Gifu Castle

Perched atop 329-meter Mt. Kinka, this reconstructed castle served as the stronghold of Oda Nobunaga during his campaign to unify Japan in the 1560s. The current concrete reconstruction houses a small historical museum, but the real draw is the sweeping view of the Nagara River and Gifu city from the top floor. Reach the summit via the Kinkazan Ropeway or a steep 30-to-40-minute hiking trail through the forest. On clear days, you can spot the Japanese Alps on the horizon.