20 Museums in Gifu worth your time

A local history museum in Gifu focusing on the Kiso River, traditional industries, and regional wartime history.

What it is

• A cultural history museum located on the fourth floor of the Kawashima Kaikan building.
• Founded in 1983 to preserve the nature, history, and culture of the Kiso River.
• Renamed in 2011 to focus on Kakamigahara City and its surrounding river environment.
• Features a folk material room established in 2018 for local heritage displays.

What to see

• Exhibits detailing traditional river fishing techniques and local textile production.
• Displays regarding sericulture and the historical silk industry of the region.
• A dedicated exhibition room documenting the Kakamigahara Air Raid.
• Historical materials regarding the Battle of Kawada Kisogawa Crossing.
• Collections of folk materials and artifacts from the local area.

When to go

• Open daily from 9:00 to 17:00 for general visitors.
• Closed every Monday and during the New Year holiday period.

Getting there

• Located an eight-minute walk from the Saiyojimae bus stop.

Official site

www.city.kakamigahara.lg.jp

Read more about Kakamigahara City Kisogawa Cultural History Museum

This outdoor museum showcases historical thatched-roof houses, offering insight into rural Edo period life.

What it is

• Outdoor museum of historical thatched-roof houses.
• Provides insight into rural life in the Edo period (1603–1867).
• Divided into two sections: Gassho no Sato and Saijiki no Mori.

What to see

• Ten steeply sloped thatched-roof buildings in Gassho no Sato.
• Odo House, a spacious 19th-century home from Shirakawa-go Village.
• Displays of agricultural instruments, tools, and silkworm cultivation.
• Mannequins in period attire in work and leisure poses.
• Enku Museum with 30 wooden Buddhist statues by Enku.
• Takehara Puppet Theater Memorial House with bunraku exhibits.

When to go

• Especially beautiful in spring for cherry trees.
• Especially beautiful in autumn for maple trees.

Getting there

• Approximately 20 minutes by foot from Gero Station.
• Approximately 5 minutes by car from Gero Station.

Official site

www.gero-gassho.jp

Read more about Gero Onsen Gasshō-mura

This museum displays artistic paper lanterns year-round, including those made from Mino washi paper.

What it is

• Art museum dedicated to Mino washi paper lanterns.
• Displays lanterns made by artists, designers, and amateurs.
• Housed in the former Minomachi Industrial Hall.
• Building is a Registered Tangible Cultural Property.

What to see

• Second floor resembles historical district streets at night.
• Dozens of lanterns made with translucent Mino washi paper.
• Large photographic backdrop of traditional merchant houses.
• Display of lanterns made by local schoolchildren on first floor.
• Largest surviving wooden building from Showa era in Mino.
• Fans, cards, lanterns, and washi products for purchase.

When to go

• Mino Washi Akari Art Festival is month-long.

Address

岐阜県美濃市本住町1901-3 Map

Read more about Mino Washi Akari Art Hall

Takayama Museum: see local history, art, and folk materials in historic storehouses.

What it is

• A museum in Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture.
• Opened in 1953 as Takayama City Local Museum.
• Reopened in 2011 as Takayama Museum of History and Art.
• Designated as a museum facility by Gifu Prefecture.

What to see

• Building uses former Nagata family cypress storehouses.
• The building was constructed in 1875.
• About 75,000 historical and folk materials are stored.
• 900 items are always on display.
• Exhibits materials on the Kanamori clan.
• Exhibits Jomon pottery from the Nukazuka ruins.

Getting there

• About a 15-minute walk from Takayama Station.

Address

岐阜県高山市上一之町75 Map

Official site

www.city.takayama.lg.jp

Read more about Takayama Museum of History and Art

Explore Naegi's samurai history and local culture at this museum, located at the foot of Naegi Castle.

