Standing proudly amonst the hustle and bustle of Gifu is the majestic and scenic Mount Kinka (金華山) with Gifu castle perched on top. Once home to Oda Nobunaga, this area offers a respite from the busy streets of Gifu city. One of the aspects I love about Gifu city so much is how amongst its concrete skylines suddenly a lush green mountain juts out. It is a unique feature and symbol of the city. I have never seen anywhere else in the world where a city has been built around a mountain.

Naturally, as a tourist attraction, you can venture to the peak. You can either walk one of the pathways up or take the ropeway. The pathway offers the intrepid explorer a chance to get up and close with nature, the ropeway offers an amazing view as well as a brief explanation on the way up. At the top, you can explore the castle, feed squirrels in the squirrel village and grab a quick bite in the restaurant. As the summit offers a 360 degree unobstructed view of the area it is naturally best to go on a clear day. You can see the mountains of the Prefecture to the north and the urban sprawl that is Gifu and Nagoya to the south. As the scenery changes with the seasons this is somewhere you can easily visit more than once in the same year. It really is the perfect place to spend an afternoon.

TRAVEL TIP: The area around the base of the mountain is home to both Kawaramachi (old housing district) and the cormorant fishing headquarters. I recommend grabbing a nice drink at one of the cafes or a dip in the onsen to unwind from the days sightseeing. There is nothing more Gifu than this. Likewise, while you're at Mount Kinka, don't forget to check out the Gifu City Museum of History .

ACCESS:
Take one of the following buses at JR Gifu Station (JR岐阜駅) or Meitetsu Gifu Station (名鉄岐阜駅). Alight at “Gifu Koen / Rekishi Hakubutsukan mae” (岐阜公園・歴史博物館前) bus stop.
Takes 15 min, 200 yen/one way. 3 minute walk from “Gifu Koen / Rekishi Hakubutsukan mae” (岐阜公園・歴史博物館前) bus stop.

1) Gifu Bus N80 bound for Takatomi (高富).
2) Gifu Bus N32 bound for Gifu Koen (岐阜公園) /Takatomi (高富)
3) Gifu Bus N86 bound for Gifu Koen (岐阜公園) /Takatomi (高富)
4) City Loop line (市内ループ shinai ruupu) counterclockwise direction （右回り migimawari）.

HOURS
Mar 16 - May 11 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
May 12 - Oct 16 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Oct 17 - Mar 15 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
New Year's Day 5:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

[Panorama night view]
2011
Apr 29 - May 8 until 10:00 p.m.
Jul 16 - Aug 31 until 10:30 p.m.
Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays through Sep 3 -Oct 16 until 10:00 p.m.

ADMISSION
Adults (age 12 or junior high school students, and over)
1050 yen / round trip
600 yen / one way

Children (age 4 to 11)
520 yen / round trip
280 yen / one way

Group rate (over 30 persons):
Adults- 10 percent off
Children- 25 percent off

Junior high and high school students- 25% off from adult fare.

[Panorama night view - After 6:00 p.m.]
Adults - 800 yen / round trip
Children - 400 yen / round trip

ADDRESS
257 Senjojiki Shita, Gifu City
(岐阜市千畳敷下257)
TEL 058-262-6784

For more on Mount Kinka
Gifu Convention and Visitor’s Bureau (English)

-Colin O

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