In Gifu Prefecture, the number of overnight international visitors in 2018 soared to over 1.48 million people, meaning Gifu had the largest growth rate in the 2017-2018 period out of all Japanese prefectures. This number is up tenfold from the number of overnight international visitors recorded in Gifu ten years ago, in 2009.
In recent years, there has been a rise in independent travelers all across Japan, with regional specific activities becoming a standard preference. Gifu Prefecture, blessed with grand natural landscapes and steeped in history, is home to an ample number of traditional crafting industries such as ceramics, washi papermaking, woodcrafts, and blademaking (these industries all hold hundreds- in some cases, even thousands- of years of history).
For this very reason, Gifu decided to create an extensive program of traditional hands-on activities, like blademaking and paperm
aking workshops, in an effort to make the area more attractive as a travel destination. The sales of these activities began this past spring with the creation of a webpage* where activities can be reserved and paid for online. This program not only allows you to experience traditional Japanese crafts taught by authentic artisans, but also offers insightful explanations by English guides who have gone through a special prefectural training program.
In addition to these traditional Japanese crafts, Gifu offers a wide selection of unique places where you can experience the Japan of the past, a traditional Ji-Kabuki culture that’s said to be the most active in all of Japan, and a thriving foodie culture with specialty dishes like the succulent Hida Beef, flavourful ayu sweetfish, and delicious local sake. Moving forward, Gifu is making efforts to further develop its program of experiences with outdoor activities like Ancient Nakasendo Highway cycling and walking (an activity extremely popular with Australians and New Zealanders), traditional culture experiences, and regional specific food workshops.
Gifu is the perfect destination for your special, one-of-a-kind experience in Japan!
*Online reservation webpage for traditional crafting activities and other experiences in Gifu prefecture
https://www.govoyagin.com/ja/things-to-do/gifu/tours-and-activities
Gifu prefecture official Facebook [Go Gifu]
https://ja-jp.facebook.com/pages/category/Tourist-Information-Center/Go-Gifu-165137586854382/
Official GIFU Tourism Website [GIFU Travel Guide]
