Gujo Hachiman Town
Discover the water town where traditional dance and crafts flow through the streets
Gujo Hachiman developed as a castle town in 1559 when Endo Morikazu built Hachiman Castle on Mount Hachiman. The town flourished under subsequent castle lords and became known for its sophisticated water management system that channeled pristine spring water through the town for drinking, washing, and irrigation. This network of waterways, called 'mizubune,' remains a defining feature of the town and earned Gujo Hachiman recognition as one of Japan's '100 Best Waters.'
The town is most famous for Gujo Odori, one of Japan's three great folk dance festivals, which has been performed continuously for over 400 years. The dance was promoted by castle lords to unite all social classes and foster community spirit. During the peak period in mid-August, the all-night dancing (tetsuya odori) continues from 8 PM until dawn for four consecutive nights, attracting participants from across Japan. The festival runs from mid-July to early September, making it Japan's longest dance festival.
Gujo Hachiman is also known as the birthplace of Japan's food replica industry. In the 1930s, local craftsman Iwasaki Takizo developed techniques for creating incredibly realistic food models, which became standard in Japanese restaurant displays. Today, visitors can tour workshops and create their own food replicas. The town has preserved its Edo-period character with traditional merchant houses, narrow streets, and the reconstructed castle, maintaining an authentic atmosphere that attracts visitors seeking traditional Japan.
Key Highlights
- Over 400-year-old Gujo Odori dance festival (mid-July to early September)
- Four nights of all-night dancing (tetsuya odori) in mid-August
- Crystal-clear spring water channels throughout the historic town
- Birthplace of Japan's food replica industry with hands-on workshops
- Reconstructed Hachiman Castle offers panoramic mountain views
- Traditional machiya townhouses along Yanagimachi and Kajiya-cho streets
- Free public water fountains (mizubune) where locals still wash vegetables
- Igawa river swimming spot popular with locals in summer
Access Information
Location
Hachiman-cho, Gujo, Gifu 501-4200
Nearest Stations
- • Gujo-Hachiman Station (Nagaragawa Railway) - 15-minute bus ride or 30-minute walk to town center
- • Mino-Ota Station (JR Takayama Line) - 1-hour train ride on Nagaragawa Railway
Opening Hours
Town open 24 hours. Hachiman Castle: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (March-May, September-October), 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM (June-August), 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM (November-February). Closed December 20 - January 10. Food replica workshops: typically 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM.
Admission Fee
Walking the town: Free. Hachiman Castle: Adults ¥320, Children ¥150. Food replica workshop: ¥1,200-¥2,500 depending on item. Gujo Odori participation: Free (costume rental available ¥3,000-¥4,000).
How to Get There
From Nagoya
Take JR Limited Express to Mino-Ota Station (40 minutes), transfer to Nagaragawa Railway to Gujo-Hachiman Station (1 hour), then bus or walk to town center (15-30 minutes)
2 hours
From Takayama
Take express bus directly to Gujo Hachiman (2 hours 15 minutes, ¥2,980). Buses run 3-4 times daily.
2.5 hours
From Osaka/Kyoto
Take JR Tokaido Shinkansen to Nagoya Station (50 minutes from Kyoto), then JR Limited Express and Nagaragawa Railway as above
3.5 hours
Tips & Visiting Guide
Make the most of your visit with these helpful tips and guidelines.
Gujo Odori Festival
The dance festival runs mid-July to early September. All-night dancing (tetsuya odori) occurs on four nights in mid-August (usually August 13-16). Anyone can join - no experience needed. Simple dance steps are easy to learn by watching.
Best Visiting Season
Summer (July-August) for the dance festival and river swimming. Spring for cherry blossoms along the waterways. Autumn (October-November) for foliage. Winter is quiet but offers snow-covered castle views and peaceful atmosphere.
Walking the Town
The historic core is compact and walkable in 2-3 hours. Follow the water channels through Yanagimachi (Willow Street) and Kajiya-cho (Blacksmith Street). Pick up a walking map at the tourist information center near the castle.
Food Replica Workshop
Book workshops at Sample Village (Sample Kobo) or Sample Studio. Make realistic tempura, parfaits, or lettuce (surprisingly fun!). Workshops take 30-60 minutes and require reservation during peak seasons. Great rainy-day activity.
