical Parks in Japan in 2006.
Nobunaga’s Garden is a strolling-style Japanese garden inspired by Oda Nobunaga. Approximately 1,000 tons of stone from the Nagara River basin were used to create its striking stone landscape.
The garden combines a sense of strength and grandeur with delicate design, offering visitors a peaceful place to appreciate traditional Japanese landscaping while reflecting on the legacy of one of Japan’s most influential warlords.
The imposing Kabukimon Gate marks the entrance to the ruins of Nobunaga’s former residence. A flight of steps leads upward from the gate to the historic site, where the scale and solid construction evoke the power and prestige of the Sengoku period.
The site is believed to have served as a residence for both Saito Dosan and Oda Nobunaga. Archaeological excavations have uncovered decorative roof tiles bearing traces of gold leaf, as well as the remains of gardens, offering clues to the luxurious surroundings that once stood here.
The Japan-China Friendship Garden is located slightly away from the central area of Gifu Park, just a short distance from the Nagara River. It was created to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the friendship partnership between Gifu City and Hangzhou, China.
The garden features Chinese-inspired gates, earthen walls, and landscaped grounds. A pond modeled after Hangzhou’s famous West Lake creates an atmosphere quite different from the rest of Gifu Park, allowing visitors to experience a touch of Chinese garden culture in Japan.
The garden is also a well-known cherry blossom viewing spot. In early April, the area is filled with blooming cherry trees, creating a beautiful pink landscape that attracts many visitors.
The vermilion-lacquered three-story pagoda was built to commemorate the enthronement ceremonies of Emperor Taisho. Its vivid color stands out against the surrounding greenery, making it a distinctive landmark within the park.
Inside the pagoda, statues including an image of Kobo Daishi, the revered Buddhist monk Kukai, are enshrined.
Gifu Park offers a rewarding combination of Japanese history, traditional gardens, cultural facilities, and scenic natural surroundings. Visitors can explore the legacy of Oda Nobunaga, enjoy seasonal flowers and foliage, or take the ropeway and hiking trails to discover the beauty of Mount Kinka.
Whether visiting in spring for the cherry blossoms or in autumn for the colorful leaves surrounding Gifu Castle, the park provides an inviting introduction to the history and landscape of Gifu City.
15 minutes by bus from JR Gifu Station or Meitetsu Gifu Station → 1 minute walk from “Gifu Park History Museum-mae” bus stop
Train: Take the bus bound for Nagara-Kitamachi from JR Gifu Station or Meitetsu Gifu Station, get off at “Gifu Koen Rekishi Museum-mae” bus stop, and walk about 1 minute. Car: 25 minutes from the Gifu-Kakamigahara IC of the Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway