See what the experts are saying about Gifu. Get expert advice on how to get there what to see and more.
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Introduction
Hardly a day goes by that you don't hear something about Japan, whether the subject is trade, travel, cuisine, the arts, or Japanese imports ranging from Sony and Toyota to karaoke and anime. Yet Japan remains something of an enigma to people... Continue reading »
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Frommer's favorite experiences
Long ago, Japanese ranked the three best of almost every natural wonder and attraction in their country: the three best gardens, the three best scenic spots, the three best waterfalls, even the three best bridges. But choosing the "best" of a... Continue reading »
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Best dining bets
Experiencing a Kaiseki Feast: The ultimate in Japanese cuisine, kaiseki is a feast for the senses and the spirit. Consisting of a variety of exquisitely prepared and arranged dishes, a kaiseki meal is a multicourse event to be savored slowly.... Continue reading »
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Best hotel bets
The Best Traditional Ryokan Hiiragiya Ryokan (Kyoto; tel. 075/221-1136): If ever there was an example of the quintessential ryokan, Hiiragiya is it. Located in the heart of old Kyoto, it's the ultimate in tatami luxury: a dignified enclave... Continue reading »
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The best castles, palaces & historic homes
Tamozawa Imperial Villa (Nikko): Comprised of a 1632 villa and an 1899 expansion, this 106-room villa was the home of a prince who later became emperor. You can learn about traditional Japanese architectural details and lifestyles of the aris... Continue reading »
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The best destinations for serious shoppers
For Everything: Japanese department stores are microcosms of practically everything Japan produces, from the food halls in the basement to the departments selling clothing, accessories, office supplies, souvenirs, pottery, household goods, an... Continue reading »
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The best gardens
Rikugien Garden (Tokyo): It's not as centrally located as Tokyo's other gardens, but Rikugien stands out not only for its quintessentially Japanese setting but also because its vistas are unmarred by surrounding skyscrapers. Created in 1702 a... Continue reading »
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The best museums
Edo-Tokyo Museum (Tokyo): Housed in a high-tech modern building, this ambitious museum chronicles the fascinating and somewhat tumultuous history of Tokyo (known as Edo during the Feudal Era) with models, replicas, artifacts, and dioramas. Vo... Continue reading »
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The best national parks
Nikko National Park: This 80,000-hectare (200,000-acre) national park centers on the sumptuous Toshogu Shrine with its mausoleum for Tokugawa Ieyasu, majestic cedars, and lakeside resorts. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park: Boasting magnificent... Continue reading »
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The best of modern japan
Visiting Tsukiji Fish Market (Tokyo): One of the largest wholesale fish markets in the world, this indoor market bustles with activity from about 3am on as frozen tuna is unloaded from boats, auctions are held, and vendors sell octopus, fish,... Continue reading »
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The best of old japan
Splurging on a Night in a Ryokan: If you can afford to, splurge on at least 1 night in one of the country's best ryokan, where the service is impeccable, the kaiseki meals are out of this world, and glorious views outside your tatami room are... Continue reading »
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The best outdoor pursuits
Climbing Mount Fuji: Okay, so climbing Japan's tallest -- 3,716m high (12,388 ft.) -- and most famous mountain is not the solitary, athletic pursuit you may have envisioned -- but with 600,000 people climbing it annually, it's a great, cultur... Continue reading »
Gifu Travel Experiences
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Yoshi & Itsuko
We have been visiting with Yoshi and Itsuko (friends of Megan's family) in Nagoya for a few days. They have been kind enough to ope... Continue reading »
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Lots of Shopping....oooh and the foot massages!
We decided to position ourselves at the Westin Nagoya Castle once again as they are in a great location (across from Nagoya castle) and... Continue reading »
