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Mount Kinka (Gifu)
Encyclopedia
, also known as Kinkazan, is located in the heart of the city of Gifu
, Gifu Prefecture
, Japan
, and rises to a height of 329 m (1,079 ft). Previously called Mt. Inaba (稲葉山 Inabayama), it has long served as the representative symbol of Gifu. It stands along the Nagara River
, creating bountiful nature within the city. Though it is the most famous mountain in the city, Mount Dodo
, to the north, is the tallest.
, Gifu Castle
atop Mt. Kinka has gone through many forms, with the current building being constructed in 1956. One of its first major residents was Saitō Dōsan
, who lived in the castle when it was still being called Inabayama Castle and the mountain was still called Mt. Inaba. The next resident of the castle, Oda Nobunaga
, changed the castle's name at the same time that he changed the name of the surrounding town and the mountain.
The castle eventually fell into disrepair and vanished from Gifu's skyline. However, it was rebuilt in 1956 and that is the castle that still stands today. During reconstruction, tiles were carried to the top by volunteers. Those who helped were able to write messages on the roof tiles before they were put in place. Those who helped were able to experience what it was like when the castle was originally built many years before. From the top of the castle, visitors have a 360-degree view, effectively giving them a view to all the borders of the city of Gifu. Inside the castle are many artifacts from its past.
Centuries ago, the mountain was protected as a hunting ground for the Owari Clan, preserving the trees from being used to build the area as it grew from a small town to a large city. Today, the forest is designated as a national forest, giving protection to the over 700 types of plants and 80 types of birds that can be found on the mountain.
In 2005, the top of the mountain was renovated, adding lights and walkways to improve the ease of use to visitors of the castle. The new signs provide additional information about the castle and the surrounding structures, while the lights add to the allure of the castle's panoramic night viewing.
Mt. Kinka has four marked trails for hikers who wish to walk to the top of the mountain. The Hundred-Turn Hiking Trail (百曲登山道 Hyaku-magari Tosandō) and the Seven-turn Hiking Trail (七曲登山道 Nana-magari Tosandō) both begin near the Nawa Insect Museum
in the southern portion of Gifu Park. The Hyaku-magari is an 1100 m (3,609 ft) intermediate trail that takes 50 minutes to traverse, while the Nana-magari is a 1900 m (6,234 ft) beginner trail that takes approximately 60 minutes. The Meditation Hiking Trail (めい想の小径 Meizō no Shōkei) and the Horse's Back Hiking Trail (馬の背登山道 Umanose Tosandō) begin together near the Mt. Kinka Ropeway in the middle of Gifu Park. The Meizō is a 2300 m (7,546 ft) beginner course that, like Nana-magari, takes around 60 minutes to complete. The Umanose is a 1100 m (3,609 ft) advanced trail that takes 40 minutes to complete. The Mt. Kinka Clean Climb is held yearly along these trails and other places on the mountain, ensuring that it stays in pristine condition.
The other option for reaching the summit is by taking the Mt. Kinka Ropeway
, which first opened in 1955. This ropeway enables visitors to reach the top of the mountain in less than five minutes. The hours of operation for the ropeway vary depending on the seasons throughout the year, but it is generally open from 9:00am to 6:00pm. On weekdays, it runs every 15 minutes, while on weekends and holidays, it runs every 10 minutes.
Mt. Kinka has three main attractions at its summit. Gifu Castle
and the Gifu Castle Archives Museum over insight into the history behind the castle and the mountain. The Observation Deck Restaurant offers visitors a panoramic view of the city, in addition to hot meals. There is an observation deck on top of the restaurant that provides a view that cannot be seen from Gifu Castle. Also, in the Mt. Kinka Squirrel Village, visitors can play with and feed squirrels while learning about the four species inside the Squirrel Village.
Gifu, Gifu
is a city located in the south-central portion of Gifu Prefecture, Japan, and serves as the prefectural capital. The city has played an important role in Japan's history because of its location in the middle of the country. During the Sengoku period, various warlords, including Oda Nobunaga, used...
