Gujo Odori Dance Festival 2025

Event date:
July 12, 2025 at 2:13 am
Event end:
September 6, 2025 at 2:14 am

A Living Tradition of Joyful Summer Nights

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 2024, the 2025 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 in mid-August, when dancers fill the streets and continue through the night until sunrise—this is known as Tetsuya Odori (all-night dancing).

2025 Event Schedule

July

July 12 (Sat): Opening Ceremony, 20:00–23:00
July 13 (Sun): 20:00–22:30
July 16 (Wed): 20:00–22:30
July 19 (Sat): 20:00–23:00
July 20 (Sun): 20:00–23:00
July 26 (Sat): 20:00–23:00
July 27 (Sun) to July 31 (Thu): 20:00–22:30

August

Aug 1 (Fri) to Aug 7 (Thu): 20:00–22:30
Aug 8 (Fri): 20:00–22:30
Aug 9 (Sat): 20:00–23:00
Aug 10 (Sun) to Aug 12 (Tue): 20:00–22:30

Obon All-Night Dancing (Tetsuya Odori)

Aug 13 (Wed): 20:00–04:00
Aug 14 (Thu) & Aug 15 (Fri): 20:00–05:00
Aug 16 (Sat): 20:00–04:00

Aug 17 (Sun) to Aug 22 (Fri): 20:00–22:30
Aug 23 (Sat) to Aug 30 (Sat): 20:00–23:00
Aug 31 (Sun): 20:00–22:30

September:

Sep 6: 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.