JAPAN HERITAGE PORTAL SITE

STORY

General Nobunaga, a great leader of the Sengoku (Warring States) Period aimed to unify Japan around his stronghold at Gifu Castle.
While he certainly waged war, Nobunaga also focused his energy on creating a welcoming atmosphere for the retainers and officials who visited the castle town.
He constructed a palace known as “Paradise on Earth” that he imbued with a charm never before seen in military castle architecture.
Spectacular views welcomed visitors who could also enjoy Ukai (cormorant fishing) on the Nagara River.
Nobunaga’s omotenashi (hospitality) seemed contradictory with his reputation as a cool-headed general.
As a result, it fascinated his distinguished guests including the Portuguese missionary Luis Frois.
Although the role of the castle has changed over time, the cultural foundation that Nobunaga laid thrives in the town and along the river, and it remains one of the area’s important cultural assets.