Region: Gifu

Gifu prefecture, located in the center of Honshu island, is known for being the place where Japanese history made a dramatic shift in the 1600s. It was the location of the Battle of Sekigahara, Japan’s bloodiest samurai field battle that led to almost 300 years of Tokugawa rule. Today, tourists come to Gifu to see the northern stretch of the Japan Alps and to partake in hiking, skiing and relaxing in the hot springs. The cold winds from the alps provide the perfect cold climate for sake brewing, and the plethora of rivers provides brewers with high quality water for brewing. Gifu sake varies across the region. The Hida region traditionally produces rich flavored sake, while the Mino region brews more light and crisp sake. All Regions »