Gifu Castle, perched dramatically on the summit of Mt. Kinka, is illuminated nightly throughout winter and can be reached by ropeway for a breathtaking night view over the illuminated city and the Nagara River below. In December the city stages its Nobunaga Summit winter illumination festival along the riverside and in Gifu Park, paying tribute to the warlord who made Gifu his capital, with samurai-themed light installations and projected mapping shows on historical buildings. The Nagara River cormorant fishing heritage site is beautifully lit during this period, and local restaurants serve winter specialities including Hida beef hot pot. The ropeway ride itself offers dramatic aerial views of the lit castle and glowing city.
- Type
- Festival
- Category
- Snow/Winter
- Season
- Winter
- Month
- December–February
- Region
- Chubu
- Prefecture
- Gifu
- City
- Gifu
Highlights
- ◆Gifu Castle floodlit atop Mt. Kinka — accessible by night ropeway
- ◆Nobunaga-themed illuminations and projection mapping in Gifu Park
- ◆Panoramic night view over the Nagara River and city lights
- ◆Samurai-themed light installations along riverside promenade
- ◆Hida beef hot pot and local winter cuisine at castle-town restaurants