Video Introduction of "Nangu Taisha" in Fuwa-gun, Gifu Prefecture, Japan This video, titled "【美濃国一宮】南宮大社 - Nangu Taisha Shrine in GIFU, JAPAN -," was created by "channel WASABI." Nangu Taisha Shrine is a shrine with a long history, located in Gifu Prefecture's Fuwa District, in the Tokai region of Japan. The locals affectionately call the shrine "Nangu-san" (なんぐうさん). There are 18 archaeological remnants of buildings from the Edo Period within the grounds and these are designated as Important Cultural Properties. Nangu Taisha Shrine is also known as "Tsubaki Taisha Shrine" as camellias burst into bloom in spring (椿, tsubaki = camellia). The various varieties of camellias are stunningly beautiful, so you should definitely take a look. The shrine is a tourist destination near the ancient battlefield of Sekigahara. In this article, we'll use the video as a guide to introduce the shrine. What is Nangu Taisha Shrine? Photo：Nangu Taisha Shrine, Gifu Prefecture Nangu Taisha Shrine is located at the foot of Mt. Nangu in western Gifu prefecture. It's said that the shrine was named "Nangu" due to it being "a palace located in the south of the capital" (南宮, Nangu - lit. "Southern Palace"). The shrine's enshrined deity is "Kanayamahiko-no-kami" (金山彦命), the god of mining. Therefore, from the past and even in the modern era, Nangu Taisha Shrine has been the main shrine of the mining and metal industry nationwide. Furthermore, "Kanayamahiko-no-kami" is also known for being the elder brother of Amaterasu Omikami (天照大神) of Ise Jingu Shrine (伊勢神宮). As Nangu Taisha Shrine's enshrined deity is the god of mining, the shrine is believed to bring good fortune and victory, making it a popular place of worship for those preparing for entrance exams or praying for success. It's also famous as a place to pray for safe child delivery. The history of Nangu Taisha Shrine Photo：Nangu Taisha Shrine, Gifu Prefecture According to the shrine’s written history, it was built during the time of Emperor Sujin. In the mid Heian Period, the shrine is listed in the Engishiki Jinmyocho (延喜式神名帳, register of shrines in Japan) as "Minonokuni Fuwa-gun Nakayama Kanayamahiko Jinja" (美濃国不破郡 仲山金山彦神社), alongside other famous shrines. The shrine was also known as "Minonokuni Ichinomiya" (美濃国一宮) at one point. In April 1501, a fire broke out, leading to the main hall and the priests' quarters being burnt down. Reconstruction was carried out by the shrine's guardian Toki Masafusa (土岐政房), and was completed in 1511. In 1600, the shrine was once again destroyed by fire in the Battle of Sekigahara and was rebuilt by Tokugawa Iemitsu in 1642. A valuable record of the shrine exists, which lists the costs and various other details regarding the rebuilding of the shrine. This record has been designated as an Important Cultural Property. Highlights of Nangu Taisha Shrine Photo：Nangu Taisha Shrine, Gifu Prefecture ① Harae Dokoro (祓所) From 0:29 in the video, you can see the harae dokoro at Nangu Shrine. This is an important place where you purify yourself before entering the shrine. ② Tower Gate (楼門) The tower gate of Nangu Taisha Shrine can be seen at 0:42 in the video. This is also designated an Important Cultural Property. ③ Ishiwa Bridge (石輪橋) Ishiwa Bridge can be seen at 0:59 in the video. It is a magnificent stone bridge. Unfortunately, the bridge itself is off-limits to the public, but feel free to look around and take pictures. ④ Kobuden (高舞殿) Kobuden can be seen at 1:26 in the video. This aesthetically pleasing spot is also designated as an Important Cultural Property. ⑤ Hall of Worship (拝殿) The hall of worship can be seen at 2:02 of the video. The hall is a place for exorcisms and prayers, and where worshippers can make offerings. Nangu Taisha Shrine is a beautiful shrine painted in stunning vermillion. Why not make a visit to the shrine? Summary of this introduction to the Nangu Taisha Shrine Photo：Nangu Taisha Shrine, Gifu Prefecture The shrine is famous for being a spiritual spot, and for bringing good fortune, leading to many worshippers visiting every day. Visitors often buy a koban-shaped charm for economic fortune, one of the three types of shuin, or a shuincho (book for keeping temple seals) with beautiful designs, such as Nangu Taisha Shrine's tower gate or the sacred white camellia tree as souvenirs. In addition, Nangu Taisha Shrine is also the only place where you can see the five swords designated as Important Cultural Properties in Japan. In that sense, the shrine is a place where you can truly experience the rich history of Japan. Parking is also available. Be sure to check the transportation available before making your way over to Nangu Taisha Shrine! 【Tripadvisor】Nangu Taisha Shrine https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1121188-d7068531-Reviews-Nangu_Shrine-Tarui_cho_Fuwa_gun_Gifu_Prefecture_Tokai_Chubu.html

