Explore Gifu's Culinary and Artisan Treasures at Mitsukoshi

A Remarkable Showcase of Gifu's Culinary and Artisan Treasures

From January 21 to 27, 2026, the historic Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Store in Tokyo will host the Gifu Prefecture Product Sales Event titled "Gifu Exploration – A Celebration of Food and Craftsmanship." This event will highlight over 200 distinctive items hailing from the region, curated by experienced department store buyers.

The Gifu Prefecture has been organizing these annual sales events to promote its local products to a broader audience in the Tokyo metropolitan area. This year's event marks the third and final occurrence of the season, with previous events held in September and October 2025.

Gifu's Natural Bounty and Cultural Heritage

Nestled in central Japan, Gifu boasts a rich natural environment characterized by the Kiso Three Rivers (Kiso River, Nagara River, and Ibi River) and the Hida Mountains. This diverse landscape allows the region to produce a variety of high-quality ingredients such as ayu (sweetfish), rice, and chestnuts. Gifu is also blessed with excellent wood resources, including cedar and cypress, as well as kozo (the raw material for washi paper).

These natural gifts have led to the creation of celebrated specialties like ayu cuisine, sake, and chestnut sweets. During the Edo period, timber transported along the rivers helped form the foundation for traditional crafts. Items such as Gifu umbrellas, Gifu lanterns, and water winnowers came into being, showcasing the skill and artistry of local craftsmen.

At this year's event, attendees will enjoy an array of traditional crafts and delicacies that embody Gifu's cultural heritage. Visitors will be able to explore traditional crafts, including Gifu lanterns, Gifu umbrellas, and Mino ceramics. One highlight is the Ichi-i Ittobori, a unique wood sculpting technique using the yew tree, which is Gifu's official prefectural tree. Furthermore, culinary delights will include renowned dishes such as Hida ramen, soy sauce-dipped Mitarashi dango (sweet dumplings), and various processed products from the prized Hida beef.

In a delightful twist, visitors will also sample artisanal natural cheese made from local milk, crafted by an Italian resident of Kani City using traditional methods from his homeland.

Special Interactive Experiences

The Gifu merchandise event will also engage visitors with interactive experiences, including live demonstrations of traditional craft production methods. Notably, there will be performances showcasing the making of Ichi-i Ittobori and Gifu lanterns.

Adding to the event's allure, there will be a stamp rally promoting Gifu, allowing participants to gather stamps from various locations around the store. Collecting all four stamps will earn attendees a Gifu product as a prize. The stamp rally locations include two spots in the basement level food collection, one on the fifth floor, and the Gifu Tokyo antenna shop, facilitating an engaging way to discover the region's charm.

Additionally, visitors will find a tourism PR corner where they can learn about popular spots and hidden gems in Gifu. Over the weekends, the beloved mascot character Minamo will make special appearances, enhancing the overall experience.

Discover the Gifu Product Sales Event

Event details are as follows:

- Event Name: Gifu Prefecture Product Sales Event "Gifu Exploration – A Celebration of Food and Craftsmanship"
- Date: January 21 to 27, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 7:30 PM
- Location: Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Store, Tokyo (1-4-1 Nihonbashi Muromachi, Chuo City)
- Theme: "Gifu Exploration – A Celebration of Food and Craftsmanship"

This exquisite event offers a splendid opportunity to experience Gifu’s finest local products right in the heart of Tokyo, promoting the prefecture's culinary delights and artisanal crafts to a wider audience, while celebrating the unique cultural identity of Gifu Prefecture.