, Gifu Prefecture
Gifu Prefecture
is a prefecture located in the Chūbu region of central Japan. Its capital is the city of Gifu.Located in the center of Japan, it has long played an important part as the crossroads of Japan, connecting the east to the west through such routes as the Nakasendō...
, Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
, and rises to a height of 329 m (1,079 ft). Previously called Mt. Inaba (稲葉山 Inabayama), it has long served as the representative symbol of Gifu. It stands along the Nagara River
Nagara River
The has its source in the city of Gujō, Gifu Prefecture, and its mouth in the city of Kuwana, Mie Prefecture, Japan. Along with the Kiso River and Ibi River, the Nagara River is one of the Kiso Three Rivers of the Nōbi Plain. Previously, the river was named Sunomata River . With a length of , it...
, creating bountiful nature within the city. Though it is the most famous mountain in the city, Mount Dodo
Mount Dodo
, or Mount Dodogamine, is located in the northern part of the city of Gifu, Gifu Prefecture, Japan it is in height, making it the tallest mountain in the city...
, to the north, is the tallest.
History
First built by the Nikaidō family during the Kamakura periodKamakura period
The is a period of Japanese history that marks the governance by the Kamakura Shogunate, officially established in 1192 in Kamakura by the first shogun Minamoto no Yoritomo....
, Gifu Castle
Gifu Castle
is a castle located in the city of Gifu, Gifu Prefecture, Japan. Along with Mount Kinka and the Nagara River, it is one of the main symbols of the city.-History:Gifu Castle was first built by the Nikaidō clan between 1201 and 1204 during the Kamakura Period....
atop Mt. Kinka has gone through many forms, with the current building being constructed in 1956. One of its first major residents was Saitō Dōsan
Saito Dosan
was a daimyo who dramatically rose and also fell from power in Sengoku period Japan. He was also known as the for his ruthless tactics.-Life:Originally a wealthy merchant from Yamashiro Province , he entered the service of Nagai Nagahiro of Mino Province , assuming the name Nishimura Kankurô.He...
, who lived in the castle when it was still being called Inabayama Castle and the mountain was still called Mt. Inaba. The next resident of the castle, Oda Nobunaga
Oda Nobunaga
was the initiator of the unification of Japan under the shogunate in the late 16th century, which ruled Japan until the Meiji Restoration in 1868. He was also a major daimyo during the Sengoku period of Japanese history. His opus was continued, completed and finalized by his successors Toyotomi...
, changed the castle's name at the same time that he changed the name of the surrounding town and the mountain.
The castle eventually fell into disrepair and vanished from Gifu's skyline. However, it was rebuilt in 1956 and that is the castle that still stands today. During reconstruction, tiles were carried to the top by volunteers. Those who helped were able to write messages on the roof tiles before they were put in place. Those who helped were able to experience what it was like when the castle was originally built many years before. From the top of the castle, visitors have a 360-degree view, effectively giving them a view to all the borders of the city of Gifu. Inside the castle are many artifacts from its past.
Centuries ago, the mountain was protected as a hunting ground for the Owari Clan, preserving the trees from being used to build the area as it grew from a small town to a large city. Today, the forest is designated as a national forest, giving protection to the over 700 types of plants and 80 types of birds that can be found on the mountain.
In 2005, the top of the mountain was renovated, adding lights and walkways to improve the ease of use to visitors of the castle. The new signs provide additional information about the castle and the surrounding structures, while the lights add to the allure of the castle's panoramic night viewing.
