Gifu Castle was a mountain fortress located on Mount Kinka, which rises 329 meters above sea level in Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture. Its history dates back to the Kamakura period (1185–1333), making it an important landmark in Japan’s medieval history.
The castle is particularly associated with the famous warlord Oda Nobunaga, who moved his base from Mount Komaki to this location in 1567 and developed it into a strategic center for his military and political ambitions.
Today, visitors can explore a reconstructed castle tower and the Gifu Castle Museum near the summit of Mount Kinka. The three-story, four-level tower was rebuilt in 1956 and welcomes visitors interested in Japanese history, samurai culture, and spectacular mountain views.
The reconstructed castle tower serves as a local history museum, displaying materials related to Gifu Castle and its historical figures. The top floor functions as an observation deck, offering panoramic views of the Nagara River and the urban landscape of Gifu City.
The interior is arranged around four themed floors:
First Floor: The Arms Room — Displays and exhibits related to weapons and military equipment.
Second Floor: The Lord’s Room — Introduces the life and status of the castle’s lord.
Third Floor: Lord Nobunaga’s Room — Focuses on Oda Nobunaga and his connection to the castle.
Fourth Floor: The Observation Room — Provides sweeping views of the surrounding landscape from the uppermost level.
During the Muromachi period (1336–1573), the castle was known as Inabayama Castle. It served as the stronghold of the Saito clan, retainers of the Toki clan, who held the position of military governors of Mino Province.
During the Tenbun era (1532–1555), the powerful warlord Saito Dosan took control of the castle and carried out renovations. The castle was also associated with the name Inokuchi Castle.
After Dosan, his successors Saito Yoshitatsu and Saito Tatsuoki ruled from the stronghold. In 1567, during the Sengoku period of civil warfare, Oda Nobunaga captured Inabayama Castle and transferred his headquarters from Komakiyama Castle in neighboring Owari Province.
After taking control of the castle, Oda Nobunaga began using the seal inscription “Tenka Fubu”, commonly interpreted as expressing his ambition to bring the realm under military rule and political unification.
Nobunaga renamed both the castle and the surrounding town. The area previously known as Inokuchi became Gifu, and Inabayama Castle came to be called Gifu Castle. The new name reflected his ambitions and marked the beginning of a new chapter in the region’s history.
Nobunaga’s family members and hostages also lived at the castle on the mountain summit, making it an important center of both political and domestic life.
In 1576, Nobunaga moved his base to Azuchi Castle. Gifu Castle subsequently passed through the hands of several prominent figures, including Oda Nobutada, Oda Nobukatsu, Ikeda Motosuke, Ikeda Terumasa, Toyotomi Hidekatsu, and Oda Hidenobu.
However, in 1601, Tokugawa Ieyasu ordered the castle to be abandoned. Its role as a political and military stronghold came to an end, leaving the mountain and its remaining archaeological features as important reminders of the Sengoku period.
Visitors can reach the summit area by taking the Mount Kinka Ropeway, which provides convenient access to the castle tower. Numerous hiking trails also wind up the mountain, making the area popular with outdoor enthusiasts.
Along the trails, visitors can discover remnants of the original fortifications, including old defensive structures and stone walls. These remains offer a glimpse into the strategic design of the former mountain castle.
Mount Kinka is also famous for its beautiful night views. From the summit and certain locations along the mountainside, visitors can admire the illuminated city of Gifu after sunset.
The combination of historical ruins, mountain scenery, and panoramic city views makes the area appealing to history enthusiasts, hikers, and photographers alike.
At the western foot of Mount Kinka lies Gifu Park, where the remains of Oda Nobunaga’s former residence can be found. The park features a garden known as Nobunaga no Niwa, or Nobunaga’s Garden, as well as a statue of the famous warlord.
The park’s landscape combines historical significance with natural beauty. It has been recognized in both the Top 100 Urban Landscapes of Japan and the Top 100 Historical Parks of Japan.
Gifu Park is an excellent starting point for exploring the castle, learning about Nobunaga’s legacy, and enjoying the natural surroundings of Mount Kinka.
Originally known as Inabayama Castle, Gifu Castle occupied a strategically important position overlooking Mino Province. Its mountain location provided defensive advantages, while its proximity to the Nagara River and surrounding settlements made it valuable for military and political activities.
Under Saito Dosan, the castle was strengthened and developed. Its capture by Oda Nobunaga in 1567 transformed it into a major base for his campaign to unify Japan.
Although Nobunaga eventually moved to Azuchi Castle, Gifu Castle remains closely associated with his rise to power and the dramatic political changes of the Sengoku period.
Archaeological investigations in recent years have helped reveal the historical importance of Gifu Castle. In 2011, the Gifu Castle Ruins, including the remains of the mountain fortress and Oda Nobunaga’s former residence at the foot of the mountain, were designated a National Historic Site of Japan.
The designated area corresponds to the relevant national forest land within the historic site, recognizing the importance of preserving the castle’s archaeological remains and surrounding historical landscape.
The present castle tower was reconstructed in 1956 using reinforced concrete. Although it is a modern reproduction rather than the original structure, it recreates the appearance of the former castle and serves as an important landmark for visitors.
Gifu City continues to conduct archaeological investigations to better understand the castle and its former grounds. Plans to restore the garden that once existed near the base of the mountain are also part of ongoing efforts to preserve and interpret this important historical site.
Gifu Castle offers a fascinating journey into the life and ambitions of Oda Nobunaga, one of the most influential figures in Japanese history. From its origins as Inabayama Castle to its role as a strategic base for Nobunaga’s campaign to unify Japan, the site reveals an important chapter in the country’s past.
Today, the reconstructed tower, archaeological remains, hiking trails, and panoramic views bring together history and nature in a memorable destination. A visit to Gifu Castle provides an opportunity to appreciate both the dramatic legacy of Japan’s samurai era and the scenic beauty of Gifu City.
March 16 - May 11, 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
May 12 - October 16: 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
October 17 - March 15: 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
No holidays
Adults (16 years and older) 200 yen
Children (4 years old and over, under 16 years old) 100 yen
15 min. by bus from JR Gifu Stn. or Meitetsu Gifu Stn. → 3 min. walk from “Gifu Park History Museum Mae” → 3 min. by ropeway from Kinkasan Ropeway Sanroku Stn. → 8 min. on foot from Kinkasan Ropeway Sancho Stn.