Are you planning a trip to the Gifu Castle (岐阜城) area with your little ones? While the area is rich in history and breathtaking views, traveling with kids requires a bit of extra planning.
As a local mom, I have put together this guide to help you navigate the area stress-free. From outdoor play to indoor sanctuaries, here is your go-to guide for a smooth family trip!
Play Outdoors (Fun & Nature)
Gifu City is blessed with beautiful parks and riverside paths perfect for family strolls.
- Gifu Park (岐阜公園) & Chibikko Tenka Hiroba (ちびっこ天下広場) Located right across from the main park entrance, this area is perfect for letting kids burn off energy. It features small play equipment, a flowing stream, and the beautiful Japanese-Chinese Friendship Garden.
- Nagaragawa Promenade (長良川プロムナード) A peaceful, paved path along the Nagara River. It’s perfect for a relaxing stroll with a stroller. During the Ukai season, you can enjoy the river views even without boarding the cruise boats.
- Bus Access: Take the Gifu Bus N-series or City Loop Line to “Nagarabashi-kita / Ukaiya (長良橋北・鵜飼屋)” bus stop.
- Ukai Museum (うかいミュージアム) A great place to learn about Gifu’s 1,300-year-old cormorant fishing tradition. It offers stunning views of the river and Gifu Castle.
- Website: https://www.ukaimuseum.jp/
- Bus Access: Take the Gifu Bus N-series or City Loop Line to “Nagarabashi-kita / Ukaiya (長良橋北・鵜飼屋)” bus stop (15-min ride). It’s a 6-minute walk from the “Ukai Museum-mae (うかいミュージアム前)” bus stop.
- Nagara Park (長良公園) A family-friendly park with large playground equipment, a sandbox, and expansive lawns. With well-maintained flower beds, vending machines, and a kiosk, it’s a perfect spot for a stroll or a picnic—especially beautiful during the cherry blossom season.
- Bus Access: Take the bus from JR Gifu Station (Platform 8: C31 toward Obusa, or Platform 13: N40 toward Nagara Medical Center / N41 toward Obusa) and get off at “Nagara Koen-mae (長良公園前).”
- Bairin Park (梅林公園) A large park featuring a D51 steam locomotive.
- Bus Access: “Bairin Koen-mae (梅林公園前)” bus stop.
- Kogane Park (金公園) A multi-purpose park with a lawn and space for water play, located right across from the Tsunagute facility.
- Gifu Station (JR Gifu Station) Don’t miss the golden Nobunaga Statue! The station area often features decorations and water features in the summer.
Play Indoors (Perfect for Rainy Days or Resting)
When you need to escape the heat or rain, these indoor spots are lifesavers.
- Tsunagute (ツナグテ) – Yanagase A clean, indoor play facility perfect for all ages. It features a dedicated area for kids under 3, a nursing room, and a microwave to warm baby food.
- Website: https://tsunagute-gifu.com/
- Bus Access:
- “Bunka Center Kogane-jinja-mae (文化センター金神社前)” (3-min walk)
- “Kinkabashi-dori Yanagase (金華橋通り柳ケ瀬)” (3-min walk / Automated bus: 4-min walk)
- “Tetsumei-cho (徹明町)” (4-min walk)
- “Yanagase (柳ケ瀬)” (4-min walk)
- Gifu Mokuyukan (ぎふ木遊館) A facility where kids can play with high-quality wooden toys. Note: Advance online reservation is required.
- Website: https://mokuyukan.pref.gifu.lg.jp/
- Bus Access: From JR Gifu Bus Terminal, take the Mitahora Line (三田洞線) K50 to “Memorial Seimon-mae (メモリアル正門前)” and walk 4 minutes.
- Media Cosmos (みんなの森 ぎふメディアコスモス) & Gifu City Hall (岐阜市役所) Modern facilities with a library, events, clean restrooms, and a free observation deck.
See how local families are enjoying Tsunagute!
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Essential Shopping for Parents
It is best to stock up on baby supplies (diapers, milk, snacks) at larger commercial facilities near JR/Meitetsu Gifu Station (such as the Asty Gifu shopping center) before heading to the Nagara River area.
- Drugstores: You will find many stores like V-Drug, Sugi Drug, Genky, Drug Yutaka, and Welcia throughout the city. They carry baby essentials and personal hygiene products.
- Mom’s Tip: There is a V-Drug on the 1st floor of the Yanagase Grassle (柳ヶ瀬グラッスル) building, which is also where Tsunagute (ツナグテ) is located. It is incredibly convenient to visit both!
- Large Baby Stores: If you need a wider variety of toys or baby goods, visit Toys “R” Us at AEON MALL Kakamigahara (イオンモール各務原) or Masa21 (マーサ21) in Masaki, Gifu City.
A Note for Your Adventure: Gifu Family Park
If you plan to visit Gifu Family Park (岐阜ファミリーパーク), please be aware that bus service is limited.
- Mom’s Advice: Always check the bus schedule in advance, consider leaving earlier than planned, or keep a local taxi company’s phone number handy just in case!
Stay tuned! In my next post, I will share my top secret for navigating the city like a local: “The Gifu Kinkazan View Ticket.” It is the ultimate way to save money and travel stress-free on Gifu’s buses. Don’t miss it!
