Gifu Prefecture is a prefecture located 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. During the Sengoku period, many people referred to Gifu by saying, "control Gifu and you control Japan." Instant Gifu. Gifu International Center, 1995.