#sightsofjapan

Gifu is very close yet we had  never been. So we decided to visit to see what it had to offer. Gifu City is large and looks a lot like Nagoya if a few more 60 style buildings. We arrived early afternoon and it was pretty dead. We went in search of food. Eventually after investigating a tired looking mall we found an Irish bar called “Losers” of course we had to check it out. It was a small compact pub with a large TV showing rugby , the walls were plastered in beer mats from across the world. We left non the wiser to the origin of the name. 

After a short bus ride we found our hotel overlooking the river. This is the river where they have cormorant fishing and huge fireworks displays in the summer. 

Our hotel was opposite the hill  where Gifu castle is situated. A hill we were going to climb the following day. 

It was a traditional ryokan meaning tea on arrival and yukata to relax in.  After enjoying the onsen facilities we went in search of evening atmosphere. We found the restaurant and bar district near the station and discovered an excellent little place which specialised on all things that are skewered. 

After an early breakfast we were supposed to take a leisurely walk up the hill. 

Instead of the gentle scenic stroll we ended up on the climbing route - not suitable for the aged and infirm. Saying that I was overtaken by several hardcore hikers who were at least 70. It was a relatively tough route but only took 45 minutes. We checked out the castle which housed a pretty cool museum, ate some ice-cream and happily for me took the cable car back down. 

We also took in another great sight from Gifu a giant buddha that is hidden away in an unassuming temple.