 Most viewed - Gifu city 岐阜市 |
The Nagaragawa River ukai cormorant fishing is held nightly from May 11 to Oct. 15 except during the Full Moon and if the river overflows. You can buy tickets and board the viewing boats here, next to Nagarabashi Bridge. 鵜飼観覧船のりば630 views
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Path to Gifu Castle tower500 views
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Gifu Castle on Mt. Kinkazan as seen from the Nagara River. In the foreground is Nagaragawa Onsen Spa. Commanding a strategic viewpoint of the entire city, Mt. Kinkazan must have looked like an obvious place to build a castle.380 views
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The bird then spits out the fish. The person on the right is the fishing master's son being groomed to take over his father's job. The fishing master has been doing this for 50 years. It is a hereditary position and occupation. 鮎318 views
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Although there is cormorant fishing in other parts of Japan, Gifu's Nagara River ukai cormorant fishing is most famous because it is connected to the Imperial family. Statue of a ukai cormorant fishing master called an "usho." 鵜匠の像317 views
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The burning torch provides light and attracts the sweetfish. The cormorants dive into the water to catch the fish. The bird then is pulled to the boat to spit out the fish. The ukai cormorant fishing master holds the leash to 10 to 12 birds.297 views
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Gifu Castle Museum281 views
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Gifu Castle Museum276 viewsIt is located on the site of a storehouse.
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After spitting out its catch, the bird goes back into the water. The title of usho 鵜匠 (cormorant fishing master) was created by Oda Nobunaga. Only the Nagara River ukai fishing masters have this title. Other cormorant fishermen are u-zukai 鵜使い.273 views
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Gifu Castle on Mt. Kinkazan as seen from the Tokaido Line train. The castle can still be seen from many kilometers away. It is one of the symbols of Gifu city.264 views
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The light of the fireworks immediately attracted a swarm of bugs which died from the fire and dropped into the river. Stupid bugs.261 views
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There is also a small park called the Ukai Hiroba 鵜飼ひろば。257 views
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From this park, you can also watch the nightly ukai fishing on the river.253 views
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Gifu Castle tower250 viewsGifu Castle was originally called Inabayama Castle. Its known history starts from the 16th century with Lord Saito Dosan. Oda Nodunaga later took over the castle in 1567. He also renamed Inaba city as "Gifu."
Nobunaga left Gifu Castle and moved to Azuchi Castle in Shiga Pref. His sons took over Gifu Castle. Right before the Battle of Sekigahara, Tokygawa Ieyasu's forces attacked Gifu Castle which burned to the ground on Aug. 23, 1600.
The current castle tower was reconstructed in 1954.
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Castle tower248 views
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Gifu Castle on Mt. Kinkazan and ropeway247 viewsA convenient ropeway makes it a snap to visit the castle.
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Tenka Daiichi-no-mon Gate243 viewsThe first gate toward the castle tower.
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Top floor of castle tower234 views
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Gifu Castle ropeway boarding area233 views
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Ropeway station233 views
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Inside the castle tower226 viewsIt is a museum inside the tower.
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Inside Gifu Castle Museum226 views
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Castle tower observation deck226 viewsMarvelous views of Gifu city can be had.
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Low-angle view of castle tower224 views
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Former horseback riding grounds223 views
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Path to the castle tower211 viewsGo up the left steps to proceed to the tower.
