Gifu Castle

Gifu Castle is a mountain fortress on the summit of Mount Kinka in Gifu Prefecture. The three-story concrete structure stands 329 meters (1080 feet) above sea level and overlooks the Nagara River and the surrounding plains.

Oda Nobunaga seized the fortress from the Saito clan in 1567 and made it his headquarters. He later moved his base to Azuchi and passed the castle to his son Nobutada.

The name "Inabayama" marked this fortress before Oda Nobunaga renamed it in the 16th century. Visitors today see reproductions of weapons and armor from the warlord era, showing the military routines that took place on the mountain.

Hiking trails lead from Gifu Park to the summit, or visitors can take the ropeway that runs daily until 4:30 PM. The walk up takes around 40 minutes and follows different routes through the forest.

The current structure from 1956 imitates the appearance of a watchtower, though no records prove what the original fortress looked like. Builders referred to other castles from the Sengoku era to create a believable form.

Location: Gifu

Inception: 1201

Founders: Nikaidō Yukimasa

Architects: Hisashi Kido

Fee: Yes

Charge: 200 JPY

Part of: 100 Fine Castles of Japan

Opening Hours: Lunes-Domingo 09:30-16:30

Website: https://city.gifu.lg.jp/3537.htm

GPS coordinates: 35.43389,136.78222

Latest update: December 15, 2025 00:39