Gifu Prefecture occupies the heart of Honshu, stretching from the UNESCO-listed thatched villages of Shirakawa-go through the Hida mountain range to the cormorant-fishing rivers of Gifu City. It is one of Japan's most scenically diverse prefectures, blending ancient traditions with dramatic alpine landscapes.
Cultural orientation
Essential context for travellers.
Remove shoes before entering traditional homes, ryokan rooms, and many restaurants — look for a raised entryway (genkan) and rows of slippers as the cue
Bowing is the standard greeting — a nod is fine for tourists; deeper bows are for formal situations
Speak quietly in public spaces; loud conversation on trains and in ryokan common areas is considered rude
Both hands and a slight bow when giving or receiving items, business cards, or money
Eating or drinking while walking is generally frowned upon — use a designated seating area or stop to eat
Do's and don'ts
Quick guide to local norms.
Do
- Do carry a small hand towel — many rural toilets lack paper towels or hand dryers
- Do try to use a few Japanese phrases — even basic greetings are greatly appreciated
- Do follow the left-keep rule on escalators (stand left, walk right in Tokyo; the opposite in Osaka — Gifu follows the Nagoya/Tokyo convention: stand left)
- Do wrap money in an envelope or wallet when paying at a counter — placing loose notes directly in someone's hand is impolite
- Do return borrowed slippers to the correct location in ryokan — there are often specific toilet slippers for the bathroom
Don't
- Don't tip — tipping is not customary in Japan and can cause embarrassment or offence
- Don't eat or drink on trains (long-distance Shinkansen excepted) — express trains discourage it and local trains forbid it
- Don't take photographs inside temples and shrines without checking the rules — signs usually indicate prohibited areas
- Don't touch exhibits or sacred objects at shrines even if they appear accessible
- Don't raise your voice in confrontation — Japanese conflict resolution is indirect; a calm, polite approach resolves most situations faster
Local customs
Traditions and practices you'll encounter.
Etiquette by setting
How to navigate everyday situations.
Useful phrases
A few words go a long way.
Sumimasen
Excuse me / Sorry — the most useful phrase for getting attention politely
Arigatou gozaimasu
Thank you very much (formal)
Onegaishimasu
Please (requesting something)
Eigo wa hanasemasu ka?
Do you speak English?
Kore wa ikura desu ka?
How much does this cost?
Eki wa doko desu ka?
Where is the station?
Osusume wa nan desu ka?
What do you recommend?
Itadakimasu
Said before eating (I gratefully receive)
Okanjo onegaishimasu
The bill please
Tasukete!
Help! (emergency)
Religion & spirituality
Understanding faith in Gifu.
Items:
- Faith
- Shinto
- Presence
- The dominant indigenous religion of Japan, practised alongside Buddhism. Most towns have at least one Shinto shrine (jinja). Gifu's most significant include Minashima Shrine in Gero (doburoku festival) and Shirayama Hime Shrine near Gujo Hachiman.
- Visitor tips
- Visitors of any faith are welcome at Shinto shrines. Follow the handwashing and bowing customs at the entrance.
- Faith
- Buddhism
- Presence
- Japanese Buddhism (primarily the Zen and Jodo sects) operates alongside Shinto. Shohoji Temple in Gifu City (home of the Great Buddha) and many rural temples are open to visitors.
- Visitor tips
- Remove shoes before entering any temple hall. Photography rules vary — look for signs or ask at the counter.