//
This is actually two events, each sponsored by a rival local newspaper (the Chunichi Shinbun and the Gifu Shinbun). As they are rivals, of course they attempt to out-do one another, resulting in two spectacular firework displays on the banks of the Nagara River, against the backdrop of Mount Kinka. If you miss out on a seat, the bridge makes a good vantage point to stand and watch — but wear comfortable shoes, as the displays last around 90 minutes. Special buses run from Meitetsu Gifu and JR Gifu Stations from 16:30 onwards. Wander around and sample typical Japanese festival foods from the many stalls lining the upper banks, and enjoy watching the many people in yukatas. The special buses on the way back are very crowded, so you may find it easier to make the 40-minute walk back to the city centre.
岐阜城
Gifu Castle sits atop Mt. Kinka, and the main attraction is a 360-degree panoramic view from the top floor. The castle was historically significant as Oda Nobunaga used it as a headquarters when unifying Japan, however the castle was destroyed in 1601, after the Battle of Sekigahara. The current castle was completed in 1956 and underwent a major renovation in 1997. Inside the castle is a small museum with armor, swords, maps, etc. The castle is open for night viewing in the summer. Getting to the top of Mt. Kinka requires either a ropeway ride or a hike.
岐阜市歴史博物館
There are exhibition corners where you can experience history while being introduced to it. In particular, the Castle Town of the Warring States Period is displayed in-scale and the Rakuichi-ba has been restored. (Rakuichi-ba is the Free Market established by Oda Nobunaga for the promotion of the Castle Town economy by drawing in merchants.
名和昆虫博物館 Nawa konchū hakubutsukan
The Nawa Insect Museum has been open since 1919 and is the oldest insect museum in Japan. In this museum, familiar insects, as well as rare and attractive species from all over the world, are exhibited. The museum also sells entomology tools and there are also talks about insects. Because the building is very important for historical value, the museum is a Registered Tangible Cultural Property.
加藤栄三・東一記念美術館 Katō eizō-tōichi kinen bijutsukan
It was established in 1991 as a place to admire the well-known Japanese artists, Eizo and Toichi Kato, who were both born in Gifu. It houses paintings by the Kato brothers and holds a variety of exhibitions for the locals.
岐阜公園
See beautiful scenery all year round. Places of interest in Gifu Park are a statue of Nobunaga, the Oda Nobunaga Palace Ruins, the Kabukimon, the Gifu City Museum of History, and the Nawa Insect Museum.
正法寺大仏
The Gifu Daibutsu (Great Statue of Buddha) is located southwest of Gifu Park in the Colossal Hall of the Great Buddha here at Kinpōzan Shōhō-ji Temple. It is basketwork-style, painted with lacquer, and plated gold. It is the largest Buddha statue of this type in Japan. The statue is 13.7 meters tall. The ears are 2.1 meters long and the nose is 0.4 meters wide. It contains an image of the Yakushi-nyorai made by Jikaku-daishi.