What to do in Tokyo: Learn to Bat

After watching a baseball game, there's no better way to end your day other than learning how to bat yourself. At the back of Tokyo Dome, where baseball games are usually held in Tokyo, you can find a 5-story sports center where you can try your hands on a real baseball bat.

Batting area

For only Y400 for 20 balls, you can practice batting and know what it feels like to hit a ball with a speed of 80km/h. This is the slowest among the speed of the machines. If you want to challenge yourself, you can try faster machines. You can try something as fast as 130km/h. It's also exciting that you can see Japanese baseball players pitching for you on the screen right in front of you. 

If you get tired batting, you can also try bouldering, golf and bowling in the same building. 

Where to get your coins to play

You can purchase your tokens from this machine. You will put insert the token in a small machine inside the batting booth and you can choose the height of the balls - whether you want them pitched high or low. You can get a discounted rate for 3 games for only Y1000.

I mist say, this is not only a fun activity for baseball fans but it is also a great way to relieve stress and release after a kong day at work. 

A Geek's Afternoon Walk at Nakano Broadway

Today, I decided to go for a walk at Nakano Broadway, a four-story building outside the South Exit of Nakano Station - a so-called haven for geeks of all ages and interests like me. Here you can find shops selling different kinds of goods that cater to different fan bases and collector groups. There are those selling anime and manga goods, from figurines to very old collectible cards; idol goods such photos, concert goods, CDs/DVDs, and other memorabilia; manga, books and magazines, both new and secondhand; clothing stores selling costumes for cosplay or everyday street wear; vintage shops selling dolls, accessories and collectibles; and other specialty stores catering to specific interests like train model kits, create-your-own-doll-kits, and vintage samurai film posters from the 1960s.

Entrance to an otaku wonderland

Akihabara is the first place that pops into mind when the word anime is mentioned. Indeed, Akihabara is home to a lot of specialty stores catering to different otaku subcultures. However, if you don't want to get lost in that bigger world called Akihabara, you can just wander around Nakano Broadway (I warn you, it is a jungle in itself!). As expected, you can spot an anime and manga shop after every two shops, sometimes, they are right next to each other you don't know where to go first! I must admit I got so overwhelmed I din't get to take a lot of photos! 

A cosplay shop

Of course when we talk about anime, along comes with it is cosplay. There are specialty shops in Nakano Broadway that sells not only costumes but also accessories. So if you are into cosplay and you want to add amazing details to your costume, you might want to drop by in these shops and purchase your much-needed sunglasses, pin, hair accessories and other important pieces to complete your ensemble.

Gacha gacha land

Dragon Ball Z gacha gacha

I am addicted to gacha gacha machines, I can't help myself from trying it once I saw one. When I passed by this shop, I was so excited I didn't know what to try until I found my pick at the bottom of the row. The last time I tried gacha gacha (and yes, it was also a Dragon Ball Z gacha gacha), I spent thousands of yen because I couldn't get Vegeta's 3D sticker! So I dropped two Y100 coins into the machine and waited for my toy to come out but it didn't! I didn't know if the machine was broken or what but I feel too lazy to talk to the guy in Japanese and tell him that his machine ate my precious Y200 and there were a lot of people too asking him questions. So I just let it pass and I lost Y200 and a precious chance to get a DBZ memorabilia! Maybe it's also a good thing because the heavens thought that I might overspend again if I didn't get Vegeta the first try.

Baseball goods

Create-your-own-doll Shop

I also found a store that sells baseball memorabilia and oh boy, these items are so precious it will really make you spend Y60,000 for a signed ball. Another interesting shop sells different toy body parts that you can use to create your own doll. A head or a torso costs around Y1600.

A table full of V6 goods

I also went inside some shops that sell idol goods but I didn't find anything good to purchase but I was so happy to find this table especially dedicated for V6! The shop is even playing one of their old concerts and there was a message on top of the TV greeting Morita Go a happy birthday! When I went to another shop, there was also another girl who was so engrossed in selecting nice photos of Okada Junichi, I wasn't able to look at it! 

sushi shop outside Nakano Broadway

Bar Zingaro in Nakano Broadway

There are also a lot of restaurants inside Nakano Broadway, which I must say I was surprised to find because I thought that this building is all for anime and manga goods. I decided to have an early dinner at one of the sushi places right outside Nakano Broadway. You can find it at the end of the long stretch of shops right before you enter the main building.

