Gifu Japan Travel Guide
Gifu Prefecture's cuisine draws influence from its mountainouthe interior regions and the Nagara River. It emphasizes fresh local ingredients, including river fish, mountain vegetables (sansai), and high-quality rice and beef.
The Hida region (northern Gifu) is renowned for Hida beef. The Nagara River area is famous for Ayu (sweetfish) and its traditional Ukai (cormorant fishing) method used to catch it. These traditions have shaped local flavors over centuries.
Focuses on Ayu (sweetfish), local vegetables, and dishes like Kei-chan (chicken stir-fry) from nearby areas.
Famous for Hida beef, Hida soba, and Hoba Miso (miso grilled on a magnolia leaf) in areas like Takayama.
Expect Ayu, Hida beef, Sansai (mountain vegetables), miso, soy sauce, and rice. Flavors tend to be not sweet and umami-rich, incorporating local fermentations.
A small, flavorful river fish, commonly grilled whole with salt (shioyaki). It tastes best during the summer Ukai season.
Find it at restaurants along the Nagara River.
A premium wagyu beef, known for its marbling and tenderness. Many restaurants in Gifu City serve Hida beef as steaks, sukiyaki, shabu-shabu, or grilled.
Available in various Gifu City restaurants.
A local specialty: chicken steeped in miso or soy sauce and stir-fried with cabbage and other vegetables.
Find this meal in casual eateries and izakayas.
A season-based (autumn) sweet made from chestnuts and sugar, often shaped like chestnuts.
Authentic Japanese confections, often filled with sweet bean paste.
Formal fine dining options are limited compared to major cities. However, some high-end ryokan and restaurants present exquisite multi-course kaiseki meals.
Abundant options, including Izakayas (Japanese pubs), sushi restaurants, ramen shops, tempura restaurants, and Western-style coffee houses or restaurants.
Ramen shops, udon or soba noodle shops, gyudon (beef bowl) chains, and convenience stores (konbini) provide quick and affordable meals.
Local supermarkets present prepared foods. Department store basements (depachika) often feature high-quality fine food sections.
Explore depachika for exquisite bento plus dessert-likes.
Some restaurants offer Italian, Chinese, Korean, or other international cuisines, notably around the station area.
A good another option for diverse palates.
Can be challenging; dashi (fish broth) is prevalent. Use a translation app.
Extremely limited availability. No dedicated restaurants in Gifu City.
Difficult; brown sauce made from fermented soybeans (wheat-based) is common. Communicate dietary restrictions explicitly.
Apps like HappyCow or written notes in Japanese are advisable. Carry snacks.
Dine on a boat on the Nagara River while watching the traditional cormorant fishing.
Reservations are required for this activity.
The Gifu Nobunaga Festival (October) and more local festivals may feature food stalls.
Check local event calendars for dates.
Community-based tourism initiatives are less common in Gifu City itself; these are more prevalent in rural areas of Gifu Prefecture.
No dedicated short-term tourist language programs exist in Gifu City.
Vegetarian and vegan options are becoming more common but can still present challenges. Many Japanese dishes use dashi (fish broth).
Express your clearly dietary needs. Provide a written note in Japanese explaining your restrictions.
Gluten-free dining is challenging as brown sauce made from fermented soybeans (wheat-based) is prevalent. Allergen labels are increasingly found on packaged foods.
Prepare a card with your dietary needs rendered in Japanese to show restaurant staff.
This minimizes misunderstandings.
Supermarkets and corner shops stock many packaged foods with allergen labels.
They are valuable for self-catering options.
Prioritize sampling Ayu, Hida beef, and Kei-chan for an authentic taste of Gifu. Seasonal availability enhances the experience.
Observe local dining customs like "Itadakimasu" and "Gochisousama deshita" to express gratitude and respect.
For specific dietary needs, carrying written notes within Japanese or by means of a translation app facilitates clear communication with eateries.
Explore beyond the well-known tourist zones for genuine local eateries.