Video introduction of "Shirakawa-go" thatched-workers in Ono-gun, Gifu Prefecture In this article we introduce the following video: "Door to Tomorrow by At Home Series '#019 Thatcher Eizaku Tanaka'" (明日への扉 by アットホームシリーズ「#019 茅葺職人 田中 栄作」). The video introduces 26 year-old thatcher Eizaku Tanaka from 2:55. The young thatcher was born and raised in Shirakawa-go, Gifu, in the Tokai region (東海地方) of Japan. Shirakawa-go, a registered World Heritage Site, is situated in an area that experiences heavy snowfall each year. The characteristic Gassho-zukuri-style houses are built to withstand the harsh weather conditions, however, constructing the thatched roofing is not only hard physically but also requires a vast amount of knowledge and skill. More About Shirakawa-go, a World Heritage Site in Gifu Prefecture Photo：Shirakawa-go in winter, Gifu Prefecture The unspoiled landscape of the Japanese villages Shirakawa-go in Gifu prefecture and Gokayama (五箇山) in Toyama prefecture (富山県, toyamaken) is hard to find anywhere else in Japan. Both of these historic villages were registered as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1995. As mentioned previously, Shirakawa-go is located in Gifu prefecture. This area receives some of the heaviest snowfall in Japan and around 100 gassho-zukuri houses of varying sizes have been built in this remote area of the country. You can see the snow-covered gassho-zukuri houses from 1:47 in the video. Gasshozukuri Minkaen (合掌造り民家園), an open-air museum located in Ogimachi (荻町) lies along the Sho river (庄川, shougawa) and was registered as an Important Cultural Asset in 1976. Shirakawa-go used to be rarely visited by outsiders, especially during the winter months, however, as the beauty of the landscape became well known through the media and internet, the number of tourists dramatically increased and Shirakawa-go is now one of the top sightseeing spots in Japan. The village is often lit up at night and the snow-covered gassho-zukuri houses look like something out of a fairytale. More About the Thatchers of Shirakawa-go Photo：A thatched roof The sericulture (silk farming) industry was very important to the Shirakawa-go region. You can see the attics where the silk worms were kept from 1:48 in the video. The typical shape of the thatched roofs is called "Kirizuma" (切妻) and the main materials used to make the roofs are Chinese silver grass (ススキ, Miscanthus sinensis) and Kariyasu (刈安, Miscanthus tinctorius), both of which are water-resistant and breathable. The roofs are generally replaced every 30-40 years, with small repairs being made along the way. The layout of the houses within the village and even the angle of the roofs have all been carefully designed taking into consideration the fact that they must be able to withstand the strong winds and heavy snowfall of that region. The smoke which rises from the sunken fireplace (irori, 囲炉裏) helps to prevent pests and degradation of the roof and improves the overall durability. The thatchers use techniques like these to ensure the roofs are strong enough to withstand the rain and wind. Reroofing the Houses of Shirakawa-go Photo：Re-thatching by a thatching craftsman Gassho-zukuri houses have been built in Japan since the Edo period (1603 AD-1868 AD). Built without the use of nails, the houses are split into two areas: the first floor living space and the attic space used for silk-farming. Windows can be built into the roof and the spacious design of the Kirizumazukuri (切妻造り) roofs create the ideal conditions for silk farming during the harsh winter months. The roofs are supported by pillars that are cut at a particular angle, lodged in place, and then tied securely. No nails are used to hold the pillars in place. In this way, the frame of the roof is strong yet flexible enough to withstand earthquakes. The above are all great examples of the high level of skill involved in Japanese engineering and construction. The design and functionality of the thatched roofing is one of the highlights of the houses in Shirakawa-go. The roofs are highly durable, however, being made from natural materials, they do require reroofing every 30-40 years. Reed screens called "sudare" are first laid down as a base, after which bundles of miscanthus reed, cut to around 80cm in length, are piled on making sure to leave no gaps. The most difficult part of the reroofing process is perfecting the edge of the roof, as this affects not only the final look of the roof