One cafe that is definitely worth a visit is Bar Zingaro, a cafe on the second floor of the building. This cafe was produced by the company Fuglen togethr with contemporary Japanese artist Takashi Murakami, who recently had his exhibit at Mori at Museum. See my post here. Takashi Murakami opened Bar Zingaro as the latest addition to the Zingaro Galleries, a chain of contemporary art galleries that he is running in Nakano Broadway such as Kaikai, Hidari, Ox and Pixiv.

If you are into more artsy fartsy stuff, you can have your caricature drawn by a young artist outside Nakano Station. She looked so happy when she was drawing this other girl. 

A small alley outside Nakano Broadway

A young caricature artist outside Nakano Station

However, if you are feeling a little adventurous, you can explore the smaller alleys around Nakano Broadway that can lead you to more interesting and quainter cafes and restaurants that are off the beaten path.

Delicious looking bread at Paul Saint-Germaine

You can also explore the other side of the station by passing under the train tracks and going to the North Exit side. There are other shops and restaurants around that area. Not very far from the station is Paul Saint-Germaine, a bakery that sells fresh and delicious bread. Even though I just had an early dinner, I bought a few pieces of bread when I saw the bakery. I guess, that is how good the bread looks like. It's so inviting! So whether you're planning to buy something or just want to look around and amuse yourself with what weird things people get crazy about, then going to Nakano Broadway for an afternoon walk is a good idea to kill time.

Cafes in Jimbocho

Jimbocho is famous for being the haven of new and secondhand books in Tokyo. If you are a bookworm and can read kanji without twitching, then Jimbocho is a place for you. However, if you are a mere traveler who has limited time in Tokyo, then this area might not be on top of your priority list. However, bookshops are not the only interesting thing in Jimbocho. It is also the home of several interesting cafes that are scattered around the area that would make the visit more worth it. Here are some of the cafes that you might want to check out when you visit the area.

Sabouru. This cafe is situated right outside Exit A7 of Jimbocho Station. It is difficult to miss before it would catch your attention right away with its detailed architecture outside. This place was used as a filming location for the movie Shitsurakuen (Lost Paradise), which was released in 1997 and was based on Junichi Watanabe's novel with the same title. Order their classic milk shake for Y500 and enjoy it as you chill and people watch as it is said that writers and actors usually frequent the place. If you are up for a bigger meal, you can transfer to Sabouru 2, which is right next the cafe, that serves Neapolital Spaghetti for Y650.

A Cafe called Sabuouru outside Jimbocho Station

Paper Back Cafe. If you want to sit and read while enjoying a cup of coffee, this cafe is highly advised. This cafe is in the same building as Toyodo Bookshop so you can shop for books then drink coffee after. The English books are situated in the second floor of the building, although the selection is not outstanding. They only have a few art and photography books. It is still worth checking out. The cafe also has a few seats on the counter facing the street, which is a nice place to people watch.

Paper Back Cafe is in the same building with Toyodo Bookshop

Big Boy. Jimbocho is also home to a few jazz cafes, Big Boy being one of those. You can find Big Boy a few shops away Sabouru, in a small alley right next to Exit A7 of Jimbocho Station. As you near the cafe, you can already here the melodious jazz playing inside as if inviting you to come in. You can get a cup of coffee for Y650 while listening to relaxing jazz. They were playing instrumental jazz when I came in. The wall behind the counter are lined with hundreds (or maybe thousands) of old vinyl records. The atmosphere is calm and relaxing. The old man, I suppose he's the owner of the cafe, if friendly and jolly. He can speak a little English and he's always enthusiastic when serving customers. See my full review of the place here: Jazz Bar in Jimbocho: Big Boy

Entrace to the jazz cafe Big Boy

Jazz Bar in Jimbocho: Big Boy

Jimbocho is known as the book town of Tokyo - home to several bookshops that sell both new and secondhand books. However, apart from that famous tag, Jimbocho is also home to a number of interesting cafes. Big Boy, a jazz cafe, is one of those.

Big Boy is found in a small alley right next Exit A7 of Jimbocho Station. As you walk along that alley, you can gradually hear the smooth jazz playing in the cafe, seducing you to come in and relax.


I ordered tea for Y650. The drink is not that special but the place is. It is a small place but a relaxing one. The owner of the cafe, an old man, is a very friendly and jolly man. When he served me my complimentary water, he jokingly said that it's white wine. I didn't get it right away. Realizing the silliness of his own joke, he laughed at himself. He also very friendly with the other customers. He would chat with them from time to time and ask them if they are okay. When he served my tea, he asked me where I came from and I told him that I am from the Philippines. He just smiled. He's running the place with his wife who is helping him serve drip coffee.

Tea time runs from 1:00pm and closes at 5:00pm. It opens again at 7:00 for its bar time. I suppose more people are coming in the evenings to relax and listen to jazz after a long day's work. When i came in the afternoon, there were only two other customers apart from me.

There are a hundreds (or maybe thousands) of old vinyl records lining the wall behind the counter and there are two large speakers on each side providing a smooth sound. There are also several records lining the windows for display. There are also some old CDs for sale for Y800. I didn`t get to look at them because the cafe was already closing that time so I had to leave immediately. 

The old man was all smiles when I paid my bill. I said thank you and he said, "see you next time!" I think there will surely be a next time. I will come back to this cafe, listen to jazz and watch the old man happily serve his customers. 

Finding English Books in Jimbocho

Jimbocho is popularly known as the book town of Tokyo - home to a number of book stores selling new and used books as well as several publishing houses that are decades old. This area is found at the crossind of Yasukuni Dori and Hakusan Dori. The name Jimbocho was taken after a samurai named, Nagaharu Jinbo, who lived in the 17th century.

In 1913, there was a large fire that swept through the area, destroying most of the old establishments in the area. It was after the fire that university professor, Shigeo Iwanami, decided to open a book shop in the area, which started the sprouting of other shops around. This book shop eventually evolved to what is presently known as the Iwanami Shoten Publishing House.

Books on sale on the street.

Among the many book shops in Jimbocho, there are very few bookstores that sell foreign language books, specifically, English books. There are other shops that sells books in other languages like French and German. Some of these bookstores are the following:

Tokyodo Bookstore. Conveniently located in the same building with a coffee shop, this books is perfect for people who want to buy books, read and drink coffee. The selection of English books in this store is very few. It only allots  one shelf to art books and illustrated books in the second floor of the building.

Paper Back Cafe and Tokyodo Bookstore

Bondi Books. Sources online refer to this bookstore as bondi books however, different kanji characters are written on its label. This place is a specialty store for book collectors because it offers vintage books that amount to as high Y237,000 for a collection of John Milton's books. There are also a couple of books by Edgar Allan Poe worth Y108,000 and Katherine Mansfield worht Y86,000.

Kitazawa. This bookshop is on the second floor of this building. While the first floor is a cozy children's book shop with red couches and large stuff toys, the second floor is but a row of old shelves filled with old books. The selection of books ranges from classics like William Wordsworth and DH Lawrence to highly academic books on Literary Criticism and philosophical thoughts.

 

Other stores that might stir some interest is this bookstore that offers a set of old mangas for a very affordable price. Some old series are only worth Y3,000 for 6 mangas.

 

This next shop is very interesting because it sells very old magazines. The selection is also very good because it ranges from Japanese rock magazines featuring X Japan to foreign acts like Beatles and David Bowie.

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If you have time to kill, Jimbocho is an interesting place to visit. You can just go around and be amazed at the variety of books that these bookstores offer. However, if you have limited time in Tokyo or you have no plans of buying Japanese books, then this is place should not be a priority on your list. What I find more interesting in the area is the great selection of cafes that you can visit. If you're not a bookworm or into bookshopping, then cafe hopping might be a better option for you.

See these posts:
Cafes in Jimbocho
Jazz Bar in Jimbocho: Big Boy

Castles in Japan: Ogaki Castle

Ogaki Castle is situated 7 minutes by foot from Ogaki Station in Ogaki City, Gifu. This castle had a history of more than 500 years. It was declared as a national pressure in 1936 but was unfortunately reduced to ashes during World War II. After the war, it was reconstructed to what it is now.

Ogaki Castle behind the statue of Toda Ujikane

The castle was previously known as Todaiji Castle but was later renamed after its first chief magistrate. In 1585, Toyotomi Hideyoshi appointed Naosue Ichiyanagi as the chief of the castle and ordered the building of its donjon  (castle tower).

The castle also became an important base for the West Army, headed by Ishida Mitsunari, during the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600. When the battle began, houses around the castle were set on fire by the East Army and was said to have continued burning for three days. After Mitsunari was defeated, the castle was besieged. 

