Our 9 Favorite Gifu Tours

Gifu offers a surprising variety of tours that go beyond the typical sightseeing spots. Known for its castles, traditional crafts, and scenic landscapes, Gifu is a perfect place to explore with guided experiences that bring history and culture alive. Personally, I’m a fan of the Private Afternoon Cycling Tour in Hida-Furukawa—a relaxed ride through rice paddies and farm villages, giving you a real taste of rural Japan. The Samurai Tour in Inuyama also stands out for its immersive sword training and castle exploration, offering a hands-on cultural deep dive. Whether you’re into history, crafts, or outdoor adventures, Gifu has something for every traveler.

In this guide, we’ll walk through the best tours in Gifu, highlighting what makes each one special. From private guided walks and bike rides to behind-the-scenes craft visits, each experience offers a unique way to connect with Gifu’s authentic charm. Check out the detailed reviews, practical tips, and what to expect from each tour below.

1. Private Afternoon Cycling Tour in Hida-Furukawa

On our list, the Private Afternoon Cycling Tour in Hida-Furukawa is a top choice for those who want a relaxed, personal look at rural Gifu. For around $214, this 3.5-hour ride allows you to pedal through historic towns, rice fields, and farming villages, with plenty of stops for photos and conversation. The small-group setting—limited to just eight people—means your guide can share detailed insights into the local history and culture.

What makes this tour stand out is its focus on going off the beaten path—visiting places most travelers don’t see. The landscape is peaceful and lush, perfect if you prefer gentle activity over strenuous hikes. The guide is attentive, making sure everyone is comfortable, and the pace is relaxed enough to soak up the scenery. The reviews are glowing, with a 5.0/5 from 109 travelers, praising the personal touch and the authentic experience of rural Japan.

Bottom line: This is ideal if you want a flexible, intimate experience that combines gentle exercise with cultural insights. It’s especially well-suited for travelers who enjoy cycling but don’t want to be pushed too hard.

2. Private Samurai Tour: Discover Inuyama and Gifu Historic Heritage

At number 2, the Private Samurai Tour offers a rare chance to step into Japan’s warrior past. For about $196.43, you’ll spend around five hours exploring Inuyama and Gifu, with in-depth activities like samurai sword training and castle visits. The experience kicks off with a hands-on session at the Inuyama Budo-kan, where you’ll don authentic samurai attire and learn Iaido, the art of sword drawing, under the guidance of a qualified master. It’s a rare opportunity to practice martial skills and discipline firsthand.

Afterward, you visit Inuyama Castle, one of Japan’s most famous wooden castles and a national treasure. You’ll get inside, wearing samurai clothing, and imagine what it was like to defend this strategic site. The tour continues through the old town of Jokamachi, where traditional houses and eateries give a real sense of the past. A key highlight is the reviewer quote about their experience: “We had an amazing day with Hiro. He took so many great photos and videos of our visits and sword fighting. It was a truly unique way to explore Japanese culture.”

Bottom line: This tour combines physical activity, history, and culture for those interested in samurai lore and traditional craftsmanship. It’s perfect for history buffs or anyone wanting a memorable, hands-on experience.

3. Gifu: Shirakawa-go Tour with a Private Guide

The Shirakawa-go Tour offers a gentle yet immersive way to explore one of Japan’s most iconic villages. For $151, you get 2 to 4 hours of guided exploration of the gassho-zukuri houses, the distinctive steep-roofed farmhouses that have endured for centuries. This private tour allows you to wander at your own pace, with a guide who can reveal the stories behind these structures and the local way of life.

What makes Shirakawa-go special is its remote mountain setting and traditional architecture, which combines practicality with aesthetic charm. The guide will help you notice details you might miss on your own and answer questions about the building techniques that have kept this village alive. The flexibility of a private guide means you can customize the visit, spending more time on parts you find most interesting.

This tour is perfect for travelers who want a focused, cultural experience in a beautiful setting without feeling rushed. While reviews aren’t available, the emphasis on a personal guide and in-depth insight makes it a strong choice.