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Castle tower base201 views
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Another observation deck199 views
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His footwear is a pair of half-slippers (ashinaka) made of straw (handmade by the fishing master). It is half the usual length. It prevents him from slipping on the fish oil and water. 足半（あしなか）199 views
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Remains of the Ninomaru-mon Gate198 views
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Castle clock198 views
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The fishing master's handmade skirt (koshimino) is made of straw. It functions as a raincoat and provides warmth. He makes and wears out four or five skirts each year. Underneath is just shorts. 腰蓑（こしみの）189 views
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There is a ring around the bird's throat, preventing it from swallowing the fish. (The bird can still swallow smaller fish.) The cormorants are caught in the wild in Hitachi, Ibaraki Prefecture and trained for ukai fishing in Gifu. 鵜182 views
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Gifu city manhole showing cormorants 176 views
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The ukai fishing master's ukai cormorant fishing boat is called ubune. Accompanied by an assistant (middle) called the nakanori and the steerer (at rear) called tomonori. About 13 meters long. 鵜舟（うぶね）= 鵜匠+供乗り（とものり)171 views
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Inaba Shrine is near the foot of Mt. Kinkazan (Gifu Castle) and Gifu city's most popular shrine for worship during New Year's. I visited on Jan. 1, 2011.171 views
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He took out one of the cormorants from the basket cage. In Japanese, the bird is called umi'u. They normally fish in the ocean as opposed to the kawa'u river cormorant which are smaller and have been devastating to the fish in Lake Biwa.170 views
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He puts in ayu sweetfish into the cormorant's mouth. Nagara River's six cormorant fishing masters are employees of the Imperial Household Agency (Ceremonies Dept.). They are national government employees. 海鵜169 views
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Homes of the cormorant fishing masters. It may be possible to see their birds if you ask politely and if they are not busy.165 views
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First he explains about the fishing master's costume, starting with his cap (kazaori-eboshi) made of hemp cloth. It's actually a flat piece of black or navy blue cloth wrapped around his head to protect his hair from the fire. 風折烏帽子163 views
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Gifu City Tower 43 is connected to JR Gifu Station with an upper level walkway.163 views
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They also showed us a sample of the ayu sweetfish that were caught. These are larger than normal ayu. Those caught by the cormorants are expensive. The fish die quickly in the bird's beak, preserving freshness. You can see the beak marks on the fish.162 views
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Pine wood stored at one cormorant fishing master's home.159 views
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Ukai cormorant fishing boats docked near the cormorant fishing masters' homes. At the right time, you can watch them carry the birds to the boats as they prepare for the ukai fishing.158 views
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The cap protrudes upward to make room for the topknot which the men used to have in the old days. His shirt (ryofuku) is made of cotton. He also has a fire-protection vest (muneate) that has a pocket. 漁服（りょうふく）胸あて（むあて）157 views
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Ticket office for ukai cormorant fishing viewing boats. Behind it is Nagara River and boat dock. You can buy tickets on the day you want to view the cormorant fishing. Pamphlets in English are available. 鵜飼観覧船事務所155 views
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So we finished eating dinner, and at around 7:45 pm, the first ukai cormorant fishing boat passed by. The order in which the fishing masters pass by and fish is decided by drawing lots. The fish catch varies depending on what order you fish.155 views
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Ukai cormorant fishing master Sugiyama Ichisaburo comes to give the ukai talk. The basket has two cormorant birds. Nagara River in Gifu has six ukai cormorant fishing masters. All of them appear nightly. 杉山市三郎152 views
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The torch fire is called kagaribi 篝火, the pine wood used for the fire is called matsuwariki 松割木, and the metal basket holding the burning wood is called kagari 篝. The pole holding the torch is called kagaribo 篝棒.151 views
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We had ordered bento box lunches from the hotel. This kind of cruise probably cost 5,000 yen per person. Smoking is not allowed on the boat.150 views
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You have several options: Course/Cruise A is slightly more expensive (3300 yen) than Course B (3000 yen) since it allows you to be on the boat for a longer time. The 6:15 pm departure time is earlier, so it gives you time to eat dinner on the boat.145 viewsOn weekends and holidays, the 3300 yen price is the same for both Course A and B.
