Gifu Gifu City
Stay in Nagaragawa Onsen
Ryokan line the banks of the clear Nagara River in this onsen town, with superb views of Mt. Kinka and Gifu Castle. It is characterized by a cloudy, iron-rich bath that turns reddish brown when exposed to air. Its biggest highlight is ukai, the traditional cormorant fishing of the Nagara River, with a history of about 1,300 years. In recent years, premium lodging experiences combining ukai viewing from a luxury private boat with French gastronomy have been offered, drawing strong interest from affluent international travelers seeking authentic traditional culture and a luxurious stay. Easy access is also a major attraction, with Nagoya about 30 to 40 minutes away by car or train.