Photography Highlights
Morning light on the water channels is beautiful. Igawa spring water fountain is iconic. Hachiman Castle from the town below makes a classic shot. In summer, capture locals and children playing in the clean river water.
Local Specialties
Try Gujo-hachiman's famous grilled ayu (sweetfish) in summer. Sample local soba noodles and kuzu (arrowroot) desserts. Many small restaurants serve home-style cooking in traditional buildings.
Public Water Fountains
The spring water is drinkable - bring a bottle to refill at public fountains. Igawa spring source is the most famous. Locals still wash vegetables at communal washing places (mizubune) - watch but don't interfere with their work.
Overnight Stay Recommended
Stay overnight to experience the town's peaceful evening and morning atmosphere. Several traditional ryokan and guesthouses available. During Gujo Odori season, book accommodations months in advance as the town fills completely.
FAQ
How long should I spend in Gujo Hachiman?
A half-day (3-4 hours) is sufficient to explore the old town, castle, and main waterways. However, if visiting during the Gujo Odori dance festival season (July-September), consider staying overnight to experience evening dance performances. A full day allows for a more leisurely exploration.
When is the famous Gujo Odori dance festival held?
The Gujo Odori festival runs from mid-July to early September, with nightly performances. The peak period, Obon all-night dancing, occurs for four nights in mid-August. Anyone can join the street dancing regardless of experience. It's one of Japan's most famous bon dance festivals.
Is the castle worth visiting?
Yes, Gujo Hachiman Castle offers panoramic views of the town and surrounding mountains from its hilltop location. The castle is a reconstruction but provides good historical context. The 20-minute uphill walk through forest is moderately steep but manageable for most visitors.
What makes the water system special here?
Gujo Hachiman is famous for its pristine spring water network flowing through the town. Residents still use communal washing places with designated pools for drinking water, washing vegetables, and washing dishes. You can drink from designated fountains throughout town. The water is exceptionally clean.
Where can I try making food replica samples?
Sample Kobo is a popular workshop where you can make your own plastic food replicas, a craft Gujo Hachiman is famous for. Sessions last about 60 minutes and require advance reservation. You'll create items like tempura or parfaits to take home as unique souvenirs.
Are there English guides or information available?
English information is limited in Gujo Hachiman. Tourist information center staff may have basic English ability, and some brochures are available in English. Consider downloading information beforehand or using translation apps. The town's charm is best experienced through wandering and observation.
What are the best areas for photography?
The Igawa-komichi waterway with traditional houses is highly photogenic. The view from the castle, Sogi Spring area, and narrow streets in the old town provide excellent shots. Early morning light on the waterways is particularly beautiful and less crowded.
Can I swim in the rivers?
Yes, locals and visitors swim in the Yoshida and Nagara Rivers during summer, particularly at Shin-Bashi Bridge area. The water is cold and clean. There are no formal swimming facilities, so exercise caution. Jumping from bridges is a local tradition but can be dangerous.
Where can I try local specialties?
Try Gujo's famous ayu sweetfish (grilled on sticks), wild boar in winter, and kuzu starch products. Several traditional restaurants line the main streets. Don't miss the local sake and Meiho Ham. The morning market on weekends offers local produce and crafts.
Nearby Attractions
Explore more wonderful destinations in the same prefecture.
Magome-juku
A beautifully preserved Edo-period post town on the historic Nakasendo Trail, featuring traditional inns, stone-paved streets, and mountain scenery in the Kiso Valley.
Okuhida Onsen Villages
Collection of five traditional hot spring villages nestled in the Northern Japan Alps, featuring outdoor rotenburo baths with mountain views.
Shirakawa-go Village
A UNESCO World Heritage village famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses with steep thatched roofs designed to withstand heavy snowfall. The village offers a glimpse into rural Japanese life from centuries past.
Takayama Festival Floats Exhibition Hall
A museum showcasing the elaborate festival floats used in Takayama's famous spring and autumn festivals, featuring intricate craftsmanship and mechanical karakuri puppets.
Takayama Old Town
A beautifully preserved Edo-period merchant town with wooden buildings, sake breweries, and traditional shops lining narrow streets. Known as 'Little Kyoto of the Mountains,' Takayama offers an authentic glimpse into historical Japan.