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Our boat was semi-human powered. I think this guy should be wearing a happi coat and a Chinaman's hat for better atmosphere and aesthetics.145 views
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Bento box lunch. It was pretty good. We also had a variety of soft drinks. Before the ukai fishing began, we had time to eat dinner.145 views
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The cormorant fishing boats then parked near the viewing boats and showed us how they feed/reward the starving birds with fish and then put back the birds in the basket cages.144 views
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Sign at one home of a cormorant fishing master. The fishing masters also perform cormorant fishing for the Imperial family 8 times a year at designated areas on Nagara River. The fish is offered to the Imperial family, Ise Shrine, and Meiji Shrine. 御料144 views
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The cormorants go out on these fishing trips on an empty stomach. They are starving, and therefore motivated to hunt for fish. The six ukai fishing boats pass by, so you get ample chance to take pictures and videos.143 views
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Serving hot ama-zake here.143 views
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Ukai cormorant fishing viewing boat. You don't need to go as a group. You can go by yourself and just ride with other passengers. There are also boats for women only, families only, and couples only.142 views
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After the ukai talk, passengers start to board the ukai viewing boats at 6:15 pm. Course B passengers will board at 6:45 pm or 7:15 pm. Course B is for people who just want to see the cormorant fishing, and don't care to spend much time on the boat.142 views
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For the climax, called sogarami (joint-formation fishing), all six ukai cormorant fishing boats line up and proceed downriver together while they chase the fish to the shallows. 総がらみ141 views
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The 122 tools (including the cormorant fishing boat) used by the fishing master are Important Tangible Properties. If you want to take pictures, flash and a high ISO speed are essential. Video is great too.140 views
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Sogarami, all six ukai cormorant fishing boats line up and chase the fish downriver together while the fishing masters shout "Hou-Hou." I. Photographing this is difficult since your flash cannot reach the boats. 総がらみ140 views
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Amazing how the strings don't get tangled. The fishing master can quickly cut the rope in case it gets caught on rock underwater so the bird does not drown. Also see my YouTube video here.140 views
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The usho (cormorant fishing master) and nakanori (assistant). The fishing master has about 20 cormorants at his home. Since they live together, he and the birds are able to work well together. 鵜匠、なか乗り140 views
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This is our ukai viewing boat called Dosan Maru, named after the famous lord of Gifu. All the ukai viewing boats have a name related to the Gifu area, Nagara River or ukai fishing. Notice the bento boxes. 道三丸139 views
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Boat harbor for ukai viewing boats. The two boats in the foreground are restroom boats. Ukai cormorant fishing is a traditional fishing technique all but replaced by more advanced fishing methods. So it is now mainly for tourists.138 views
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Restroom boat. During the cormorant fishing, this toilet boat is parked near the viewing boats for your convenience.136 views
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Near Nagara River is the homes of the cormorant fishing masters.136 views
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Ukai-related poems. There's even one composed by Basho: おもしろうて やがて悲しき 鵜飼かな。 Gifu's Nagara River ukai cormorant fishing has a 1300-year history. It is recorded in the Nihon Shoki (Chronicle of Japan) and Kojiki135 views
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Dancing boat where dancers entertain people before the ukai fishing. 踊り舟135 views
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The larger yakata-bune has a silent, battery-powered outboard motor. Notice the solar panels on the roof. 屋形船132 views
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Also before the ukai fishing began, this little boat came round to sell beer and fireworks. My relatives, being rich, bought some fireworks for the kids.132 views
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The ukai viewing boats were parked right next to shore, so we could easily get out and go on land. We could walk to the toilet boat parked nearby.132 views
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Inaba Shrine is Gifu city's main shrine. The path to the shrine is lined with food and souvenir stalls.132 views
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Oda Nobunaga was played by actor Hiroshi Fujioka at the Gifu Nobunaga Matsuri in Oct. 2017.132 viewsHiroshi Fujioka is famous as the actor who portrayed "Kamen Rider" in the 1970s TV series. He's still famous and beloved in Japan and has had a very good career after Kamen Rider.
