Gifu Gokoku Shrine

Situated at the foot of Mt. Kinka in Gifu, near the Nagara River, the shrine is well-known as a power spot. It enshrines over 37,800 spirits from the Gifu, Chuno, and Tono regions, who lost their lives from the Boshin War through to the Greater East Asia War. Since its establishment in 1940, the shrine has been revered by many people from both within and outside the prefecture for over 80 years.

The shrine grounds are surrounded by nature, offering one of the most majestic locations in the prefecture. It is also popular as a wedding venue where solemn Shinto ceremonies can be conducted amidst its scenic beauty.

The shrine is famous for the "Ukai Sakura," a cherry tree over 150 years old, belonging to the Higan cherry (Edo Higan) variety. This giant tree is one of the earliest blooming cherry trees in Gifu City. The number of blossoms each year is said to predict the abundance of ayu fish caught in the ukai (cormorant fishing) season, leading to its nickname. Although the best viewing time varies each year, it generally blooms from mid to late March, bringing an early breath of spring.