Gifu Prefecture

Gifu Prefecture (岐阜県, Gifu-ken?) is a prefecture in the Chūbu region of central Japan. Its capital is the city of Gifu.

Located in the center of Japan, it has long played an important part as the crossroads of Japan, connecting the east to the west through such routes as the Nakasendō. During the Sengoku period, many people referred to Gifu by saying, "control Gifu and you control Japan."