but also the durability. Reroofing is a huge project which with the combined effort of the local thatchers takes on average 2 months to complete and costs approximately 20 million yen. You can take a look at the reroofing process from 6:52 in the video. Summary of the Thatchers of Shirakawa-go, a World Heritage Site in Gifu Prefecture Photo：Thatched roofs in Shirakawa-go, Gifu Prefecture Shirakawa-go, a village nestled amongst the mountains of Gifu prefecture, is a popular sightseeing destination which attracts a large number of tourists year after year. Other popular tourist spots and events in the Shirakawa-go area include Hirase Onsen (平瀬温泉, hiraseonsen), the autumn foliage of the area, Myozenji Temple (明善寺) where you can collect Goshuin (御朱印) and see the Doboroku Festival (どぼろく祭, doborokumatsuri) as well as the lion dance called "Shishimai" (獅子舞) in Japanese. You can also take a look at Shirakawa-go online on the Shirakawa village office website, which incldues live camera footage taken from the observation deck. 【Official Website】Shirakawa-go Tourism Association https://shirakawa-go.gr.jp/ 【Tripadvisor】Shirakawa-go Gasshozukuri Village https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1119912-d1407426-Reviews-The_Historic_Villages_of_Shirakawa_go_Gassho_Style_Houses-Shirakawa_mura_Ono_gun.html

Introducing the Treasures of Gifu: Higashi Mino's Mountain Castle Ruins The video titled "The Treasures of Gifu: “Higashi Mino's Mountain Castle ruins"（岐阜の宝もの「ひがしみのの山城」) was created by "G-Men, Gifu's Handsome Civil Servants." This video introduces the history of different mountain castle ruins in the Gifu area. Gifu prefecture in Japan's Tokai region, officially deemed some of its attractions, that are appreciated all over Japan, the "Treasures of Gifu." In 2017, the Iwamura Castle Ruins and Iwamura Castle Town, as well as the Naegi Castle Ruins, Mino Kaneyama Castle Ruins, and Higashi Mino Castle Ruins, were added to the list of the "Treasures of Gifu." This video and article will take a close look at these castle ruins. If you watch the video very carefully, you'll feel like you're actually visiting these castle ruins and can learn more about the history of Japan. A Look at the Iwamura Castle Ruins Source of photo :YouTube screenshot The places you see in the video from 0:32 are the Iwamura Castle Ruins and Iwamura Castle Town, located in Ena City. Lady Otsuya (おつやの方,Otsuya no Kata), Nobunaga's aunt, was the castellan of Iwamura castle. Iwamura castle was built in the Kamakura period and it has been selected as one of the Top 100 castles in Japan, as well as one of Japan's Top 3 Mountain Castles. What's amazing about these castle ruins is that the castle itself has 17 original wells, six-layered walls, and a fabulous view of the Taiko Yagura (Drum tower). Iwamura castle town has 400 years of history involving merchants and old houses. Also stop by the Iwamura History museum, the Katsukawa House, and Toyasa if you are in the area. You can check out the CG (Computer Graphic) of Iwamura castle at 1:25. The Naegi Castle Ruins Source of photo :YouTube screenshot From 1:54 in the video, Nakatsugawa's Naegi Castle ruins is introduced. Being on top of a 432 meter hill and across from the Kiso-gawa river by mountain castle bridge, Naegi castle has one of the best views in Gifu. You can see the 360 degree panoramic view of Kiso-gawa river and other natural views from the observatory. This castle was constructed in 1526, when Toyama governed the Naegi area from the Warring States Period through the Edo Period. Naegi castle is also one of Top 100 castles in Japan and has a deep history. It has many attractive features, such as a stone wall made of natural gigantic rocks, a castle tower, as well as a large watchtower. You can see stone walls piled up and it looks as though the walls are holding the rocks up. If you're interested in the history of Nakatsugawa or the legend of Naegi castle, be sure to stop by the Naegi Toyama Historical Museum. You can also check out the CG video of Naegi castle at 2:43 in the video. The Mino Kaneyama Castle Ruins Source of photo :YouTube screenshot The Mino Kaneyama castle ruins are introduced in the video at 3:14. The ruins have interesting features, such as cornerstones and broken stone walls. Kaneyama castle is located on top of Mt. Kojo. It's 276 meters (~905 ft.) tall with the best view of Kaneyama in Kani. It was also selected as one of the top 100 castles in Japan and was constructed in 1537. You can also see the remaining cornerstones used for the building. Something interesting to note about Mino Kaneyama Castle is its battering ram. Destroying a castle was the