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July 12, 2026 at 12:15 pm
Event date:
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September 6, 2026 at 12:15 pm
Event end:
A Living Tradition of Joyful Summer Nights
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Contact Jasumo Now →Celebrated for over four centuries and officially listed as part of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2022, the Gujo Odori Dance Festival is one of Japan’s most iconic summer traditions. Following the success of previous years, the 2026 festival promises to be even grander, offering everyone—from locals to tourists—a chance to dance under the stars in the charming streets of Gujo Hachiman.
Festival Overview
The Gujo Odori began during the Tokugawa Period, started by Endo Yoshitaka as a way to unite citizens regardless of class or status. That same inclusive spirit continues today as tens of thousands of participants join hands in communal celebration through dance. The festival spans 32 nights, running from mid-July to early September, with the most lively and famous portion taking place during the Obon holiday once a year in mid-August, when dancers fill the streets and continue through the night until sunrise—this is known as Tetsuya Odori (all-night dancing).
2026 Event Schedule
July
- July 11 (Sat): Opening Ceremony, 20:00–23:00
- July 12 (Sun): 20:00–22:30
- July 15 (Wed): 20:00–22:30
- July 18 (Sat): 20:00–23:00
- July 19 (Sun): 20:00–23:00
- July 25 (Sat): 20:00–23:00
- July 26 (Sun) to July 30 (Thu): 20:00–22:30
August
- Aug 1 (Sat) to Aug 7 (Fri): 20:00–22:30
- Aug 8 (Sat): 20:00–22:30
- Aug 9 (Sun): 20:00–23:00
- Aug 10 (Mon) to Aug 12 (Wed): 20:00–22:30
Obon All-Night Dancing (Tetsuya Odori)
- Aug 13 (Thu): 20:00–04:00
- Aug 14 (Fri) & Aug 15 (Sat): 20:00–05:00
- Aug 16 (Sun): 20:00–04:00
- Aug 17 (Mon) to Aug 22 (Sat): 20:00–22:30
- Aug 23 (Sun) to Aug 30 (Sun): 20:00–23:00
- Aug 31 (Mon): 20:00–22:30
September
- Sep 5 (Sat): 20:00–23:00
What to Expect
- Ten Traditional Dances: Learn and dance along with the local community, no experience needed.
- Live Music: Traditional instruments accompany each dance, enriching the atmosphere.
- Street Performances: Enjoy local entertainment, food stalls, and craft vendors throughout the festival.
Visiting Gujo Odori
Location
Gujo Hachiman Tourism Association Kinenkan Tourism Centre 520-1, Shimadani, Hachiman-cho, Gujo-shi, Gifu-ken, Japan 501-4222
Hours
- Regular: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Festival Season: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Contact
- Phone: 0575-67-0002
- Email:[email protected]
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