※※ GIFU CASTLE NIGHTTIME PANORAMA ※※

Limited Time! 9/3-10/16 Weekends and Holidays Only!

A symbol of all of Gifu Prefecture, Gifu Castle has a fantastic view of it and beyond from the top of Mt. Kinka in Gifu City. Especially at night, when you can look down from the dark of the mountain and gaze at the sea of lights below stretching towards the horizon, the scenery is breathtaking. For a limited time until mid-October, you can come enjoy this spectacular 360° panoramic view, one that is as beautiful as any other you’ll find in Japan! Indeed, it was selected in 2010 as one of Gifu’s new “gems of excellence” that represent the best Gifu has to offer. When mid-October arrives, you won’t have the opportunity to enjoy this scenery again for half a year, so make sure to take advantage of it now! Conveniently, the Mt. Kinka Ropeway will take you up and down the mountain, so getting to and from the observation point at night is hassle-free!

Dates: 9/3 ~ 10/16
Hours: Until 9:30pm
Admission Fee: 200 Yen for adults (age 16 and up), 100 Yen for children (age 4 to 15)
Ropeway Fare (applies during Panorama viewing hours only): 800 Yen for adults, 400 Yen for children round-trip
Address: 18 Kinkazan Tenshyukaku, Gifu City
Contact: 058-263-4853
Reference Link: http://www.gifucvb.or.jp/en/01_sightseeing/01_02.html

 

-Webmaster2010

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Some might think it strange when I say that the first tourist location I ever heard of in Gifu Prefecture was Tajimi Monestary. Not the mighty Nagara River with its centuries' old tradition of cormorant fishing, nor the famed Takayama Historic District, UNESCO World Heritage Site Shirakawa-go, or the hot springs of Gero. Thinking back on it, I guess it was sort of unusual that I would first hear about this obscure location in Tajimi City, which is, incidentally, famous for its ceramics. Namely the acclaimed styles of Oribe, Shino, and Seto. But I digress…

I haven't yet mentioned the reason that this place stuck in my mind. Namely, it was the vineyard. As I always say, you can't go wrong with grapes, or wine- especially home-made wine, which is what they make at Tajimi Monastery.

So last fall, I collected some willing friends and we sojourned to Tajimi.

Upon arrival at JR Tajimi Station, we hailed a cab, crammed into the back seat, and were off! The drive to the monastery was quick and painless and only set us back about ￥200 each. Actually, if you're not in a hurry, you can walk to the Monastery from Tajimi station. The walk will be about 30 to 45 minutes and you can pick up a map at the tourism information office.

We arrived and stumbled out of the cab, bidding our cabby thanks and farewell.

First we entered the main sanctuary and looked at the frescos, which depicted different scenes from the New Testament, and then we checked out the gift shop (as all good tourists should). As expected, they had their red and white house wine for sale. Tempting as everything was, we forwent souvenir-getting for the time being because we still had the vineyards to see.

Moving on, the vineyards were much more extensive than I had imagined, and since it was fall, there were still some leftover grapes on the vine, making everything as picturesque as one could hope for so late in the season. I may have even snuck one, or two... or more... But I repaid my debt later by buying a bottle of Tajimi Monastery's finest White, which I gave to my parents for Christmas.

It was a nice fall afternoon and a frolic through the vineyard was just what the doctor ordered. We all had a great time and ultimately my parents loved the wine too. A success all around is what I call it. And I shall certainly be back again for more of that White!

Seasonal Info.
In early November Tajimi Monastery hosts a wine festival where you can taste and enjoy the fruit of the vine! Don't miss it!

DATE: November 3 (a holiday), 2011
TIME: 10:00am to 2:30pm (open from 9:30am)
PLACE: Tajimi Monastery
ENTRANCE: ￥2,200 (￥2,000 advance purchase)
Underage participants are charged ￥1,000 day of for entrance only.

ADDRESS:
Tajimi Shingon Shuudouin
38 Midorigaoka Tajimi City, GIFU 507-0021

多治見神言修道院　
〒507-0021多治見市緑ヶ丘38番地

ACCESS:
Take JR from Gifu Station, or Nagoya Station to Tajimi Station.
About 30 minute walk from Tajimi Station. 5 minutes by taxi.

-Webmaster2010

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