GIFU CULTURE

Gifu is a rich cultural center located in the heart of Japan.

The city is well known for its beautiful lacquerware, cormorant fishing on the Nagara River, and bright and lively festivals.

Shunkei Lacquerware

The well known lacquerware center, Hida-Takayama in northern Gifu, has been producing lacquerware for over three-hundred years.

This Japanese art form began as a means of strengthening and coating wood and other materials.

Lacquerware has developed to include many beautiful and shimmering designs incorporating engraved carvings and precious metals.

There are approximately 40 families that produce Shunkei. They are working to preserve the production method and develop pieces with a more modern flavor.

Cormorant Fishing

Also known as Ukai, cormorant fishing is fishing with small pelican-like birds called cormorants. The birds are controlled by their masters, the cormorant fishermen.

The birds birds are allowed to catch the fish, but are prevented from swallowing them by a wire ring placed around their necks.

This elegant style of fishing has been carefully preserved by the cormorant master and his family.

This traditional display of culture can be seen every night from May 15 to October 11 from the banks of the Nagara River.

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Takayama Festival

A yin festival: tame, elegant, beautiful, feminine.

A Japanese procession of magnificent floats and traditionally dressed participants.

Furukawa Festival

A yang festival: wild, carnival, dangerous, masculine.

Men march the large Okoshi Daiko (drum) through the streets. Great feasts and activities are enjoyed.

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Additional Cultural Information

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