Gifu Overview
Gifu is a city located in the south-central portion of Gifu Prefecture, Japan, and serves as the prefectural capital. The city has played an important role in Japan's history because of its location in the middle of the country. During the Sengoku period, various warlords, including Oda Nobunaga, used the area as a base in an attempt to unify and control Japan. Gifu continued to flourish even after Japan's unification as both an important shukuba along the Edo period Nakasendō and, later, as one of Japan's fashion centers. It has been designated a core city by the national government.
Gifu Key Statistics
Population412895
Area204 km²
Parks / Museums / Cafés231 / 15 / 82
Practical Essentials for Gifu
Meet-ups & Expat Community
Chat with locals tonight or join a language-exchange near the station.
Find Events ↗
Emergency Phones
Police: 110 · Fire/Ambulance: 119
Nation-wide numbers, English assistance usually available.
Safety Tips ↗
City Hall Website
Official permits, taxes, public records and all resident-services for Gifu.
Visit ↗Getting Around Gifu
Gifu Main Station & Rail Lines
岐阜 (Gifu)
Train Travel to Gifu
Gifu is connected via Japan Rail and local private lines.
Driving to Gifu
Accessible via Tomei Expressway and other national highways.
Real-Time Air Quality in Gifu
Cover Your Trip to Gifu
Flight delays, medical bills, lost gear – SafetyWing backs you up from US $45 / 4 weeks.
Get Instant Quote ↗What to Eat in Gifu
Hungry for more?
Street-food crawls, cooking classes & sake tastings — reserve now, pay later.
Book Food Tours ↗Things to Do in Gifu
Book Tours Now
Walking tours, food crawls, day trips & more – reserve today, pay later.
View Tours ↗Income & Living Costs in Gifu
¥4,300,000*est
Median household income / year
86*est /100
Price level vs Tokyo
Moving money internationally?
Send or spend Japanese yen with mid-market FX rates via Wise.
See Wise fees ↗Best Hotels in Gifu
Plan & Book Your Trip
FAQ about Gifu
When was Gifu founded?
Gifu was founded on July 1, 1889.
How old is Gifu?
Gifu is roughly 137 years old.
What is the population of Gifu?
The latest estimate puts the population at about 412,895.
What is the land area of Gifu?
Gifu covers roughly 204 km².
What is the main railway station in Gifu?
The primary hub is 岐阜 (Gifu).
How many parks, museums and cafés are in Gifu?
The city has roughly 231 parks, 15 museums and 82 cafés within a 5 km radius of the center.
Is Gifu expensive to live?
Gifu is generally more affordable than Tokyo, with lower rents and food costs outside the tourist core.
Do I need travel insurance for visiting Gifu?
Yes — hospitals in Japan can be costly for visitors. SafetyWing covers flight delays, medical emergencies and lost gear from about US$45 / 4 weeks. Get an instant quote ↗
How can I send money internationally while in Japan?
Wise lets you hold Japanese yen, move money at the mid-market rate and spend with a debit card for a small fixed fee — popular with both expats and long-term travellers.
Where can I book food tours or cooking classes in Gifu?
From street-food crawls to sake tastings and hands-on cooking classes, Gifu has flavour for every budget. Book food tours ↗
What tours are available in Gifu?
Guided walking tours, cultural excursions and day-trips run year-round. Most allow free cancellation and pay-later options. Explore tours ↗
Where can I access official city services in Gifu?
All resident services — permits, taxes, public records — are handled by the City Hall. Visit the official site ↗
Are there expat meet-ups or language exchanges in Gifu?
Gifu hosts a friendly international community with weekly events near the main stations and cafes. Find events ↗
Where can I charge my EV in Gifu?
CHAdeMO and CCS-compatible chargers dot convenience-store car-parks and highway rest-areas. View stations ↗
Can I rent a bike in Gifu?
Yes, hire a bike by the hour or day and cruise the riverside paths. Rent a bike ↗
How can I check public-transport routes in Gifu?
Use the official route planner for live subway, bus and tram times. Open planner ↗
Where is Gifu?
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
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