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.
Gifu Prefecture is best reached via Nagoya, which connects to the rest of Japan by Shinkansen. Within the prefecture, JR trains serve the main corridor from Gifu City to Gero and Takayama. Rural mountain areas — including Shirakawa-go, gorges, and alpine onsen — require highway buses or private car. A rental car dramatically expands access to the prefecture's most spectacular scenery.
Transport at a glance
Airport transfers
Getting from the airport to your accommodation.
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- {'from': 'Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO)', 'to': 'Gifu City', 'options': ['Meitetsu μ-sky Limited Express to Nagoya Station (28 min, ¥870 ~$5.60), then JR Tokaido to Gifu (19 min, ¥470 ~$3.05) — total approx ¥1,340 (~$8.65)', 'Taxi from airport to Gifu City: approximately ¥12,000–¥15,000 (~$77–$97) — only practical for groups'], 'duration': '55–70 minutes by train'}, {'from': 'Itami Airport (ITM, Osaka)', 'to': 'Gifu City', 'options': ['Osaka Monorail to Hotarugaike (5 min), then Hankyu to Osaka Umeda (23 min), then Shinkansen Hikari to Nagoya (40 min, ¥6,680 ~$43.10), then JR Tokaido to Gifu (19 min, ¥470 ~$3.05)'], 'duration': 'Approximately 2 hours'}
Local transport
Getting around the city.
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Taxis & rideshare
What to expect from taxis and apps.
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Intercity travel
Getting between cities and regions.
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- Route
- Nagoya to Gifu City
- Method
- JR Tokaido Line
- Duration
- 19 min
- Cost
- ¥470 (~$3.05)
- Frequency
- Every 10–15 minutes
- Route
- Gifu City to Takayama
- Method
- JR Hida Limited Express (Wideview Hida)
- Duration
- 1h45m
- Cost
- ¥3,560 (~$22.95)
- Frequency
- Approximately every 1–2 hours
- Route
- Gifu City to Gero Onsen
- Method
- JR Hida Limited Express
- Duration
- 50 min
- Cost
- ¥2,260 (~$14.60)
- Frequency
- Approximately every 1–2 hours
- Route
- Nagoya to Shirakawa-go
- Method
- Nohi Bus direct highway bus
- Duration
- 2h
- Cost
- ¥3,500 (~$22.60)
- Frequency
- 4–6 departures daily; book at nouhibus.co.jp
- Route
- Takayama to Shirakawa-go
- Method
- Nohi Bus highway bus
- Duration
- 50 min
- Cost
- ¥2,470 (~$15.95)
- Frequency
- 6–8 departures daily
- Route
- Kanazawa to Shirakawa-go
- Method
- Hokutetsu/Kaetsunou bus
- Duration
- 75 min
- Cost
- ¥2,000 (~$12.90)
- Frequency
- Multiple daily
- Route
- Gifu City to Mino City
- Method
- Nagaragawa Railway (Etsumi-nan Line)
- Duration
- 40 min
- Cost
- ¥780 (~$5.05)
- Frequency
- Hourly
- Route
- Gifu City to Seki City
- Method
- Nagaragawa Railway
- Duration
- 30 min
- Cost
- ¥650 (~$4.20)
- Frequency
- Hourly
Transportation details
Full breakdown of how to get around.
Gifu City is 20 minutes by JR from Nagoya, which has Shinkansen connections to Tokyo (1h45m) and Osaka (50 min). The JR Takayama Line runs north-south through the prefecture, connecting Gifu City, Mino-ota, Gero, and Takayama. Highway buses link Nagoya, Takayama, Shirakawa-go, and Kanazawa. Car rental is strongly recommended for exploring mountain gorges and rural villages.
Airports
Useful apps
Download before you arrive.
Transport tips
Travel smarter, not harder.
Purchase a Suica or Toica IC card at any major JR station and load ¥3,000–¥5,000 (~$19.35–$32.25) for bus and local train travel without buying individual tickets
The JR Pass (7-day ¥50,000 ~$322) covers all JR Hida Limited Express trains — excellent value if also visiting Kyoto and Tokyo
Shirakawa-go buses must be booked in advance during Golden Week, Obon, and winter illumination weekends — the buses sell out weeks ahead at nouhibus.co.jp
In mountain areas, road conditions change seasonally: many passes close October–May for snow. Check Gifu Prefecture road information: douro.pref.gifu.lg.jp
Car rental agencies in Japan require an International Driving Permit (IDP) for most foreign licences — obtain one from your national automobile association before departure