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You can bring your own food and drinks on the boat. Next to the ticket office is this stone moument for a TV program which declared a song about Nagara River ukai cormorant fishing to be a national favorite for many years.131 views
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Pretty crowded, but it proceeded smoothly.131 views
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With passengers aboard, the boats depart one after another, heading upstream.129 views
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The viewing boats are called yakata-bune. They come in different sizes. 屋形船129 views
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Approaching another gate called Shinmon. 神門129 views
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Inaba Shrine's Haiden Hall was where we could pray.129 views
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At the boat dock (next to Nagarabashi Bridge) at 5:45 pm, one of the six ukai cormorant fishing masters give a short talk about ukai fishing. The crowd gathers for the talk.128 views
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The ukai viewing boats are parked like so as they watch the ukai fishing boats pass by.128 views
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Chukonhi Monument for the war dead from the Sino-Japanese War and Russo-Japanese War. 忠魂碑128 views
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The lanterns in the boat were covered with bugs. Apparently harmless, but it got the girls and women squeamish.127 views
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Inaba Shrine worships a god named Inishiki-Irihiko-no-mikoto who was a member of the Imperial family during the Kofun Period. The present shrine was built here in 1539.127 views
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Inside one boat. The floor has tatami mats. A low table is also provided. No dinner provided on this boat.126 views
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Ukai viewing boats head upstream to where the boats are parked next to the river shore.126 views
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Nagara River, looking upstream. We departed at about 6:30 pm. 長良川124 views
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We had to wait a while...124 views
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Mt. Ibuki as seen from Gifu City Tower 43.124 views
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After they took our picture in front of the boat (and later charged 1,000 yen for a 5x7 in. print), we started to board the large boat.123 views
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Boats awaiting passengers. We call them yakata-bune. The roof is shaped like a house roof. 屋形船123 views
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Mt. Kinkazan, topped with Gifu Castle, is a prominent sight on Nagara River. 金華山122 views
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Ukai viewing boats going upstream with Mt. Kinkazan in the background. The castle is also lit at night.122 views
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We approach the parking place along with the other boats already parked next to the river shore.122 views
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A neighboring boat shoot some fireworks.122 views
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The smaller yakata-bune, like this one, is human-powered.121 views
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If you're staying at a hotel or ryokan in Gifu city, it's possible to have your hotel arrange the viewing of the cormorant fishing. I went to see ukai cormorant fishing through a luxury hotel on the river. The dock was a short walk from the hotel.119 views
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If you have a group of 15 or more, it would be cheaper to charter a boat to view the cormorant fishing. Some of the viewing boats are also handicapped-accessible.118 views
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Nagara River 長良川118 views
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Mt. Kinkazan118 views
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View of JR Gifu Station from Gifu City Tower 43.112 views
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Shops inside Gifu City Tower 43.111 views
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View of Mt. Kinkazan (Gifu Castle) from Gifu City Tower 43.107 views
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View of JR Gifu Station from Gifu City Tower 43.107 views
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Top floor is a lookout deck operated by the city. Free admission. Elevator takes 45 sec. to get to the top.106 views
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View of Mt. Kinkazan (Gifu Castle) from Gifu City Tower 43.106 views
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Nagara River106 views
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Guide to scenic points.106 views
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View of Mt. Kinkazan (Gifu Castle) from Gifu City Tower 43.105 views
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There is another lookout deck on the west side.105 views
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Gifu and Ibuki mountains.103 views
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Nobunaga's golden statue at JR Gifu Station.102 views
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View of Ibuki mountain range from Gifu City Tower 43.101 views
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Gifu city manhole with cormorant design.101 views
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View of JR Gifu Station from Gifu City Tower 43.100 views
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View of JR Gifu Station from Gifu City Tower 43, looking toward Nagoya.100 views
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Statue of Oda Nobunaga at Gifu Station. Personally, I have mixed feelings about revering Nobunaga this much. 100 viewsYes, he's a major historical figure, but he was also a ruthless warrior who killed a lot of people and caused much mayhem torching temples, etc. Yet he's worshipped like a hero today. A different time, different mindset, and different standard. The dark side of human nature.
