Gifu Prefecture · Chubu Region · 本巣市

Motosu (本巣市) Travel Guide & City Profile

일본 Gifu현에 위치한 인구 34,729명의 도시 Motosu(本巣市) 완벽 여행 가이드 — 핵심 정보, 철도 교통편, 지역 특산물, 추천 방문 시기와 주변 도시 안내.

최종 검수 완료 · 안내된 엔화(¥) 요금은 참고용입니다. · Prices are approximate and for orientation only.

Overview & City Profile

Motosu (本巣市, Motosu-shi) is a city located in Gifu, Japan. As of 1 November 2018, the city had an estimated population of 34,453 in 12, 464 households, and a population density of 390 persons per km2. The total area of the city was 374.65 square kilometres (144.65 sq mi).

Within Gifu Prefecture (Chubu region), Motosu (本巣市) serves as a city in gifu prefecture. Travelers exploring Gifu often combine a stop in Motosu with regional highlights such as Preserved Edo streets of Takayama, UNESCO thatched farmhouses of Shirakawa-go, Gero Onsen (one of Japan's Three Famous Springs), Gifu Castle, Gujo Hachiman, and Magome-juku.

도도부현Gifu (岐阜県)
지방Chubu
인구34,729
Area & density374.57 km² (92.7/km²)
항목상세 정보: Motosu (本巣市)
일본어 표기本巣市 (Motosu)
행정 구역 지위City in Gifu Prefecture
Prefecture & CapitalGifu Prefecture (Capital: Gifu)
일본 지방 구분Chubu
인구34,729 residents
총면적 / 인구밀도374.57 km² · 92.7 people per km²
시 승격 / 설립2004-02-01
좌표35.483°N, 136.6786°E

Getting to Motosu & Getting Around

Via the regional hub (Gifu Station, Gifu-Hashima (Shinkansen) & Takayama Station): 20m from Nagoya Station to Gifu on JR rapid trains; 2h 25m from Nagoya to Takayama on the scenic JR Limited Express Hida.

  • Local rail & IC cards: Once in Gifu Prefecture, JR regional lines and local private railways connect Gifu with Motosu. Nationwide IC cards (Suica, Pasmo, Icoca) work on major urban and JR commuter gates; for rural branch lines or local buses, keep ¥1,000 bills and ¥100 coins handy for the onboard fare box.
  • Luggage & station lockers: Main stations in Gifu have coin lockers for day-trippers. If you are stopping in Motosu en route between larger bases, check your suitcase dimensions in our Luggage & Locker Checker or forward big bags ahead with Takkyubin.
  • Driving & car rental: While city centers around Motosu are accessible by train and taxi, renting a car from a major Shinkansen station or airport in Gifu can be rewarding for reaching mountain gorges, coastal viewpoints, and countryside onsen. Read our Renting a Car in Japan Guide.

Motosu & Gifu의 대표 음식 및 특산물

Motosu에서는 Gifu현과 Chubu 지방의 풍부한 미식 전통을 만날 수 있습니다. 방문 중 꼭 맛봐야 할 대표 특산물은 다음과 같습니다:

  • Hida wagyu beef (nigiri, skewers,朴葉みそ hoba-miso on magnolia leaf) — a signature specialty across Gifu Prefecture.
  • Takayama ramen — a signature specialty across Gifu Prefecture.
  • Gohei mochi (walnut-miso grilled rice cakes) — a signature specialty across Gifu Prefecture.
  • Ayu (sweetfish) from clear rivers — a signature specialty across Gifu Prefecture.

For dietary restrictions or food allergies, open our Japanese Phrasebook & Show-to-Staff Cards to display clear Japanese dietary explanations at restaurants in Motosu.

Best Time to Visit & Seasonal Highlights

April 14–15 & October 9–10 for the Takayama Festival; May–October for Gujo Odori & Nagara River cormorant fishing (ukai); Jan–Feb for snow-draped Shirakawa-go.

Regional highlights across Gifu Prefecture that pair well with a visit to Motosu include: Preserved Edo streets of Takayama, UNESCO thatched farmhouses of Shirakawa-go, Gero Onsen (one of Japan's Three Famous Springs), Gifu Castle, Gujo Hachiman, and Magome-juku.

Motosu 여행 실용 팁 및 주의사항

  • Tourist information center (観光案内所): Look for the Kankō Annaijo counter at the regional hub (Gifu Station, Gifu-Hashima (Shinkansen) & Takayama Station) or major stations in Gifu Prefecture for free walking maps, bus timetables, and festival calendars.
  • Cash & ATMs: While hotels, chain stores, and convenience stores in Motosu accept international cards and IC payment, smaller family-run restaurants, shrines, and rural buses often prefer cash. 7-Eleven (Seven Bank) and Japan Post ATMs accept foreign debit cards reliably.
  • Dining hours: Outside major metropolitan hubs, lunch typically runs 11:30 AM–2:00 PM and dinner spots open around 5:30 PM, with earlier last orders (around 8:00–9:00 PM) in smaller cities.

자주 묻는 질문 (FAQ)

Where is Motosu (本巣市) located in Japan?

Motosu (本巣市) is a city located in Gifu Prefecture in the Chubu region of Japan (coordinates: 35.483°N, 136.6786°E). It has a population of approximately 34,729 across an area of 374.57 km².

How do I get to Motosu by train?

Most visitors reach Motosu via the main prefectural gateway of Gifu Station, Gifu-Hashima (Shinkansen) & Takayama Station. 20m from Nagoya Station to Gifu on JR rapid trains; 2h 25m from Nagoya to Takayama on the scenic JR Limited Express Hida. From the regional hub, connect by JR local/rapid lines, private commuter railways, or local bus to Motosu. You can estimate long-distance rail costs using our Shinkansen Fare Calculator.

What local food is Motosu and Gifu known for?

In Motosu and across Gifu Prefecture, top local dishes include Hida wagyu beef (nigiri, skewers,朴葉みそ hoba-miso on magnolia leaf), Takayama ramen, Gohei mochi (walnut-miso grilled rice cakes), as well as Ayu (sweetfish) from clear rivers. Look for local ekiben (station bento boxes), morning markets, and family-run shokudo near the main station.

When is the best time of year to visit Motosu?

April 14–15 & October 9–10 for the Takayama Festival; May–October for Gujo Odori & Nagara River cormorant fishing (ukai); Jan–Feb for snow-draped Shirakawa-go. Check our Japan Seasonal Calendar to compare month-by-month weather and crowd levels.

Official sources & further reading

Rules, prices and schedules change. Confirm details here before you travel: