Paying tribute to great feudal warlords such as Saito Dosan and Oda Nobunaga who once resided at Gifu Castle, this course features the castle and the strolling of its castle town. During the Warring States Period, it was said that occupying the Mino River Valley would lead to unifying Japan. A great panoramic view of the region from the castle might evoke in you a feeling of ambition just like these warlords. Other destinations on the stroll include Gifu Great Buddha and Kawara-machi. Offer prayers to the affable-faced Buddha, considered one of 3 major statues of Buddha in Japan, and walk in the Kawara-machi area such as monuments inscribed with the famous haiku poet about ukai made by Haiku Master Matsuo Basho, or paying tribute to Kawabata Yasunari, a Nobel Laureate in Literature deeply associated with Gifu.

This route is recommended for history lovers as this includes places of historic interest related to Oda Nobunaga and Saito Dosan. Sufuku-ji, the family temple for Oda Nobunaga, is famous for its "blood-stained ceiling" that was originally floor boards covered with the blood of soldiers that date back to when the Gifu Castle was conquered in the 16th century. Dosan-zuka is a monument established as a memorial to Saito Dosan.