Complete Guide to Kinkazan Ropeway and Gifu Castle | Thorough Explanation of Access, Fees, and Highlights
Kinkazan Ropeway and Gifu Castle, representative tourist attractions of Gifu City. The ropeway, which can reach the summit of Mt. Kinkazan at an elevation of 329 meters in approximately 4 minutes, is a spectacular viewing spot where you can see the natural beauty of the Nagara River and the Gifu cityscape at a glance, attracting many tourists throughout the year. This article provides detailed information necessary for sightseeing, including the appeal, usage methods, and surrounding facilities of Kinkazan Ropeway and Gifu Castle.
What is Gifu Kinkazan Ropeway?
History and Overview
Gifu Kinkazan Ropeway opened on April 15, 1955, and will mark its 70th anniversary in 2025 as a historic tourist facility. It was established through public-private partnership with the aim of developing Gifu City as a tourist destination with both the “Nagara River Cormorant Fishing” and “Mt. Kinkazan and Gifu Castle” as twin pillars.
It is a tri-line aerial ropeway system in which two carriers travel back and forth alternately between the base station and the summit station. With a slant length of 599.43 meters, an elevation difference of 255.43 meters, and a steepest gradient of 32 degrees, it connects the base station at Gifu Park to the Mt. Kinkazan summit station.
Views from the Ropeway
During the ride, you can enjoy the greenery of Mt. Kinkazan covered with natural forest below and the natural beauty of the Nagara River flowing peacefully. The cityscape of Gifu is also visible in full view, and on clear days, a spectacular vista stretches to distant mountains. The approximately 4-minute aerial walk is a luxurious time where you can enjoy the scenery of each season.
The attraction is that it shows different expressions with each season: fresh greenery in spring, deep green in summer, autumn leaves in fall, and snow-capped mountains in winter.
Business Hours and Operation Schedule
Regular Business Hours
Business hours for Gifu Kinkazan Ropeway vary by season. Basic operating hours are as follows.
Regular Period
- First departure: 9:00 AM
- Last departure: 6:00 PM (last descent at 6:15 PM)
The operating interval is normally every 15 minutes per hour, but additional cars may be added every 10 minutes depending on congestion. Especially during busy seasons such as Golden Week and the autumn foliage season, the number of operations increases to reduce waiting times.
Night Operations
Night operations are conducted during the summer season, and are used by many tourists who want to enjoy the night view. During the night operation period, business hours are extended, and you can enjoy the beautiful night view of Gifu City from the summit. The change in scenery from dusk to night is particularly fantastical and is popular as a dating spot.
For detailed information about the night operation period and hours, we recommend checking the official website for the latest information.
Closures and Temporary Operations
Operations run year-round, but service may be suspended for safety reasons during severe weather such as strong winds or lightning. Also, temporary closures may occur for regular maintenance, so be sure to check the operation status on the official website or SNS before your visit.
Pricing System and Discount Information
Basic Fares
Ropeway fares include round-trip and one-way tickets, which vary by age group.
Round-trip Fares (Reference)
- Adults (12 years old and junior high school students and above): approximately 1,100 yen
- Children (4 years old to under 12 years old): approximately 550 yen
One-way Fares (Reference)
- Adults: approximately 630 yen
- Children: approximately 300 yen
※Fares may change, so please check the official website for the latest information.
Discounted Combination Tickets
Combination tickets that bundle Gifu Castle admission and ropeway fares are also available, offering better value than purchasing separately. If you plan to visit Gifu Castle, we recommend purchasing a combination ticket.
Group Discounts and Special Discounts
Group discounts apply for groups of 20 or more. Additionally, there are discount systems for those with disability certificates and their caregivers. Please contact the inquiry desk for details.
Access Methods and Parking Information
Access via Public Transportation
From JR Gifu Station or Meitetsu Gifu Station
Use Gifu Bus from both stations.
- Boarding bus stop: JR Gifu Station platforms 12 & 13, or Meitetsu Gifu Station platform 4
- Routes: “Nagara Bridge,” “Takatomi,” “City Loop Counterclockwise,” etc.
- Alighting bus stop: “Gifu Park/Gifu Castle”
- Travel time: approximately 15 minutes
- Fare: approximately 210 yen one way
From the bus stop to the ropeway base station is approximately 3 minutes on foot. The route passes through Gifu Park, allowing you to enjoy the park’s scenery as you head there.
Access by Car
From Expressways
- Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway “Gifu Kakamigahara IC” – approximately 20 minutes
- Meishin Expressway “Gifu Hashima IC” – approximately 30 minutes
- Meishin Expressway “Ichinomiya IC” – approximately 30 minutes
Car Navigation Settings
- Facility Name: Gifu Park
- Address: 257 Sensho-shita, Gifu City (Ropeway Base Station)
Parking Information
You cannot drive directly to Mt. Kinkazan summit, Lis Village, or Gifu Castle. You must use the parking lot at the base and take the ropeway to the summit.
Gifu Park Teigai Parking Lot
- Capacity: approximately 300 spaces
- Fees: 300 yen per visit (regular cars)
- Operating hours: 8:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Parking tends to be crowded on holidays and during tourist seasons, so we recommend arriving early. If full, you will need to use paid parking lots in the surrounding area.
