Product Description

Location: Gujo Hachiman, Gifu Prefecture
Date: Mid-July to Early September 2025 (Exact dates TBA)
All-night dancing: July 12– September 6 (Obon period)

Dance Through the Night at One of Japan’s Most Famous Festivals!

The Gujo Odori Dance Festival is one of Japan’s oldest and longest-running Bon Odori (Bon dance) festivals, dating back over 400 years. Held in the charming castle town of Gujo Hachiman, this two-month-long festival invites locals and visitors alike to dance in the streets every night, preserving a rich cultural tradition.

The festival reaches its peak during Obon (August 13–16), when dancing continues all night in the spirit of honoring ancestors. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced dancer, everyone is welcome to join in!

Festival Highlights

• Nightly Bon Odori Dances – Over 30 nights of dancing throughout summer, with locals in traditional yukata (summer kimono).
• Live Traditional Music – Enjoy taiko drums, shamisen, and flutes, played by musicians on a central yagura stage.
• Authentic Cultural Experience – Learn ten unique Gujo Odori dance styles, each with its own music and movements.
• Obon All-Night Dancing (July 12– September 6) – Dance from sunset to sunrise in the most exciting part of the festival!
• Food Stalls & Local Delicacies – Try Hida beef skewers, ayu grilled fish, and Gujo’s famous water tofu.

What Makes Gujo Odori Special?

• Anyone Can Join: Unlike many festivals where performers are separate from spectators, here, everyone is a dancer!
• 400+ Years of History: A tradition passed down since the Edo period, meant to bring the town together.
• Traditional Town Setting: Dance through the scenic streets of Gujo Hachiman, a town known for its clear rivers and historic architecture.
• Ten Unique Dance Styles: From the lively “Kawasaki” to the elegant “Harukoma,” each song tells a different story.

Best Things to Do at Gujo Odori

Join the Dance! Don’t worry if you don’t know the steps—locals will teach you as you go.
Explore Gujo Hachiman: Visit Gujo Hachiman Castle, old merchant streets, and the famous crystal-clear Yoshida River.
Try Local Cuisine: Savor Gujo miso, river fish, and fresh mountain vegetables.
Buy a Yukata & Get Dressed Up: Many shops sell or rent traditional yukata so you can fully immerse yourself in the experience.

We Recommend These Must-Try Moments

1. From Nagoya: Gujo, Hida Takayama, and Shirakawa-go Day Tour
Take a scenic day trip to the historic towns of Gujo and Hida Takayama, then explore Shirakawa-go’s gassho-zukuri houses.
Enjoy traditional architecture, riverside streets, and rich mountain culture.
Perfect for experiencing rural Japan’s charm in one full-day journey.

2. Nagoya: Hida Takayama & Shirakawa-go 1-Day Bus Tour w/ Meal
Embark on a comfortable bus tour to two of Japan’s most picturesque heritage towns.
Stroll Takayama’s preserved Edo-era streets and admire Shirakawa-go’s thatched-roof houses.
Includes a local Japanese meal for a taste of regional flavor.

3. Ninja Experience in Takayama – Special Course
Step into the world of the ninja with hands-on training in Takayama.
Practice stealth techniques, throwing shuriken, and more in authentic attire.
A fun and immersive cultural activity for all ages.

4. Gifu: Sekigahara – Samurai Battlefields & Museum Guided Tour
Visit the legendary site of Japan’s most decisive samurai battle in Sekigahara.
Explore the interactive museum and battlefield trails with expert commentary.
Ideal for history buffs and fans of Japanese samurai culture.

5. Nagoya: Grand Sumo Tournament Tour
Witness Japan’s traditional sport up close with reserved seats at the Grand Sumo Tournament.
Learn about sumo rituals, rankings, and legends while cheering for your favorite rikishi.
A cultural spectacle unique to Japan’s rich heritage.

Tips for Visitors

• Wear Comfortable Shoes – Expect to dance for hours on stone-paved streets!
• Arrive Early for Obon Nights – The August 13–16 dances are the most crowded, so secure your spot early.
• Stay in a Local Ryokan or Minshuku – Accommodations fill up fast—book early!
• Use Public Transport – Gujo Hachiman is accessible by train and bus from Nagoya (about 2 hours).

A Must-Experience Japanese Summer Festival!

Whether you’re a dance enthusiast, history lover, or just looking for an authentic Japanese cultural experience, the Gujo Odori Dance Festival is not to be missed. Feel the rhythm, join the locals, and dance beneath the summer sky in one of Japan’s most exciting and immersive festivals!