Entrace to Ogaki Castle

If you enter the castle premises from the main road, you will immediately see the entrance to the castle. Behind the castle is a large park with a playground for kids. There is also a statue of Toda Ujikane on a horse who became the lord of the castle in 1635. You can enter the castle for Y200. On display are swords and armors used by former samurais.

Castles in Japan: Sunomata Ichiya Castle

Sunomata Castle is found in Ogaki City in Gifu Prefecture. According to legend, this castle is said to have been built overnight under the command of Kinoshita Tokichiro (later known as Toyotomi Hideyoshi) while Oda Nobunaga was pressing the siege of Inabayama Castle in mid-1500s. This is why at present, it is now referred to as Sunomata Ichiya Castle ("Ichiya" meaning "overnight").

View of Sunomata Castle from the bridge

Getting to this castle is a true adventure for me. That morning, I went to Sekigahara to visit the historical sites of the Battle of Sekighara in 1600. Unfortunately, it was raining so hard when I arrived in Sekigahara, which was contrary to the forecast that I checked. I ended up leaving Sekigahara earlier than I planned because it was snowing so hard already and the mountains around the valley are all covered with a thick fog. Read my adventures in Sekigahara here. 

Ogaki is only 12 minutes away by train from Sekigahara so I was so surprised to find the city very sunny when I arrived. When I exited the station, my shoes were wet and my hair looked like a nest of tiny snowflakes. I was so thrilled to see the sun shining so brightly in Ogaki. To reach the castle, I took a bus from Ogaki Station to Sunomata Bus stop. I thought that the bus stop is not very far from the castle as the map I have shows. However, when I got off the bus, the castle was nowhere in sight. I ended up walking  for 30 minutes just to get to the castle. One reason is because I encountered major road blocks because there were construction activities going on on the river banks around the castle.

After making several detours and going the other way around to get to the castle, I almost reached it. I could finally see it! However, some people facilitating the traffic around the construction area told me that I couldn't pass that way because the road was blocked. I could not accept that because I was already so near the castle, I won't accept defeat! So they called their head (who was so good looking he looked like an actor) who came to me and asked my problem. I tried to explain my side in my broken Japanese, telling him all the travails I had to endure to get to this point. I didn't know if he understood what I said or out of his good heart for a foreigner woman and the only tourist in the area that time, he just smiled at me and said "dozo," pointing to a narrow way behind the orange construction lines. I asked him if it was okay to pass by that way and he said it's totally fine. So I thanked him and walked quickly towards the castle before he changed his mind.

As I walked along the bridge towards the castle, I felt so relieved (and victorious). I felt like I have achieved a great victory that day, I was finally entering Sunomata Castle as if I was a general who besieged it.

View from the castle

This side of the castle is lined by Sakura trees in Spring. It would have been a great sight to see. But when I went there, I only saw a line of dry, leafless trees and a construction site in the distance. What is interesting about this castle is that it is surrounded by two parallel rivers. The man in the castle told me the names of the rivers but the names escaped me as of writing.

When I went to the top of the castle, he pointed to the mountains and told  me that I could see Gifu Castle on top of Mt. Kinka from there. True enough, it was there, a tiny shiny dot in the distance. This made my heart jump. See my detailed post about Gifu Castle here. The man even made a joke saying that this castle only took three days to build but all those constructions on the river bend would take three years. I also told him that I went to Sekigahara that morning but it was snowing there but surprisingly it was very sunny in Ogaki. He said that because Sekigahara is surrounded by the mountains, it has a different weather from Ogaki and it's usually colder.

Another unique thing about this castle is that you have to remove your shoes and change into "house slippers." The castle is so homey indeed. 

Access: 20 minute bus ride from Ogaki Station in the JR Tokaido line.

Getting Lost in Sekigahara

The mountains are covered with thick fog just like in the morning of the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600

The weather forecast said that it would be very warm that Wednesday so I traveled excitedly to Sekigahara. I was all set to rent a bike and drive all around the small town visiting the historical places during the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600. Unfortunately, the weather forecast failed and I ended up watching snow fall outside my train window on my way back to Ogaki City.

My plans might have not transpired as I wanted to but my trip to Sekigahara was not in vain. I still enjoyed my visit to some places around town.