What it is

• A historical museum in Nakatsugawa City, Gifu Prefecture.
• Opened on November 3, 1990.
• Exhibits materials related to the Naegi Toyama clan.
• Also covers Naegi Castle and Naegi Domain history.

What to see

• Displays Toyama clan armor.
• View a Koto owned by Toyama Takehiko's wife.
• See a Tachi sword.
• Exhibits on Shinso Kaishu and Haibutsu Kishaku.
• Materials about Kani Toku, who introduced dodgeball to Japan.
• Works by artist Maeda Seison.

Getting there

• Located at the foot of Naegi Castle.
• A mountain trail to Naegi Castle starts from here.

Official site

www.city.nakatsugawa.lg.jp

Read more about Naegi Tōyama Historical Museum

Explore Seki's sword-making heritage, from ancient blades to modern knives, with live demonstrations.

What it is

• A museum dedicated to Seki's sword-making tradition.
• Opened in 1984 as an industrial promotion center.
• Renovated and reopened in 2002.

What to see

• Famous swords by Kagemoto, Seki no Magoroku.
• A Japanese sword training ground.
• A craftsman demonstration area.
• First floor: sword history and fittings.
• Second floor: modern blade industry products.
• Second floor: custom knife collections.

When to go

• November 8: memorial service for bladed tools.

Getting there

• Accessible by Nagara River Railway Etsumi-Nan Line.

Official site

www.city.seki.lg.jp

Read more about Seki Sword Tradition Museum

This museum showcases international posters, including famous artists, offering a free and unique cultural experience.

What it is

• A museum in Ogaki City, Gifu Prefecture.
• Opened on October 25, 1996.
• Collects, exhibits, researches, and preserves posters.
• Operated by a non-profit organization.

What to see

• Posters from Japan, Poland, and the USA.
• Posters from the Soviet Union, Finland, Germany, and Switzerland.
• Works by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec.
• Works by Théophile Alexandre Steinlen and Jules Chéret.

When to go

• Closed on weekends and holidays.

Getting there

• Located on the first floor of Gifu Kyoritsu University.

Official site

www.ogaki-postermuseum-japan.com

Read more about Nihon Kokusai Poster Museum

See a private collection of antique art and folk crafts in a historic Edo period building.

What it is

• A folk museum in Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture.
• Exhibits antique art and folk crafts.
• Founded on Fujii Tadaichi's 70-year collection.
• Houses about 2,500 items.

What to see

• Entrance models Takayama Castle second bailey gate.
• Exhibition room is an Edo Manryu earthen warehouse.
• Warehouse walls are about 1 meter thick.
• Collection includes Azuchi-Momoyama period art.
• Displays Edo period dolls like Kyoho Hina.
• See hanging scrolls, ceramics, and lacquerware.

Getting there

• 10-minute walk from JR Takayama Station.

Address

岐阜県高山市上三之町69 Map

Read more about Fujii Folk Museum

Learn about Mino washi paper through displays, historical artifacts, and hands-on workshops.

What it is

• Museum dedicated to Mino washi paper.
• Learn about washi through displays, videos, and workshops.

What to see

• Displays of washi tools and materials.
• Detailed dioramas and videos.
• Exhibitions of washi artwork from around the world.
• Replicas of historical washi artifacts, including from 702.
• Model of Japan with washi lanterns from each area.
• Rooms showing traditional and contemporary uses of Mino washi.

When to go

• Open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Closed on Tuesdays.
• Workshops held several times a day.

Official site

www.city.mino.gifu.jp

Read more about MINO-WASHI Museum

Explore Minokamo's history, art, and nature, with free admission and an observation tower.

What it is

• A museum and art museum in Minokamo City, Gifu Prefecture.
• Opened on October 1, 2000.
• Located within the Minokamo Bunka no Mori cultural facility.
• A registered museum under the Museum Act.

What to see

• Permanent exhibition on Minokamo City's nature, history, and culture.
• Exhibits include works by Shoyo Tsubouchi and Sokichi Tsuda.
• Folk Tool Exhibition Hall and Life Experience Hall.
• Art museum displays works by local artists and craftspeople.
• Sculpture Forest has outdoor sculpture exhibits.
• Mori no Tower observation deck is at 23m.

Address

岐阜県美濃加茂市蜂屋町上蜂屋3299-1 Map

Official site

www.forest.minokamo.gifu.jp

Read more about Minokamo Shimin Myūjiamu

Explore Mino ware pottery history and excavated ceramics at this museum, closing in 2024 for rebuilding.

What it is

• A museum dedicated to Mino ware ceramics.
• Established in 1979.
• Researches history of Mino Momoyama pottery.
• Stores and exhibits excavated items from kiln sites.

What to see

• Excavated items from kiln sites.
• One special exhibition annually.
• Four planned exhibitions annually.

When to go

• Closes March 31, 2024 for rebuilding.
• New museum scheduled to open in 2028.

Getting there

• 10-minute walk from Tokishi Station.
• About 10 minutes from Toki IC.
• About 5 minutes from Gotomaki Smart IC.

Official site

www.toki-bunka.or.jp

Read more about Toki City Historical Museum of Mino Ceramics

Learn about rock candy and sugar production at this unique corporate museum.

What it is

• A corporate museum of Nakanihon Hyoto Co., Ltd.
• Opened in 1995, commemorating the company's 100th anniversary.
• Dedicated to sugar, with a focus on rock candy.

What to see

• Exhibits on the history of sugar.
• Displays on rock candy manufacturing methods.

When to go

• Open 10:00 to 16:00.
• Closed Saturdays, Sundays, holidays, and factory holidays.
• Reservations are required for visits.

Getting there

• 15-minute walk from Mino-Tsuya Station.
• Mino-Tsuya Station is on the Yoro Railway Yoro Line.

Read more about Kōrizatō Museum

A museum in Gifu Prefecture, it preserves and exhibits cultural properties from mountain castles.

What it is

• A museum in Kani City, Gifu Prefecture.
• Opened in August 1994 as a history and folklore museum.
• Renovated and reopened as Sengoku Yamajiro Museum in 2018.
• Preserves and exhibits cultural properties from mountain castles.

What to see

• Exhibits materials from Kanayama Castle ruins.
• Displays materials from other Kani City mountain castles.
• Materials related to Mori Yoshinari, Nagayoshi, and Ranmaru.
• Kanayama Castle gate (Ninomon) relocated from Zuisenji Temple.
• A separate annex displays firefighting, plants, insects, and birds.

Address

岐阜県可児市兼山675-1 Map

Official site

www.city.kani.lg.jp

Read more about Sengoku Yamajiro Museum

Sekigahara Warland is an open-air museum recreating a historic battle with over 200 samurai statues.

What it is

• An open-air museum in Sekigahara Town, Gifu Prefecture.
• Opened in 1964, covering 30,000 square meters.
• Recreates the Battle of Sekigahara with concrete statues.

What to see

• Over 200 concrete samurai warrior statues by Shoun Asano.
• An indoor museum with armor and weapons.
• Matchlock guns are on display.

When to go

• Open daily from 10:00 to 16:00.
• Closed on New Year's Eve.

Getting there

• 20-minute walk from Sekigahara Station.
• Sekigahara Station is on the JR Tokaido Main Line.

Official site

warland-web.jimdosite.com

Read more about Sekigahara Warland

See a large ukiyo-e collection, including rare Hiroshige prints, and try printing yourself.

What it is

• A public museum in Ena City, Gifu Prefecture.
• Opened in September 2001.
• Houses about 1,500 ukiyo-e prints.
• Many prints donated by Haruo Tanaka.

What to see

• All 71 prints of "Kisokaido Rokujukyu-tsugi no Uchi."
• Ukiyo-e printing experience is offered.