Bottom line: Ideal for those seeking a peaceful, culturally rich half-day adventure that highlights Japan’s architectural ingenuity and rural traditions.

4. Gifu: Castle, Great Buddha, and Old Town 3.5-Hr Private Tour

This 3.5-hour private tour hits many of Gifu’s essential sights. For $188, you’ll start at Shōhō-ji Temple to see the impressive Great Buddha, crafted from local washi paper—an artistic feat as well as a spiritual symbol. Next, you’ll ride the Kinkazan Ropeway up Mount Kinka, where panoramic views of the city, the Nagara River, and distant mountains await. The highlight is Gifu Castle, perched at the top, where exhibits detail the deeds of Oda Nobunaga, one of Japan’s most famous unifiers.

The tour also includes a stroll through Kawaramachi, Gifu’s historic district filled with traditional shops, craft stores, and cafes. It’s a well-rounded way to see the city’s blend of history, culture, and scenic views. The guide ensures smooth transportation and an efficient itinerary, making the most of your limited time.

The review notes that the tour’s focus on local landmarks and scenic vistas provides a satisfying overview, especially for first-time visitors. It’s suited for travelers who want a comprehensive but manageable introduction to Gifu’s highlights.

Bottom line: This tour offers a balanced mix of cultural sites and scenic vistas, perfect for those with limited time who want a taste of Gifu’s city spirit.

5. Explore Traditional and Modern Blade Techniques Tour

For enthusiasts of craftsmanship and Japanese metalworking traditions, the Blade Techniques Tour in Seki City is a must. For $352.71, you’ll spend about 5.5 hours visiting historic blacksmiths and modern factories. The tour includes a visit to the Seki Blacksmithing Tradition Museum, where you can admire blades that have been made for over 700 years. You’ll also tour the Fukuda Cutlery Industry factory, learning about the cutting-edge technology used to produce ultra-hard alloy knives, including the renowned KISEKI: brand.

A standout feature is the hands-on opportunity to make your own pocket knife, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern engineering. The factory tour emphasizes the dedication and innovation that keep Seki at the forefront of blade production. The experience concludes with a seasonal meal at a traditional Japanese restaurant, adding a culinary twist to the day.

While the price reflects the richness of the experience, it is a longer and more involved tour suited for serious enthusiasts or collectors. The combination of historical insights, technological innovation, and craftmaking makes this experience unique.

Bottom line: This is ideal for those passionate about blades, craftsmanship, or Japanese industry, offering a true immersion into Seki City’s storied metalworking tradition.

6. Gifu: Sekigahara and O-gaki Guided Tour by Train & Walk

History buffs will appreciate the Sekigahara and Ogaki Guided Tour, which spans about 7 hours and explores battle sites, castles, and shrines. The tour includes a scenic train ride between Ogaki and Sekigahara, making transportation part of the adventure. You’ll visit Ogaki Castle, where the strategic importance of the site in the Battle of Sekigahara is explained, followed by a walk through the old town of Ogaki with its traditional shops.

The highlight is the Sekigahara Battlefield, the site of one of Japan’s decisive conflicts, and the Sekigahara History Museum, where exhibits bring the battle to life. The guided aspect ensures a detailed understanding of the historic significance, making it an enriching experience.

This tour is perfect for history lovers seeking a comprehensive day that combines transportation, walking, and storytelling. The detailed itinerary and focus on the Battle of Sekigahara make it quite an educational experience.

Bottom line: Best suited for those interested in military history, Japanese battles, and traditional towns, it offers deep insight into Gifu’s pivotal historical moments.

7. Authentic Kabuki Experience Tour in Aioi-za Theater, Gifu

For those curious about Japanese performing arts, the Kabuki Experience Tour in Mizunami offers a rare chance to participate directly. The 4.5-hour experience includes learning about Mino Kabuki, trying on traditional makeup, and rehearsing scenes under a local Kabuki master. The highlight is performing on a real stage—an unforgettable moment for anyone interested in theater or Japanese culture.

