Japan and China Friendship Garden Gifu

The Japan and China Friendship Garden (日中友好庭園) is located right across the road from Gifu Park (岐阜公園) in Gifu City. The garden was created to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the friendship and affiliation between Gifu City in Japan and Hangzhou in China. It was also created to further improve the sometimes fragile relationship between these two nations.

Inside the garden is a small version of the West Lake of Hangzhou and some interesting Chinese style architecture including a Hangzhou gate and a pair of guardian lions. The pond and garden has been created to reflect the scenery of the four seasons.

Best Cherry Blossom Spots in Gifu

We are lucky here in Gifu to have so many great spots for viewing the beautiful cherry blossoms. This year they are expected to start blooming close to their average schedule with the estimated start date of around March 25 in Gifu. The peak is estimated for around April 3-10.

A popular past-time during the sakura or cherry blossom season in Japan is “hanami”. Hanami (花見) literally means “flower viewing” and cherry blossom viewing is a traditional Japanese custom of enjoying the beautiful cherry blossoms.

Below are some of my favourite spots for cherry blossom viewing in Gifu.

Gifu Park Chrysanthemum Flower Show

During Autumn in Japan Gifu Park comes alive with red and yellow leaves as well as chrysanthemums. The chrysanthemum or “kiku” in Japanese is one of the flowers that are considered to be an unofficial national flower, the other is the “sakura” or cherry blossom. Japan does not have an official national flower, but the chrysanthemum is used as the official seal of the Japanese Imperial Family.

Every Autumn the Chrysanthemum Flower Show is held at Gifu Park in the center of Gifu City. Gifu Park is located at the foot of Mt Kinka, and is where the samurai warlord Oda Nobunaga made his home on his mission to unify Japan. The Chrysanthemum Flower Show features around 3000 pots of various chrysanthemums that are put on display. They include species such as the “Minogiku” which is known for its multi-coloured pedals and originated here in Gifu, as well as “Yamagiku” and “Ogiku” species.

Chrysanthemums at Gifu Park

Chrysanthemum Flower Display

A cool shape created with Chrysanthemum

There is also a Chrysanthemum Doll Show featuring Oda Nobunaga as well as soldiers guarding the huge door to his magnificent palace. The Chrysanthemum garden is also very spectacular and full of bright vibrant colours.

Oda Nobunaga with his court

The Chrysanthemum Garden with lots of colours

Nobunaga's guards at the watch tower

Guards at the entrance to Lord Nobunaga's Palace

Lord Nobunaga with Nohime at Gifu Park

There are also several bonsai flower displays to see through-out the park.

Bonsai Display

Event Details:

Address: Omiya-cho, Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture
Admission: FREE
Hours: The park is open 24 hours
Show Period: Late October to Late November

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