When to go

• Open 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
• Closed Mondays and New Year holidays.
• 71 prints displayed for one month around September.
• Admission free for 18 years old and younger.

Getting there

• 5-minute walk from Ena Station.

Address

岐阜県恵那市大井町176番地の1 Map

Official site

hiroshige-ena.jp

Read more about Hiroshige Museum of Art, Ena

Explore local history and cultural properties from Hakusan Shrine and Nagataki-ji Temple.

What it is

• Opened in 1997.
• Displays materials from Nagataki Hakusan Shrine.
• Displays materials from Nagataki-ji Temple.
• Displays materials from former Shirotori Town.

What to see

• Cultural Properties Exhibition Room has national cultural properties.
• Historical Folk Materials Room has Gujo Ikki materials.
• Hakusan Takara-den is an annex.
• Located near Nagataki Hakusan Shrine.
• Located near Nagataki-ji Temple.

Getting there

• 10-minute walk from Hakusan-Nagataki Station.
• 10-minute drive from Shirotori IC.

Official site

www.shirotori-gujo.com

Read more about Hakusan Culture Museum

Explore Kaizu City's history and culture, focusing on the Kiso Three Rivers and samurai.

What it is

• A museum in Kaizu City, Gifu Prefecture.
• Focuses on the history and culture of the Kiso Three Rivers.
• Reopened on March 29, 2025.
• Its nickname is "Wajyum".

What to see

• First floor shows changing terrain of the Kiso Three Rivers.
• Second floor displays videos on flood control and agriculture.
• Third floor features the history of samurai.

When to go

• Closed on Mondays.
• Closed during New Year holidays.

Getting there

• 1-minute walk from the Kaizu City Community Bus stop.

Read more about Kaizu City Museum of History and Folklore

See artist Teruko Yokoi's works and historic buildings in a poppy garden.

What it is

• Art museum dedicated to Teruko Yokoi.
• Opened in 2004.
• Preserves and exhibits her works.
• Registered as a Gifu Street Corner Museum.

What to see

• Works by Teruko Yokoi.
• Two renovated early Meiji period storehouses.
• Foundation stones transported as they were.
• Stone walls from Sakori Rice Terraces.
• Poppies blooming on the grounds.

When to go

• Early summer for poppy blooms.

Getting there

• 20-minute bus ride from Ena Station.
• 10-minute walk from Totogane bus stop.

Address

岐阜県恵那市大井町2632-105 Map

Official site

www.enakawakamiya.co.jp

Read more about Teruko Yokoi Hinageshi Art Museum

See original Enku Buddha statues and other ancient art in Gifu City.

What it is

• A museum dedicated to the Buddhist monk and sculptor Enku.
• Managed by Shoueido, a company that handles antiques.
• The first floor is the Enku Art Museum.

What to see

• Original Enku Buddha statues are on display.
• The second floor exhibits old art objects.
• Audio tape explanations are available for visitors.

When to go

• Open from 10:00 to 16:00.
• Closed on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.

Getting there

• Take a Gifu Bus to the Gifu Park History Museum stop.

Address

岐阜県岐阜市大宮町2-17 Map

Read more about Enkū Art Museum

This museum showcases Mino-ware ceramics, a local art form, with free admission and special tea experiences.

What it is

• Ceramic art museum, established 2015.
• Preserves and communicates Mino-ware ceramics.
• Introduces modern Mino ware to a larger audience.
• Admission is free.

What to see

• Museum designed around a longleaf pine tree in central garden.
• Circular exhibit route with 47 display cases.
• Masterpieces from the collection.
• Seasonally themed exhibitions.
• Works by six Living National Treasures.
• Tearoom for experiencing pieces more closely.

When to go

• Certain special days for tearoom experience.

Address

〒507-0014　岐阜県多治見市虎渓山町4-13-1 Map

Official site

www.shinkin.co.jp

Read more about Tōshin Mino Ceramic Art Museum