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.
Family activities
Engaging experiences for travellers of every age.
Hida Folk Village (Hida no Sato)
An outdoor museum of 30 traditional Hida farmhouses with craft demonstrations, scavenger hunts, and seasonal activities. Children can try straw weaving, spinning tops, and traditional games.
Kakamigahara Air and Space Museum
Hands-on aviation and space museum with cockpit simulators, real aircraft including a Space Shuttle mock-up, and rocket engines. Extremely popular with children aged 5–14.
Gifu Castle Ropeway
The 3-minute gondola ride to Gifu Castle is thrilling for children. The castle interior houses a small history museum, and the hilltop views over the Nagara River meander delight all ages.
Shinhotaka Ropeway
Japan's only double-decker gondola system — the thrilling climb to 2,156m is an adventure for families with older children. The alpine views of the Hida mountain range are unforgettable.
Gero Onsen Foot Baths (ashi-yu)
Seven free public foot-soaking stations scattered along the Hida River in Gero Onsen town. A relaxing experience accessible to all ages — toddlers enjoy wading in the warm mineral water.
Mino Washi Paper Making
Hands-on washi papermaking classes for children and adults at Washi no Sato in Mino City. The process of dipping frames into pulp and pressing sheets is engaging for ages 5 and up.
Washiu Park Zoo (Gifu)
A small zoo atop Mount Kinka accessible from Gifu Castle, with animals including Japanese macaques (snow monkeys), deer, and Kiso horses. Combine with the castle ropeway for a full morning.
Takayama Morning Market (child-friendly)
The Miyagawa Morning Market is delightful for children — endless stalls of mitarashi dango, fruit samples, and seasonal produce. Many vendors encourage children to try free samples.
Family-friendly hotels
Accommodation designed with families in mind.
Hida Hotel Plaza
Comfort Hotel Gifu
Gasshoan Minshuku
Dormy Inn Gifu
Dining with kids
Eating out as a family.
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Family travel tips
Practical advice for stress-free family trips.
Japan is extremely child-friendly — local people are genuinely welcoming to families and go out of their way to assist parents with young children
Most attractions have significant child discounts (50% off adult price is common); children under 6 are often free
Convenience stores (7-Eleven, Lawson) are invaluable for families: reasonably priced snacks, drinks, baby food, and nappies are available 24 hours
Baby-changing facilities (otearai, written おてあらい) are available at major attractions, train stations, and convenience stores throughout Gifu
Japanese trains and buses are quiet by convention — children are expected to use indoor voices. Bring a favourite toy or downloaded content for longer journeys.
A child carrier or sturdy pram is recommended for mountain areas; many trails have uneven surfaces