Guests also visit the Museum Nakasendo to learn about Kabuki history, enriching their understanding of this lively art form. The tour is private, personal, and deeply engaging—an ideal activity for theater lovers or those wanting a cultural souvenir. The review notes that it’s a “deeply personal and memorable way to connect with traditional Japanese culture.”

Bottom line: This is perfect for travelers wanting an active, hands-on cultural experience that brings Japan’s dramatic tradition vividly to life.

8. 2 Hour Private Scenic Mountain Castle Tour in Gifu

A shorter but highly scenic option, the Private Mountain Castle Tour combines ease with impressive views. For $142.27, you’ll ascend Mount Kinka via the Gifu Mt. Kinka Ropeway, enjoying a 30-minute ride with stunning city vistas. At the top, explore Gifu Castle and its exhibits on Oda Nobunaga. The reconstructed Tenshukaku displays Nobunaga’s military achievements and offers a glimpse into Japan’s feudal past.

The Kinkazan Observatory is a crowning feature, providing panoramic views of Gifu City, the river, and the surrounding mountains—great for photos or just soaking in the scenery. This tour is flexible, quick, and perfect for travelers short on time but who still want a memorable experience with historical and scenic highlights.

Guest reviews are not available, but its focus on easy access and spectacular views make it ideal for families or those with limited time seeking a taste of Gifu’s historic fortifications.

Bottom line: An excellent choice for a quick, scenic, and educational outing—especially if you’re interested in Oda Nobunaga’s legacy or want the best views in a short amount of time.

9. Gifu Half Day Private Tour Castle, Great Buddha and Old Town

Rounding out our list, this half-day private tour offers a comprehensive look at Gifu’s highlights. For $209.85, you’ll visit the Gifu Great Buddha at Shōhō-ji Temple, a towering figure crafted from local washi paper. Then, you’ll ride the Kinkazan Ropeway up Mount Kinka and visit Gifu Castle, learning about its connection to Oda Nobunaga. The journey ends with a stroll through Kawaramachi, where traditional shops and cafes add local flavor.

This tour is a good balance of cultural, scenic, and historic sights—all in just a few hours. The itinerary is efficient, and the guide ensures you get a full picture of Gifu’s past and present. It appeals to travelers who want a condensed yet thorough experience without sacrificing depth.

The description emphasizes the combination of spiritual, historic, and scenic highlights, making it suitable for first-timers or those with limited time.

Bottom line: A well-rounded, efficient tour perfect for travelers seeking a comprehensive introduction to Gifu’s key sites.

How to Choose the Right Tour for You

When selecting among these options, think about your interests, budget, and time constraints. For a relaxed outdoor experience, the Private Cycling Tour in Hida-Furukawa offers a peaceful taste of the countryside. If history and hands-on activities appeal, the Samurai Tour provides a memorable immersion into Japan’s warrior culture.

For a quick scenic fix, the Private Mountain Castle Tour is perfect if your schedule is tight but you crave sweeping views and castle history. Budget-conscious travelers with more interest in traditional architecture might prefer the Shirakawa-go Tour.

If you’re into craftsmanship, the Blade Techniques Tour is a detailed, in-depth look at Japan’s sword-making heritage, ideal for enthusiasts.

For those keen on history, particularly Japan’s military past, the Sekigahara and Ogaki Tour combines battlefield sites, castles, and museums. Finally, cultural lovers should consider the Kabuki Experience, which offers a chance to perform and learn about Japanese theater.

Booking early is advisable, especially for tours with limited availability or popular times, like cherry blossom season or autumn foliage.

Final Thoughts

Gifu’s options for guided tours are surprisingly diverse—from scenic bike rides and historic castles to craft workshops and cultural performances. For active travelers, the cycling and mountain castle tours provide beautiful scenery combined with cultural insights. History buffs will gravitate toward the samurai and battlefield tours, while craft lovers can’t miss the sword-making experience in Seki.

No matter what your interests, Gifu offers a rich selection of experiences that bring its history, scenery, and traditions alive. We recommend choosing tours that match your fitness level and curiosity—whether that’s a relaxed bike ride or an in-depth samurai immersion. Booking in advance will ensure you secure a spot and make the most of your time in this fascinating region.