Gifu Prefecture, located in central Honshu, possesses World Cultural Heritage "Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama," representing a prefecture of history and nature. Largely divided into Hida and Mino regions, each possesses different cultures and climates.

Shirakawa-go within "Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama" (registered 1995) represents the world's largest gassho-zukuri village in Shirakawa Village, Gifu Prefecture. Gassho-zukuri houses with steep thatched roofs crystallize ancestral wisdom adapted to harsh natural environments of heavy snow regions, with approximately 110 structures surviving today. The "gassho" name derives from roof shapes resembling clasped palms.

Wada Family House, Shirakawa-go's largest gassho-zukuri residence built in late Edo period, represents nationally designated important cultural property. Interior tours reveal gassho-zukuri structure and period lifestyles in detail. Traditional mountain village life around irori hearths and attic sericulture can be experienced.

Takayama City, called "Hida's Little Kyoto," represents historical town with well-preserved Edo period townscapes. Old town districts feature townhouses with lattice doors and sake breweries, also famous for morning markets. Takayama Jinya, surviving administrative office from Edo period, reveals contemporary governmental operations.

Hida beef, Gifu Prefecture's pride brand beef, enjoys nationwide popularity for beautiful marbling and tender texture. Hida beef raised under strict quality control is enjoyed through various cooking methods including steaks, sukiyaki, and shabu-shabu. Numerous Takayama City establishments serve Hida beef cuisine.

Gifu Castle, also called Inabayama Castle, represents historical castle where Oda Nobunaga established unification base. Current keep is reconstructed, but Mount Kinka summit views are magnificent, overlooking Nagara River and Gifu cityscape. Gifu Castle accessed by ropeway also remains popular for night views.

Nagara River cormorant fishing, traditional fishing method with over 1,300 years history, is beloved as summer tradition. Fantastical scenes of cormorant boats with bonfire torches descending Nagara River attract numerous tourists on viewing boats. Cormorant masters hold Imperial Household Agency positions, presenting sweetfish to imperial family.

Seki City, famous as blade town, maintains sword-smithing traditions from Kamakura period. Seki blades are known nationwide for sharpness, producing various blades including knives, scissors, and nail clippers. Annual October Seki Festival features events including traditional Japanese sword forging and blade memorial services.

Hoba miso, Hida region local cuisine, involves grilling miso and vegetables on magnolia leaves. Magnolia leaf fragrance transfers to miso, creating distinctive flavors. Mitarashi dango also allegedly originated in Gifu, with soy sauce-based sauce dumplings spreading nationwide.