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Kibi Shrine 吉備神社99 views
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Arch Tower in Ichinomiya, Aichi.99 views
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The lower floors have shops and restaurants. Upper floors are condominiums. The 43rd floor at the top is a lookout deck and restaurant.96 views
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Offertory box95 views
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Entrance to a restaurant.95 views
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Gifu City Tower 43 lookout deck looking east.94 views
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Nagoya as seen from Gifu City Tower 43.94 views
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From here, we had to wait in line.93 views
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Inside Inaba Shrine's Haiden Hall.93 views
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The second torii.92 views
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Inaba Shrine's taiko bridge. 神橋91 views
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The line proceeded fast enough.90 views
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Nagara River89 views
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Inaba Shrine has a few other lesser shrines.88 views
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Arched bridge too steep to cross over.87 views
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People buying good luck charms.87 views
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Inari Shrine torii. 楓稲荷神社87 views
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The first torii to the shrine.86 views
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Lining up to pray at Haiden Hall.86 views
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Kano Castle as it looked originally in Gifu. 加納城86 views
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Banners read Inaba Shrine.85 views
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View from Romon Gate.84 views
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Sign reads, "Hatsumode" or New Year's worship.83 views
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View of Romon Gate from Shinmon Gate.83 views
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黒龍社81 views
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Inaba Shine is a short bus ride from Gifu Station. Get off the bus on the main road, then walk through this path to the shrine. Can't miss it during New Year's.80 views
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For the Year of the Rabbit.80 views
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Romon Gate 楼門80 views
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Romon Gate side view.80 views
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Kano Castle stone walls. Near JR Gifu Station's south exit.75 views
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Stained glass at Gifu Station.55 views
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Marker for Kano-juku's Honjin. 本陣55 views
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With tall banners and the surrounding foot soldiers, the parade's main character of Oda Nobunaga was unmistakable.54 views
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Gifu's tourism ambassadors hold the parade banner. About 200 people were in the parade.53 views
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Gifu city celebrated 2017 as the 450th anniversary of the city being renamed "Gifu" by Nobunaga after he attacked and captured Inabayama Castle in 1567. The castle was renamed "Gifu Castle." 53 views
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The matchlock gun battalion in formation and ready to fire their guns. 火縄銃鉄砲隊53 views
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Local students also dressed in historical costumes. 少年少女時代行列53 views
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More police.52 views
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Gifu University Wind Ensemble perform on a narrow street.52 views
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Lots of police in the parade promoting traffic safety.51 views
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Flags of Gifu's sister cities.51 views
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One highlight of the festival parade is this matchlock gun battalion. They stopped at the major intersections along the parade route and fired their guns.51 views
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Following Nobunaga were the ladies: His wife Nohime.51 views
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Held on the first weekend in Nov., the Gifu Nobunaga Matsuri's highlight is a Sunday afternoon parade of people dressed in historical costumes centering on Oda Nobunaga (usually played by a celebrity), considered to be the father of Gifu city.50 viewsThese charming girls are Gifu's tourism ambassadors waiting to join the festival's parade.
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Hatsu50 views
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Go was the youngest Azai sister.50 views
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Chiyo was the devoted wife of samurai Yamanouchi Kazutoyo.50 views
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The festival included a Cosplay Procession from 2 pm to 3 pm. ぎふコスプレパレード50 views
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Gifu Nobunaga Matsuri also had lots of side/street entertainment. 50 views
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Not much is left except for a few markers indicating the location of the Waki Honjin, Honjin, and other features. 50 viewsTenmangu Shrine and Kano Castle's stone walls are the major sights.
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Kosatsu bulletin board was at one end of this bridge over a small river.50 views
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Another road marker. "Go left for Kyoto"50 views
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"BANG, BANG!!" Those guns are really loud. Even with my earplugs (tissue wads), it shook me and I could feel the shockwaves.49 views
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Local students also dressed in historical costumes. 少年少女時代行列49 views
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Chiyo, another native of Shiga, was the devoted wife of samurai Yamanouchi Kazutoyo.49 views
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Nakasendo Road in Kano-juku.49 views
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