Cherry Blossoms at Gifu Park in Gifu City

Next spot on my list of cherry blossom spots in Gifu City was Gifu Park, which is a short walk from the Japan and China Friendship Garden. Gifu Park is a public park located at the foot of Mount Kinka, a symbol of Gifu City along with Gifu Castle. It is a popular rest spot for local residents and tourists.

The park used to the home to samurai warlord, Oda Nobunaga’s (1534-1582) impressive palace, which was called heaven on earth by Portuguese Jesuit Missionary, Luis Frois (1532-1597). The palace was called Senjo-jiki (one-thousand tatami mats) and was so large that it covered about two-thirds of the present day park. A castle town was developed by Nobunaga around the base of the mountain. 

Cherry blossoms at Gifu Park

 

The wide spacious park is home to many cherry blossom trees

At the top of Mount Kinka is Gifu Castle, an impressive fortress that was first built over 800 years ago. The modern castle is a reconstruction, which you can reach by one of the seven main hiking trails, or a quick ride on a cable car.

The park is surrounded by beautiful nature and is home to several different types of cherry blossom trees. 

Cherry blossoms close up

 

A different type of cherry blossom

Gifu Park has been selected as one of Japan’s “Top 100 Public Historical Parks.”

The beauty of spring at Gifu Park