The Charm and Highlights of Gifu Castle
History of Gifu Castle
Gifu Castle, standing at the summit of Mt. Kinkazan, is a historic structure that flourished as the castle of Saito Dosan and Oda Nobunaga during the Sengoku period. Lord Nobunaga used this castle as a base for his pursuit of unification of Japan, and it is said that the place name “Gifu” was also named during this era.
The current main keep was restored in 1956 and is a three-story, four-level reinforced concrete structure. The castle interior displays materials related to Oda Nobunaga and Saito Dosan, as well as Sengoku-era armor and weapons, making it a must-see spot for history enthusiasts.
360-Degree Panorama from the Main Keep
The highest floor of Gifu Castle’s main keep offers a grand 360-degree vista. Below, you can see the beautiful flow of the Nagara River, the spread of Gifu City, and in the distance, Mt. Ibuki and the Yoro Mountains. On clear days, you can see all the way to the Northern Alps.
The scenery at dusk is particularly exceptional, and the view of the Nobi Plain bathed in the setting sun fascinates all who visit. Standing in the main keep at the 329-meter summit, the view is a precious opportunity to experience the “perspective of a supreme ruler.”
Gifu Castle Business Hours and Admission
Business Hours
- Regular season: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM (Last admission 4:00 PM)
- Extended summer hours available
Admission
- Adults (16 years old and above): 200 yen
- Children (4 years old to under 16 years old): 100 yen
From the ropeway summit station to Gifu Castle’s main keep is approximately 8 minutes on foot. While the well-maintained walking trail is easy to navigate, there are some steep slopes, so we recommend visiting in comfortable walking shoes.
A Healing Experience at Mt. Kinkazan Lis Village
Japan’s First Squirrel Village
“Mt. Kinkazan Lis Village” in front of the ropeway summit station is famous as Japan’s first lis village, opened in Showa 40 (1965). Approximately 30 Taiwanese squirrels are kept free-range, making it a popular spot where you can interact closely with squirrels.
How to Enjoy Lis Village
Upon entering the village, you can observe squirrels freely moving around. If you purchase special food (sold separately), you can hand-feed the squirrels directly by placing food on your palm. Friendly squirrels may even climb onto your hands or shoulders, offering an experience enjoyable for both children and adults.
Photography is freely permitted, so enjoy taking commemorative photos with the cute squirrels. However, since squirrels are wild animals, it is important to interact gently without forcing contact or chasing them.
Lis Village Operating Information
Business Hours
- Based on ropeway operating hours
- Last admission: 30 minutes before the last descent ropeway
Admission
- Adults (junior high school students and above): approximately 400 yen
- Children (4 years old and above): approximately 200 yen
During winter or in severe weather, operations may be suspended, so we recommend confirming before your visit.
Observation Restaurant “Le Pont du Ciel”
Dining Experience Enjoying the Spectacular View
An observation restaurant “Le Pont du Ciel” is attached to the ropeway summit station. The name means “Bridge of Sky” in French, and true to its name, it’s a popular spot where you can enjoy meals while taking in wonderful views.
Menu and Cuisine
Dishes using local Gifu ingredients and cafe menus are available. During lunch hours, you can enjoy set meals, curry, and pasta, while during cafe time, you can relax with desserts and drinks.
What’s particularly popular is dining while gazing at Gifu City and the Nagara River from the large windows. On clear days, terrace seating is also available, where you can enjoy meals in an open and spacious atmosphere.
Business Hours and Reservations
Business hours follow the ropeway operating schedule, but the last order is 30 minutes before closing. The restaurant may become crowded on holidays and during tourist seasons, so we recommend visiting with time to spare.
Souvenir Shopping at the Base Station Gift Shop
Local Gifu Specialty Products
Gift shops at both the base station and summit station sell specialty products from Gifu and original merchandise. The base station shop carries famous sweets representing Gifu, such as sweetened ayu fish, chestnuts in sugar syrup, and persimmon yokan.
Original Goods
Original merchandise featuring Kinkazan Ropeway, Gifu Castle, and Lis Village is also popular. A wide variety of souvenirs including keychains, postcards, and T-shirts are available. Goods featuring squirrel motifs are particularly cute and make appreciated souvenirs.
Seasonal Events and Ways to Enjoy
Spring Fresh Green Season
From April to May, Mt. Kinkazan is wrapped in beautiful fresh greenery. The bright green of newly sprouted vegetation can be enjoyed from the ropeway, and the aerial walk offers a refreshing atmosphere. Gifu Park is also in bloom with cherry blossoms, and the area becomes busy with tourists visiting to enjoy both.
Summer Night Operations
During the summer night operation period, it’s a perfect opportunity to enjoy the night view. The night view of Gifu City created by city lights after sunset offers a completely different fantastical atmosphere from daytime. The view enjoyed from the cool summit while feeling the night breeze becomes a special summer memory.
Autumn Foliage Season
From late October to mid-November, Mt. Kinkazan transforms into a spectacular autumn foliage viewing season. The sight of the entire mountain turning red and yellow is impressive, and the panorama of autumn leaves viewed from the ropeway is well worth seeing. Crowding is expected during this period, so we recommend visiting during earlier hours.
Winter Clear Air
During winter, the air is clear, and many days offer excellent viewing of distant mountains. The sight of snow-capped Mt. Kinkazan and the view of the Northern Alps on clear days are spectacular. If you take proper precautions against the cold, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery unique to winter.
Congestion Levels and Tips for Visiting
Peak Seasons and Times
Gifu Kinkazan Ropeway experiences particularly heavy crowding during:
- Golden Week
- Summer vacation period
- Autumn foliage season (late October – mid-November)
- Weekends and holidays from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
During these periods, you may wait 30 minutes or more at the ropeway boarding area.
Tips to Avoid Crowds
Points to enjoy sightseeing comfortably:
- Early Morning Visits: The 9:00 AM hour just after opening is relatively quiet
- Weekday Visits: Visiting on weekdays is recommended if possible
- Late Afternoon: Crowding tends to ease after 3:00 PM
- Prior Status Check: Confirm congestion status on the official website or SNS
Estimated Time Requirements
Standard time estimates for round-trip ropeway and summit sightseeing:
- Ropeway only: approximately 30 minutes
- Ropeway + Gifu Castle: approximately 1 hour 30 minutes
- Ropeway + Gifu Castle + Lis Village: approximately 2 hours
- Ropeway + Gifu Castle + Lis Village + Dining: approximately 3 hours
Plan with adequate time allowance.
Nearby Tourist Attractions
Gifu Park
Gifu Park, where the ropeway base station is located, is a beautiful park stretching at the foot of Mt. Kinkazan. Within the park are facilities including the remains of Lord Nobunaga’s residence, the Gifu City History Museum, and the Nawa Insect Museum, offering enjoyable strolls. The beautiful flowers that bloom in each season make it an ideal spot for relaxing time.
Nagara River Cormorant Fishing
Nagara River Cormorant Fishing, a summer symbol of Gifu, runs from May 11 to October 15 (excluding the autumnal equinox and periods of high water). This traditional fishing method, with over 1,300 years of history, involves cormorant masters operating cormorants on the night Nagara River, creating a fantastical scene. Many tourists enjoy this along with Kinkazan Ropeway.
Kawaracho Historic Town Area
Kawaracho, spreading along the Nagara River, is an area where the historic townscape dating back to the Edo period remains. Latticed storefronts of traditional townhouses and stone-paved alleys evoke the atmosphere of old Japan, with cafes, curio shops, and traditional sweet shops scattered throughout. Within walking distance of Gifu Park, adding it to your sightseeing route is also recommended.
Precautions and Items to Bring During Your Visit
Clothing and Items to Bring
- Comfortable Walking Shoes: You’ll walk uphill from the summit station to Gifu Castle
- Seasonal Clothing: Since the summit is cooler than the base, bring a jacket
- Sun Protection: In summer, bring a hat and sunscreen
- Rain Gear: A folding umbrella is handy as weather can change suddenly
- Camera: Bring photography equipment as there are many scenic spots
Safety Precautions
- Service may be suspended during high winds or thunderstorms
- The walking trails at the summit have slippery areas, so be careful
- Do not chase or forcibly touch squirrels in the lis village
- Be careful of your footing as stairs in the main keep are steep
Pets
Small dogs in carry bags may ride the ropeway for free. However, pets are not permitted inside the lis village. We recommend confirming details beforehand.
Contact Information and Official Resources
Basic Information
Gifu Kinkazan Ropeway
- Address: 257 Sensho-shita, Gifu City
- Phone: 058-262-6784
- Official Website: https://www.kinkazan.co.jp/
Gifu Castle
- Phone: 058-263-4853 (Gifu Castle Management Office)
How to Check Latest Information
Operation status and event information are regularly updated on the official website and Instagram (@gifukinkazanropeway). Checking the latest information before your visit allows for more comfortable sightseeing.
Summary: The Charm of Visiting Kinkazan Ropeway and Gifu Castle
Gifu Kinkazan Ropeway and Gifu Castle are representative tourist attractions of Gifu City where you can enjoy history, nature, and spectacular views all at once. The approximately 4-minute aerial ride reaches a summit offering panoramic views of the natural beauty of the Nagara River and Gifu’s cityscape, captivating visitors with seasonal scenery.
Gifu Castle, where Oda Nobunaga based his pursuit of unification during the Sengoku period; the healing experience at Japan’s first lis village; an observation restaurant where you can enjoy spectacular views; and a gift shop with an array of Gifu specialties—the summit offers diverse pleasures.
Access is also convenient, with bus service approximately 15 minutes from JR Gifu Station or Meitetsu Gifu Station, and driving is within 30 minutes of major expressway interchanges. It’s an ideal spot for day trips or longer stays in Gifu City.
With different charm in each season and new discoveries on every visit, Kinkazan Ropeway and Gifu Castle are worth returning to repeatedly. Why not visit this wonderful tourist destination on your next day off and enjoy Gifu’s scenery from the perspective of a supreme ruler?
