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The Spectacular Prefecture of Gifu
Gifu lies in the middle of Japan. Approximately 2.090.333 people live in Gifu. Gifu is a rare prefecture because it isn’t close to the ocean (There are 47 prefectures in Japan, only 8 prefectures are not close to the ocean)
First, I am going to introduce my hometown, Tajimi city. It is the fourth biggest city in Gifu. The main industry in Tajimi is ceramics. There are a lot of ceramic studios and factories there. In some studios, people can try ceramic art. Why don’t you make your own pottery like a plate, a dish, a cup and so on? It will be an unforgettable memory.
The symbol of Tajimi is the Tajimi monastery.
This beautiful religious house is built along the national highway. It is one of three major Japanese monasteries. Monks grow a great number of grapes around the building and make red and white wines from them. Then they sell the wine. In the back, there are some comfortable log houses. Not only monks but also the general public can stay there.
Kokeizan Eihouji
Eihouji is an historical temple on Kokei mountain. There are some buildings on the premises. Two of them are designated as national treasures of Japan. This mountain is famous for cherry blossoms. Around the temple a lot of cherry blossoms come out in spring. Cherry flowers bloom all together. The view is wonderful. People go to see cherry blossoms and drink and enjoy BBQs near the cherry trees. This is a typical Japanese event in spring.
Both the Tajimi monastery and Eihouji are central sightseeing spots in Tajimi.
Many people think Kyoto is the only prefecture where an old Japanese town is left. It is a terrible misunderstanding. Here in Gifu you can visit several places which keep old Japanese style towns: such as Magome-jyuku, Takayama city and Shirakawa.
Rare activities in Gifu.
The birthplace of the food sample is Gujyo-city. There are many studios there and you can try to make or buy food samples. I have made samples of Tempura (deep-fried fish and vegetables) using wax. I poured the hot wax into water and made its shape. Except for making food samples by tourists, many samples are made from resin, so you don’t need to worry about melting. You make different things at different studios. You can find an interesting studio where you can make samples that interest you, and it will be a funny experience and good souvenir for friends.
Have you ever thought,” I want to explore a cave.”?
There is a pit cave in Gifu where you can try spelunking. It sounds dangerous but don’t worry about it, a well-trained guide will lead you safely. If you have good luck, you will see wild bats or other creatures. Change into work clothes, put a helmet and a flashlight on your head, pull on work gloves and rubber boots.
Are you ready to go? Let’s go to a fantastic world.
It is really chilly in the cave even in summer. Without lights you can’t see anything. Underground pools, stalactites, and wild bats--everything is mystic. Climbing the high walls and creeping along narrow tunnels is exhilarating.
Gifu is a quiet and inconspicuous prefecture. Even Japanese people are often not interested in Gifu, but there are a lot of enjoyable things to do there.
By Yuko |
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Shirakawa is especially authorized as a world heritage site, you will be moved by the magnificent view. In Shirakawa you can see Gasshyou-tukuri (this is one kind of historical Japanese house which has a roof made from Japanese pampas grass). Shirakawa is a heavy snowfull area, so the house has a steeply sloped roof for protecting it from heavy snow. Inside of the house people sit around Irori (a square Japanese style fireplace cut in the middle of the floor ) and barbecue fish. |
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Magome |
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Magome |
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Magome |
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❤My lovely dog “Panchi”❤ |
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If you’re planning a holiday soon, why not consider a trip to Japan and a visit to Yuko’s home, Gifu. |