The tourist information office

Cup noodles featuring famous daimyos

Sekigahara Station is a very small station out of nowhere. When you arrive at the station, you would know that you are already somewhere far and remote. There are no people, only mountains on all sides. Across the station is the tourist information office where you can get a map locating the important sites in the area and unique souvenirs of the different daimyos (feudal lords) who participated in the war. There are a lot of goods such as notebooks, ballpens, figurines, tshirts, etc. But what caught my attention was this tall mountain of instant noodles featuring the faces of famous daimyos! If it was not that bulky to carry around, I would have bought a few bundles so that I could sit at home and eat it like a daimyo.

Sekigahara Museum

Final Camp of Tokugawa Ieyas

Because it was raining so hard in the morning, I decided to visit the Sekigahara Museum, which is about 10 minutes from the station but longer takes longer when it's raining. By this time, I already visited a few other castles and museums and they all don't have a detailed explanation of the Battle of Sekigahara in English. Yes, I've read a lot about the battle and I have a clear idea of what happened and which troops did what, who betrayed who and who attacked who and who defeated who. However, I wanted to hear an "official" explanation from the Japanese museums. I wanted to hear how they're going to present the story. I was very happy because among all the places I've been to, only this museum offers an explanation in English with a clear map that plots the troops as the narrator goes on with the story.

Right across the museum is the final camp Tokugawa Ieyasu set up during the battle. There were construction activities going on around so again (just like my adventures in Sunomata), I have to walk around and make a detour to reach it. Needless to stay, it was snowing.

When I first came to the museum, I thought that I would wait for a while for the rain to stop. The weather forecast (if it got it right this time) said that the rain would stop at around 1pm so I though I would just hang around and wait for it. The rain/snow did stop at around 12nn. Lucky, I thought to myself. The sun shone brightly in the skies. I brought the bicycle outside the shed of the museum where I rented it. I was sitting on the bike about to pedal away when the rain poured again so heavily. Heavier this time. It was like a joke from the heavens. Even the woman who rented out the bike found it very funny. The woman returned my money and told me to just go back later if the rain stopped. I asked her for a nearby place where I could have lunch and she told me that right across the museum, in the brown building on the other side of the road, there is a small cafe.

I went to this small cafe to rest and wait for the snow to stop. By this time, the snow fall was getting stronger. Fortunately, there were real food in the cafe. I ordered a plate of curry and takoyaki. Yes, I was able to finish all that up. Don't doubt my ability to finish a meal like a samurai warrior. The cafe is owned by a middle-aged couple. The old man asked me where I came from and I told him I am from the Philippines. He asked me if I am working in the area and I told him I am just visiting and I am studying in Tokyo. He was so surprised I could speak Japanese although my Japanese was very basic.

When his wife emerged from the kitchen, he told her the things that we talked about and they were very surprised that I could speak (a little) Japanese.

While I was watching the snow fall from my window, I found it really weird to find myself in a very far town somewhere in the mountains. I never thought that I would go this far just to chase my dreams of visiting historical places in Japan. But I was happy I came there. The trip might not have gone the way I planned it to be but it was a great trip nonetheless. 

The woman gave me this wooden charm before I left. She told me that it was a purezento (present) for me. She even gave me a small umbrella and told me that she doesn't need it anymore. I can use it as I walk to the station. She is indeed a very nice woman. I would want to return to this place again.

On my way back to the station, I noticed that the mountains surrounding the valley were all covered with a thick fog and it made me smile. Just like in the morning of October 21, 1600, before the actual Battle of Sekigahara commenced, the valley was enveloped with a very thick fog this is why the troops couldn't track the movements of their enemies. I smiled at the thought. This day was magical. I felt like I have been warped back to the morning of the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600, luckily there were no flying arrows or gun shots, only falling snow from the heavens above.

A Traditional Japanese Tea House at the Foot of Kinkazan, Gifu

Gifu Park, situated at the base of Kinkazan, is definitely a must-visit for every traveler in Gifu City. It appears to me as a one-stop place for learning Japanese culture and history as well as for resting and relaxation. From the rope way station in Gifu Park, you take the gondola to the top of the mountain to visit Gifu Castle. At the entrance of the park, you can also find Gifu City Museum where the histories of the town and castle are thoroughly explained and old artifacts such as armors, swords and ancient potteries are exhibited. See this post for a detailed review of my trip to Gifu Park and its surrounding area.

