gifu tourism and event newsletter, vol. 28, autumn

8/11/2019 Gifu Tourism and Event Newsletter, Vol. 28, Autumn

1/3ifu Crossroads Page 1 Autumn 2014

Fall is once again upon us in Gifu Prefecture, with the weather cooling down and thepromise of vibrant autumn leaves and exciting festivals to keep us occupied as wemove towards the end of the year. October is a particularly busy month, with festivalsof all kinds happening in every corner of the prefecture, from the Battle of SekigaharaFestival that celebrates the most decisive battle in Japanese history down in the plains

of Mino to the world famous Takayama Festival up in Hida Takayama. Gifu has awealth of interesting events to offer visitors during the autumn season, whether you area fan of nature, culture, history or the traditional arts.

Perhaps the most well known event in Gifu Prefecture,the Takayama Festival brings an incredible number ofvisitors from both within Japan and across the world to

see its detailed yataifestival floats and elaboratekarakuri marionettes that capture the hearts andimaginations of all those who view their performances.

Another draw of the event is the night festival whereguests can see the floats in a whole new light as theyadorn hundreds of glowing lanterns that add anadditional layer of the mystique to the already beautifulTakayama Festival in Hida Takayama.

Takayama Autumn FestivalOctober 9thand 10th

http://travel.kankou-gifu.jp/en/see-and-do/9/



Seki City is, alongside Solingen in Germany, consideredone of the foremost production centers of high-qualityblades in the world, and the Seki Cutlery Festival that

happens every October is held in celebration of thisongstanding bladesmithing tradition. Though once

known primarily for the creation of superb Japanesewords, manufacturers in Seki City sell a great variety

of items including kitchen knives, scissors, nail clippersand more, which can all be had for extremelyeasonable prices. In addition to a marketplace, other

events held during the festival include a traditionalword forging demonstration, displays of swordsmenhowing off their skills, and more.

In the village of Shirakawa, offerings of doburoku(apulpy, unrefined sake) are made to the gods of themountain at multiple shrines across the area from lateSeptember to mid October. The accompanyingDoburoku Festival includes processions, lion dances,folk singing and dancing, and the distribution ofdoburokusake to those who visit the area during thissacred time. The main event is spread across differentshrines on different dates, so those interested inattending should take a look at Gifus official tourismwebsite for more information.

Held in the downtown area of Gifu City, thecapital of Gifu Prefecture, is the Gifu NobunagaFestival that celebrates the areas foundingheroes. Named for Oda Nobunaga, whoestablished Gifu Castle atop Kinka Mountain andlived there for some time, this festival includesmany exciting events, including a procession in

which local people dress up as famous historicfigures and parade through downtown Gifu City,a cavalry unit with matchlock gun battalion,stamp rallies, marching bands and more.

Come celebrate the memory of the famousWarring States period general, Oda Nobunaga, indowntown Gifu City!

Doburoku FestivalOctober 14-15, 16-17, 18-19 (depending on location)http://travel.kankou-gifu.jp/en/see-and-do/55/

Gifu Nobunaga FestivalOctober 4thand 5th


47thSeki Cutlery FestivalOctober 11thand 12th




This dynamic and exciting festival that happens inSekigahara, which was the site for a decisive battlethat brought an end to the long Warring States periodof Japanese history when Tokugawa Ieyasu of the eastled his armies to defeat Ishida Mitsunari of the west,uniting the country and bringing peace to the land thatlasted for over 250 years.

To celebrate this momentous event, history enthusiastsgather in Sekigahara at the very same spot where theBattle of Sekigahara occurred over 400 years ago,participating in the many exciting events that happenduring the festival. Purchase merchandise based onyour favorite generals at the Sengoku Marketplace,view matchlock gun firing demonstrations, enjoy theSekigahara Sengoku Live Concert, mingle with otherhistory buffs and be enthralled by the main eventa

breathtaking recreation of the Battle of Sekigahara!

Mino Washi Akari Art is what is born ofcombining the washi paper made in Mino City withsoft lights, submissions of which are accepted fromartists all over the country and then compiledtogether for this exhibition that takes place just

once each year in the citys old quarter. While inthe area, visitors can enjoy the sights of the areaand pick up many interesting souvenirs thatimplement washipaper in unexpected ways, likeusing it to make socks or towels.

Guests can also stop by the Mino Washi AkariArt Gallery, which hosts a display of paper lightsculptures from the exhibition as well as a gift shop

that is stocked full with interesting items.

ublisher:

ternational Affairs Division,urism Exchange Promotion Office Tel: +81-058-272-1111 (Ext.2356)

epartment of Commerce, Labor and Industry Fax: +81-058-278-2674fu Prefectural Government Email: [email protected] Yabuta-minami, Gifu City, GIFU 500-8570 gifucrossroads.wordpress.com

21stMino Washi Akari Art ExhibitionOctober 11thand 12th


The Battle of Sekigahara FestivalOctober 18thand 19th


Sekigahara TownHistory and

Folklore Museum

http://travel.kankou-

gifu.jp/en/see-and-do/87/
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]

gifu tourism and event newsletter, vol. 28, autumn

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