Reaching the summit
Nawa Insect Museum
The is a museum in the city of Gifu, Gifu Prefecture, Japan. It is operated by the Nawa Insect Research Center.-History:Yasushi Nawa, the man who discovered the Gifu Butterfly and is known as "The Insect Man," opened the Nawa Insect Research Center in April 1896...
in the southern portion of Gifu Park. The Hyaku-magari is an 1100 m (3,609 ft) intermediate trail that takes 50 minutes to traverse, while the Nana-magari is a 1900 m (6,234 ft) beginner trail that takes approximately 60 minutes. The Meditation Hiking Trail (めい想の小径 Meizō no Shōkei) and the Horse's Back Hiking Trail (馬の背登山道 Umanose Tosandō) begin together near the Mt. Kinka Ropeway in the middle of Gifu Park. The Meizō is a 2300 m (7,546 ft) beginner course that, like Nana-magari, takes around 60 minutes to complete. The Umanose is a 1100 m (3,609 ft) advanced trail that takes 40 minutes to complete. The Mt. Kinka Clean Climb is held yearly along these trails and other places on the mountain, ensuring that it stays in pristine condition.
The other option for reaching the summit is by taking the Mt. Kinka Ropeway
Mt. Kinka Ropeway
The is Japanese aerial lift line in Gifu, Gifu. This is the only line operates. The company belongs to Meitetsu Group. The line, opened in 1955, climbs Mount Kinka, linking Gifu Park and Gifu Castle.-Background:...
, which first opened in 1955. This ropeway enables visitors to reach the top of the mountain in less than five minutes. The hours of operation for the ropeway vary depending on the seasons throughout the year, but it is generally open from 9:00am to 6:00pm. On weekdays, it runs every 15 minutes, while on weekends and holidays, it runs every 10 minutes.
Summit attractions
Gifu Castle
is a castle located in the city of Gifu, Gifu Prefecture, Japan. Along with Mount Kinka and the Nagara River, it is one of the main symbols of the city.-History:Gifu Castle was first built by the Nikaidō clan between 1201 and 1204 during the Kamakura Period....
and the Gifu Castle Archives Museum over insight into the history behind the castle and the mountain. The Observation Deck Restaurant offers visitors a panoramic view of the city, in addition to hot meals. There is an observation deck on top of the restaurant that provides a view that cannot be seen from Gifu Castle. Also, in the Mt. Kinka Squirrel Village, visitors can play with and feed squirrels while learning about the four species inside the Squirrel Village.
Area attractions
Additionally, there are many attractions at the base of Mt. Kinka.- Gifu City Museum of HistoryGifu City Museum of HistoryThe is a city-supported history museum located in the city of Gifu, Gifu Prefecture, Japan. Located in Gifu Park at the base of Mount Kinka, it is in the heart of Gifu City's sightseeing area....
- Gifu ParkGifu Parkis a public park located at the base of Mount Kinka in the city of Gifu, Gifu Prefecture, Japan. Inside the park, there are many attractions, including Gifu Castle, Mount Kinka, the Mt. Kinka Ropeway, the Gifu City Museum of History, the Eizō & Tōichi Katō Memorial Art Museum, and the Nawa Insect...
- Eizō & Tōichi Katō Memorial Art MuseumEizo & Toichi Kato Memorial Art MuseumThe is a museum located in Gifu Park in the city of Gifu, Gifu Prefecture, Japan. It is dedicated to the works of the brothers Eizō and Tōichi Katō, who were born in the city. It is part of the Gifu City Museum of History.-Facility layout:...
- Inaba ShrineInaba Shrineis a Shinto shrine located at the base of Mount Kinka in Gifu, Gifu Prefecture, Japan. Originally, its name was written 稲葉神社, which is pronounced the same way. It is the main shrine that is celebrated by the city of Gifu in its annual Gifu Festival on the first Saturday of each April...
- Site of Oda Nobunaga's Former Residence, Senjō-jiki (千畳敷)
- Nawa Insect MuseumNawa Insect MuseumThe is a museum in the city of Gifu, Gifu Prefecture, Japan. It is operated by the Nawa Insect Research Center.-History:Yasushi Nawa, the man who discovered the Gifu Butterfly and is known as "The Insect Man," opened the Nawa Insect Research Center in April 1896...