condition of an armistice during Sengoku period. One of the most famous warriors, Mori Ranmaru, grew up in Kaneyama and became the lord of the castle when he was 18. Unfortunately, only two months after becoming lord of the castle, he perished with Oda Nobunaga during the Honnoji Incident. As Kaneyama is Ranmaru Mori’s hometown, there is a place called "Ranmaru Furusato no Mori" where you can see the beautiful view of a canyon. As Kani City, Gifu is the birthplace of Mitsuhide Akechi, there are several fun events related to Japanese history, such as a stamp collecting event and a Sengoku Period treasure hunting event that take place there. The Treasures of Gifu: Mino Higashi's Mountain Castle Ruins Source of photo :YouTube screenshot In the video "The Treasures of Gifu: Mino Higashi's Mountain Castle ruins], viewers are introduced to several popular castle ruins deemed the "Treasures of Gifu." As Japan's Tokai region was one of the most important areas in Japanese history, there are several important castles and castle ruins. Most of the castle ruins are located on top of hills and surrounded by nature, making them the perfect spots for Instagrammers. If you are interested in Japanese history, please come visit Japan and see these popular castles. 【Official Website】Gifu Prefecture Official Website https://www.pref.gifu.lg.jp/foreign-languages/English/

Gifu Castle" on Kinkazan in Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture Video Introduction The video this time is titled "[Sword World] Gifu Castle｜A Place to See Swords and Armor｜Swords and Armor on Display in the Castle ｜YouTube Video" (【刀剣ワールド】「岐阜城」刀剣・甲冑に会える城｜刀剣・甲冑展示の城郭 YouTube動画). It was released by "Virtual Sword Museum [Sword World]." It introduces Gifu Castle, located on Mt. Kinka in Gifu City, Gifu prefecture in Japan's Tokai region. The ruins of Gifu Castle are also designated as a national historic site and is a tourist spot with a long history. There used to be a saying that went, "He who controls Mino controls Japan" (Mino is present day Gifu), as Gifu Castle was once known as an impregnable fortress. The History of Gifu Castle Photo：Gifu Castle Gifu Castle is a beautiful castle that stands on the summit of Mt. Kinka in the formerly known territory of Minokuni Inoguchi (present-day Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture). A full view of Gifu Castle can be seen at 0:12 in the video. The castle was built in 1201 by the Saito family, and is said to have been the residence of Saito Dosan, who was feared as a "mamushi" (pit viper) during the Warring States period. In 1567, Oda Nobunaga seized the territory of Inabayama Castle from Saito Tatsuokiand rebuilt it before becoming the lord of Gifu Castle. Oda Nobunaga began to use the red seal of "Tenka Fubu" from around this time. The successive lords of Gifu Castle were Nikaido, Iga, Mino Saito, Oda, and Toyotomi. In the Edo period (1603-1868), the castle was abandoned and rebuilt as Kano Castle. Eventually, in the Showa period (1926-1989), Gifu Castle was rebuilt and still stands to this day. What kind of place is the Gifu Castle Museum which is shown in the video? Source :YouTube screenshot As you can see from 1:27 in the video, Gifu Castle's castle tower is a museum with many swords and armor on display. Inside, you'll find items related to Oda Nobunaga and Saito Dosan, as well as other valuable historical documents. The top floor is an observation deck where you can enjoy a magnificent view from Gifu Castle at an altitude of about 320 meters. Gifu Castle Museum, which houses a collection of documents related to Gifu Castle, is shown at 2:23 in the video. The museum was originally an armory and food storage facility, but was restored with a Sumiyagura Jokaku-zukuri style architecture. Highlights of Gifu Castle! Photo：Autumn leaves at Gifu Park Gifu Castle also has a volunteer brigade called "The Gifu Castle Promotion Team," which organizes events such as stamp rallies. Of course, when you visit Gifu Castle, you'll definitely want to get a red seal and castle seal to commemorate your visit. There are also illumination events in the summer and fall seasons. Mt. Kinka, on which Gifu Castle is located, also has a ropeway; however, we recommend visiting on foot from the Nanamagari entrance of the hiking trail. Mt. Kinka is also home to branch castles, such as Maruyama Fort, Matsudao Fort, and Jozaiji Temple. If you're sightseeing Gifu, be sure to stop by Dosanzuka, Odazuka, Sagiyama Castle ruins and Sunomata Castle. Summary of Gifu Castle Photo：Gifu Castle As you can see from the video, Gifu Castle has many valuable swords and armor in its collection. If you're interested