Ayaka Nakamura, a reporter for CBC, explores hidden charms in popular areas of the Tokai region in "Ayaka Nakamura's 10,000 Steps Treasure Hunt."

This time, she went on a treasure hunt around Gifu Castle in Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture! From historical sites to exquisite gourmet food and traditional events, we introduce three "impressive spots" that you can only discover by walking.

Impressive Spot ① A grand panorama spreading out below! A spectacular view from the summit of Mt. Kinka

Nakamura started from "Gifu Castle Rakuichi," a tourist facility that opened last May in Gifu Park at the foot of Gifu Castle. When she was approached by local university students and asked where they were going...

(Local university student)
"Today, I'm going to see the historical sites of (Oda) Nobunaga. Even if you don't climb the castle, there are still stone walls left. I'm going to see them and then go home."

There are two ways to get to Gifu Castle at the summit of Mt. Kinka: on foot or by ropeway.
Nakamura chose the ropeway.

Enjoying the spectacular view unique to the ropeway, she arrived at the summit station in no time. From there, it's about a 7-minute walk to Gifu Castle.

The first impressive spot she encountered after 2057 steps was the grand panorama viewed from the summit of Mt. Kinka.

From the castle tower, you can overlook the city of Gifu, which Nobunaga Oda must have also seen. If the weather is good, you can even see as far as Nagoya City beyond it.

Currently, Gifu Castle is closed for renovation work from May 19th. The day Nakamura visited was just "barely in time." It is scheduled to reopen in November 2027.

Impressive Spot ② Gifu's soul food! Exquisite "Hiyashi Tanuki Soba" popular in Kawaramachi

At Gifu Castle tower, Ms. Senda from Gifu City gave her some useful information.

(Ms. Senda from Gifu City)
"(Pointing to the river visible from the castle tower) This is the Nagara River, where Nagara River Cormorant Fishing begins today. It starts today."

After hearing this valuable information, Nakamura descended by ropeway. Since there was still time until the cormorant fishing started at night, she began another inquiry in the surrounding area.

When she asked a woman walking her dog for recommendations...

(Woman)
"Kawaramachi. It's a place where old townscapes remain. There are cafes and bakeries. Would you like to go to the entrance together?"

About a 10-minute walk from "Gifu Castle Rakuichi," Kawaramachi was already bustling with many people, as it was the opening day of cormorant fishing.

When she asked the woman who walked with her about recommended gourmet food in Kawaramachi...

(Woman)
"'Hiyashi Tanuki Tengoku' is famous."

The second impressive spot she encountered after 4648 steps was the exquisite Hiyashi Tanuki Soba. The soba restaurant "Hiyashi Tanuki Tengoku" in the center of Kawaramachi opened in 2025. It is so popular that it is full as soon as it opens, even on weekdays.

The specialty "Hiyashi Tanuki Soba" is a carefully prepared dish where noodles are quickly boiled in a hot pot, immediately chilled, and then thoroughly tightened with cold water.

The dashi-soaked tempura bits and the smooth, easy-to-swallow noodles are an excellent match. It's a perfect dish for a hot day.

Impressive Spot ③ Impressed by the fantastic fishing fires! To the traditional cormorant fishing of the Nagara River

Nakamura heard from a staff member at "Hiyashi Tanuki Tengoku" that "a night market will be held on the other side of the river."

As she walked, she saw the lights of food stalls in the distance. From the bridge, she saw houseboats waiting for the start of cormorant fishing and the Nagara River dyed by the sunset.

The third impressive spot she found after 7615 steps was the traditional cormorant fishing of the Nagara River.

She arrived at the right bank of the Nagara River, where food stalls lined up and cormorant fishing could be seen. On the opening day of cormorant fishing and on Saturdays during the period, a night market is held, and various shops line the area.

Cormorant fishing is held daily until October 15th.

Nakamura bought the famous grilled ayu with salt and immediately tried it!

(Ayaka Nakamura)
"It's hot, crispy on the outside, and fluffy on the inside."

Then, as the sun gradually set, cormorant fishing finally began.

Nakamura was deeply moved by the fantastic fishing fires floating in the darkness and the traditional techniques seen up close.
She finally finished with 10065 steps. It was a day filled with the charm of the area around Gifu Castle, from historical sites to gourmet food and traditional culture.

From CBC TV "Chant!" broadcast on May 27, 2026