Kawaramachi-dori

Overview

Kawaramachi-dori is a historically charming area located along the Nagara River in the heart of Gifu City. During the Edo period, water transportation flourished on the Nagara River, making Kawaramachi a central hub for lumber from Oku-mino and Mino washi. Wholesalers dealing in these goods lined the streets, establishing Kawaramachi as a key economic center of Gifu City. Today, the area retains its traditional townscape, with houses featuring lattice doors and renovated former wholesale shops now serving as cafes and galleries. You can enjoy a blend of history and modernity as you explore. Kawaramachi-dori is also home to many shops selling Gifu's traditional crafts, including Suifujiro Shoten, which carries Gifu fans and persimmons-juice-lacquered fans; Chojiya (Fukao Kisazemon-ke), the wholesaler of Rikyū-kaishi (tea ceremony paper); and Tamaiya, which makes the traditional 'Nobori-ayu' sweet fish-shaped confectionery. These long-established stores offer a chance to see, touch, and purchase traditional crafts made by skilled artisans. Kawaramachi-dori is also conveniently located near the boarding point for the Nagara River cormorant fishing boat tours, where you can experience the magical spectacle of Ukai (cormorant fishing). A stroll along the Nagara River offers beautiful seasonal views, with cherry blossoms in full bloom in spring and vibrant autumn foliage in the fall.