in the history of Japan or just a sword fanatic, be sure to stop by for a visit, there's plenty to see! If you haven't yet, be sure to check out the video as well! ◆Gifu Castle Facility Overview◆ 【Address】18 Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture 〒500-0000 【Directions】15 minutes by Gifu Bus from Meitetsu Gifu Station, 3 minutes to the top of the mountain by Kinkazan Ropeway 【Hours】9:30～17:30 【Admission Fee】Adults 200 yen, children (4 years and older) 100 yen 【Parking】Available 【Official Website】Gifu Castle/Tourism Convention Department/Gifu City Official Website https://translate.google.co.jp/translate?hl=ja&tab=wT&sl=auto&tl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.city.gifu.lg.jp%2F3537.htm 【Tripadvisor】Gifu Castle （Inabayama Castle） https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298112-d1314203-Reviews-Gifu_Castle_Inabayama_Castle-Gifu_Gifu_Prefecture_Tokai_Chubu.html

Video introduction of spectacular views of the gassho-zukuri villages of Shirakawa-go in Gifu Prefecture and Gokayama in Toyama Prefecture. This promotional video, produced by “Discover Nippon,” shows the snowy landscapes of Shirakawa-go (Gifu Prefecture) and Gokayama (Toyama Prefecture). Shirakawa-go and Gokayama are two popular tourist destinations in Japan known for their Gassho-zukuri farmhouses with a unique sloped roof supported by A-frame crossbeams and thatched with the straw of crops. The beauty of these farmhouses, with snow capped, thatched roofs, can be seen in the video. This article will supplement the video by giving information about must-visit places in Shirakawa-go and Gokayama, where you can enjoy ancient Japanese landscapes. Sightseeing Locations at Shirakawa-go During the Winter ©Koichi_Hayakawa Modifying Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995, Shirakawa-go is a famous place in northern Gifu Prefecture (known as the Hida Region), home to the thatched-roof Gassho-zukuri farmhouses. The structure of the steeply sloped roofs can withstand the heavy winter snowfall. Wada-ke house, a well preserved house located in Ogimachi (the largest village in Shirakawa-go), is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan and is now open to the public as a museum. There are many other recommended locations, hidden gems, and “instagrammable” places, such as Shiroyama Viewpoint, Ogimachi Castle Observation Deck, Tohyama-ke House Museum and Myo-zenji Temple and House. Although Shirakawa-go has charms in every season, it's best seen covered in snow. The illumination during winter makes the village snowscape even more amazing. This can be seen at 3:33 in the video. The pure white landscape, lit up beautifully, is a sight to behold even on video. Recommended Tourist Locations in Gokayama Photo：World Heritage Site Gokayama Ainokura Village Gokayama is a part of Nanto City in Toyama, an area consisting of nostalgic villages featuring Gassho-zukuri farmhouses. Ainokura village and Suganuma village are the main attractions of Gokayama, and are both registered as UNESCO World Heritage Sites together with Shirakawa-go. The Iwase-ke House and Murakami-ke House are two buildings of high cultural value, with both being designated Important Cultural Properties of Japan. The best time to visit Gokayama is either in winter, when the village is covered in snow, or during the Ainokura Gokayama Music Festival in June. If you like Tofu, be sure to try the Gokayama Tofu. It's a local specialty made using pure mountain water and locally grown soybeans. Access to Shirakawa-Go and Gokayama Many people visit Shirakawa-go and Gokayama by bus tour or car, as there are no railway lines running through the area. If you're planning on staying overnight, the hotels around Hirase Onsen in Shirakawa-go or Gokasansou in Gokayama are the best options. Some of the Gassho-zukuri farmhouses now function as an inn. It's a great way to experience a traditional Japanese home that has tatami mat floors and an “Irori” (Sunken Hearth), used for both cooking and heating. The video shows the inside of a Gassho-zukuri farmhouse from 6:53. Staying in a traditional Japanese home guarantees a unique experience. Summary of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama ©Koichi_Hayakawa Modifying Shirakawa Village in Gifu Prefecture and Nanto City in Toyama Prefecture have released live informational cameras that allow you to check out Shirakawa-go and Gokayama at all times. Consider checking them out before you head out for sightseeing. Enjoy seeing the nostalgic Japanese villages snow capped by snow. It's a scene you won't come across often. Shirakawa-go Tourist Office http://ml.shirakawa-go.org/en/