Nestled in the mountains of Gifu Prefecture, Gujo Hachiman is a beautifully preserved castle town famous for its pristine waterways, traditional summer dance festival, and timeless atmosphere. With narrow streets lined with old wooden buildings, peaceful canals, and a centuries-old castle, the town offers visitors an authentic glimpse into rural Japan’s cultural and historical roots.
Highlights
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Gujo Odori (郡上おどり)
The town’s most famous tradition is the Gujo Odori, one of Japan’s longest and most spirited summer dance festivals. Held from mid-July to early September, the event reaches its peak during Obon week (mid-August), when people dance all night long in the streets. Locals and visitors alike are encouraged to join in, regardless of experience.
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Pristine Waterways
Known as the "Town of Water", Gujo Hachiman is crisscrossed by clear streams and canals. These waterways have been cherished and carefully maintained for centuries, with locals still using them for washing vegetables and cooling drinks—a rare sight in modern Japan. -
Gujo Hachiman Castle
Perched on a hilltop overlooking the town, Gujo Hachiman Castle is a beautifully reconstructed wooden castle offering panoramic views and insights into the town’s samurai-era history. It's especially photogenic during autumn when surrounded by colorful foliage.
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Historic Townscape & Walking Trails
Strolling through the town reveals a landscape of Edo-period architecture, traditional homes, water mills, and charming shops selling local crafts such as Gujo-yaki pottery and 食品サンプル (plastic food samples)—a unique specialty of the area. -
Food Sample Making Experience
Gujo Hachiman is known as the birthplace of Japan’s ultra-realistic plastic food replicas used in restaurant displays. Several workshops allow visitors to try their hand at making their own food samples—a fun and uniquely Japanese experience.
Visitor Information
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Location: Gujo City, Gifu Prefecture
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Access: Around 90 minutes by car or bus from Gifu City or Nagoya
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Best Time to Visit: Summer for the Gujo Odori, autumn for fall foliage, or spring for riverside cherry blossoms
Why Visit?
Whether you're drawn by the rhythm of traditional festival dances, the calming sound of flowing water, or the nostalgic streets of a bygone era, Gujo Hachiman offers a peaceful yet vibrant escape into the heart of Japan’s cultural heritage.
Gujo Hachiman isn’t just a town you visit—it’s a place you feel. With its deep-rooted traditions, crystal-clear streams, and warm community spirit, it invites you to slow down, join the dance, and experience a slice of Japan where history, nature, and everyday life flow beautifully together.
Official Website
http://www.gujohachiman.com/kanko/index_e.html
Accommodation sites
Agoda