Another place of interest in Gifu Park is a traditional Japanese tea house where you can enjoy a set of freshly made green tea and wagashi (a kind of Japanese sweets served with green tea) for an affordable price of only Y400.

Entrance to the tea house

View from the window

Upon paying at the entrance, you will be directed to a tea room on the right side of the counter. The tea room is not that "traditional" as I expected. The floor is not made of tatami so you don't have to remove your shoes or sit on the floor. There are wooden benches lining the walls, the top of which are made of tatami. There are low wooden tables in front of the benches where the tea and wagashi are served. I suppose this is the room where "visitors" who just want to relax and have tea are directed. However, I think there are other rooms in the tea house where more traditional tea ceremonies are being conducted. On my way out, I bumped into old women in their kimonos, geared for the real thing, entering the tea house.

After a few minutes of waiting, an old lady brought out my tea and wagashi. Even though this is not a full blown tea ceremony, the lady still observed the etiquette of serving tea. She gently placed the plate of wagashi on the table, then she turned the tea cup twice counterclockwise so that the front of the cup would face when I receive it.

The interior

Green tea and wagashi set

It is ideal to visit the tea house after a tiring hike to Gifu Castle on top of the mountain. You can just sit and drink tea while looking at the view of the garden from the large windows.

Exploring Gifu Castle

Gifu Castle was built on top of Mt. Kinka in Gifu City, Gifu. Oda Nobunaga, one of the main unifiers of Japan, lived in this castle for 9 years before moving to Azuchi Castle in present day Shiga. The castle originally belonged to Saito Dosan, Nobunaga's father, after he seiged the castle. In 1567, Nobunaga killed Tatsuoki, Dosan's grandson, and claimed the castle for himself. He changed the name from Inabayama Castle to Gifu Castle.

Gifu Castle in all its glory

From the rope way station at the foot of Mt. Kinka in Gifu Park, you can take the gondola up to the top of the mountain. The ride takes only 3 minutes to the top. From the mountain station, you have to hike for 10 more minutes to reach the castle, beautifully perched on the top of the mountain. The climb is worth the hardship and the wait because of the majestic views of Gifu that you can see from the top. When I arrived on top of the castle, there were a lot of old people gathering around. It seemed to me that they didn't take the rope way but actually hiked to the mountain.

path going to the castle

view from the castle

Beside the castle is the small Gifu Castle Museum holding some important samurai swords and armors, ancient texts and other historical resources of the Sengoku Period were held. There are not so  much to see but it is still worth looking at. If you get hungry on top of the mountain, you can go to the restaurant and get a good seat behind its large glass windows. I wanted to have a coffee and rest for a while while looking at the view but I decided not too. If you are after the views, there are other spots where you can have a good panoramic view of the landscape without paying for a meal or a cup of coffee. There is also an observation deck with some benches where you can feel the strong wind pushing you back.  There are also several resting areas where you can sit, grab a bite of your packed bento or onigiri or get a drink from a vending machine resting in a corner.

Gifu Castle Museum

restaurant on top of the mountain

Just beside the rope way station is the squirrel village. It is a small place where you can feed squirrels and carry them on your hands. The entrance fee is only Y200. Just go in and play with the squirrels. I didn't spend so much time here because I was not a big fan of squirrels. I just want to experience feeding them. It was so funny because the very moment I stepped inside, a squirrel jump onto my head and crawled down my shoulders, maybe thinking what a big log I was! The squirrels were nice and not wild. If you reach out your hand to their direction, they would run to your palm and eat the food. It could get a little scary though when a couple of squirrels would run to your hand for food. It appeared like they were going to fight each other but luckily they didn't. 

Squirrel Village

Feed the squirrels

At the foot of the mountain is Gifu Park where you can find Gifu City Museum of History and the ruins of Oda Nobunaga's residence. The area of Nobunaga's residence was also under construction so I only got to see some parts of it. The museum entrance fee only costs Y350. The museum features the history of Gifu from the prehistoric age up to the present. It has on display several ancient relics such as pottery from the Jomon period.

Entrace to the ruins of Oda Nobunaga's residence

What was left of Oda Nobunaga's former residence

At the foot of the mountain, you can also find a traditional Japanese tea house where you can have green tea and wagashi for Y400. Read my experience here: A Traditional Japanese Tea House at the Foot of Kinakazan, Gifu