STORY #006
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.
TITLE
DESIGNATION
The Ruins of Gifu Castle
National Historic Site
Gifu Castle’s Restored Castle Keep
National Important Cultural Landscape
Historic Site: The Ruins of Gifu Castle (Ruins of Oda Nobunaga’s Residence) Excavated Gold-leaf Roof Tiles
City Important Cultural Property
Nagara River Cormorant Fishing Master’s Technique
National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property
Nagaragawa Ukai Yogu
National Important Tangible Folk Cultural Property
Nagara River Cormorant Fishing Viewing Boats Shipbuilding Technique
City Intangible Folk Cultural Property
Nagara River Cormorant Fishing Viewing Boats Ship Handling Technique
City Intangible Folk Cultural Property
Ayu sushi creation technique handed down through Usho households
City Intangible Folk Cultural Property
Nagaragawa Festival / Ayu memorial
Undesignated
Boat Banquet Culture
Undesignated
Cultural Landscape of Gifu in the Middle Basin Area of the Nagara River
National Important Cultural Landscape
Korakuso (Japanese restaurant)
National Important Cultural Landscape
Kawaramachi-ya (café)
National Important Cultural Landscape
Usho’s House
National Important Cultural Landscape
Kawaramachi Townscape
National Important Cultural Landscape
Osushi Kaido Townscape
National Important Cultural Landscape
Myosho-ji Temple Main Hall / Living Quarters
National Important Cultural Landscape, City Important Cultural Property
Rakuichi-rakuza Seisatsu
National Important Cultural Property
Zenko-ji Temple
National Important Cultural Landscape
Hokke-ji Temple
Undesignated
Enoki of Misono
City Historic Site
Inaba-jinja Shrine
Undesignated
Gifu Festival
City Tangible Folk Cultural Property
Shobo-ji Temple (Great Buddha of Gifu)
National Important Cultural Landscape, Prefecture / City Important Cultural Property
Gifu Paper Lanterns
National Registered Tangible Folk Cultural Property, National Designated Traditional Crafts
Gifu Uchiwa Fans
Gifu Prefecture’s Local Handicrafts
Gifu Japanese Umbrellas
Gifu Prefecture’s Local Handicrafts