The Gifu Prefecture was a site of many decisive battles in the history of Japan. It was considered the center of forging, and it was where the second largest earthquake in the history of Japan, the Mino-Owari of 1891, occurred, which opened a fissure that can still be seen today.
But in this article, we will see one of the tourist attractions of great importance in Gifu Prefecture, the “Gifu Castle.” One of the thousands of other castles scattered throughout Japan.
We also recommend reading:
- Japanese Castles – Complete guide with the best in Japan
- Kakegawa Castle and Kakegawa Kachoen Bird Park
- Nagoya Castle – An essential visit
Location of Gifu Castle
Gifu Castle (岐阜城 Gifu-jō) is located on top of Kinkazan (Mount Kinka), near the Nagara River. It was originally built by the Nikaidō Clan between 1201 and 1204 during the Kamakura Period.
Its first name was Inabayama Castle (稲葉山城 Inabayama-jō). And since then it has undergone several renovations. To get there, the nearest bus stop is Gifu-Koen-Rekishi-Hakubutsukan-Mae.
To reach this bus stop, it is necessary to use the N80 Takatomi Gifu Bus heading to “Nagara-bashi” departing from JR Gifu Station or Meitetsu-Gifu. You can also take the bus that travels around the city of Gifu.
When visitors pay the entrance fee to Gifu Castle, they also receive entry to the Gifu Castle Archives Museum, located approximately 70 meters from the entrance of Gifu Castle.
Inside the museum, visitors will find more archives related to Gifu Castle and its previous residents. The second floor focuses on musical instruments from the past and present of Japan.
History of Gifu Castle
A man named Takenaka Hanbei went to the castle to visit his sick brother, Saito Tatsuoki, with the true intention of killing him. When Hanbei struck him, Tatsuoki was very confused and fled.
Hanbei easily obtained Inabayama Castle. Later, Hanbei returned to his brother’s castle, but his reputation was lost due to his flight. When Oda Nobunaga attacked Inabayama Castle, Tatsuoki’s men recalled this event and fled as well. Nobunaga took the castle for himself and made it his main base of operations.
Nobunaga renamed the fortification to “Gifu Castle” according to an ancient Chinese practice and proceeded with renovations to make it larger and more impressive. The castle was destroyed during a bombing in World War II and was rebuilt in 1950 with concrete and wood.
We also recommend reading:
- Works inspired by Oda Nobunaga
- Takeda Castle – In the Sea of Clouds
- Himeji Castle – History and curiosities
Gifu Castle Today
In 1956, after its renovation, it was reinforced with concrete, with 4 floors, at a height of 17.17 m. A total area of 461.77M. Nearby, there is a museum for the castle, an arsenal where food was stored. We also have a statue of Nobunaga as a major reference.
Currently, Gifu Castle is a great tourist spot that offers a beautiful panoramic view of 360º. The castle is not one of the largest in Japan and may even be simple, but it provides a fun walk for visitors and a small cable car ride.
Like any tourist spot, you will find details of the history, the timeline, and the battles of the castle. Weapons from the time, and of course, thousands of products and souvenirs to buy.
There are many other details about this castle, a huge timeline with various events, but I had difficulties and did not go into more detail.
Community
Comments
0 comments
There are no published comments in this language yet.
Send comment