Gujo Hachiman is a riverside town famous for its clear waterways, traditional festivals, and beautifully preserved streets. The town is overlooked by Gujo Hachiman Castle, one of the oldest reconstructed castles in Japan, and is home to unique experiences such as food replica workshops that showcase local craftsmanship.
Every summer, Gujo comes alive with the Gujo Odori, a traditional dance festival that has been held for over 400 years. Beyond its cultural highlights, visitors can enjoy regional cuisine, sample sake at local breweries, or take in the surrounding mountains and rivers through seasonal outdoor activities.
Whether you come for a day trip or stay overnight, Gujo Hachiman offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and nature. Here are the best things to do when visiting this charming town.
Where is Gujo Hachiman?
Gujo Hachiman is located in central Gifu Prefecture, around 60km north of Gifu City and 70km south of Takayama. The town sits along the Yoshida River and is surrounded by mountains, making it both scenic and easy to reach as part of a wider Hida region itinerary.
The closest train station is Gujo-Hachiman Station on the Nagaragawa Railway, about 70 minutes from Mino-Ota Station, which connects to the JR Takayama Line. However, most visitors find express buses from Gifu, Nagoya, or Takayama the most convenient way to access the town, with direct services arriving at Gujo Hachiman Bus Terminal.
Thanks to its location between Nagoya and Takayama, Gujo Hachiman works well as both a day trip and an overnight stay, offering a quiet but culturally rich alternative to larger destinations.
Best Things to Do in Gujo Hachiman
From historic castles to lively summer festivals, Gujo Hachiman is full of unique experiences that showcase its heritage and riverside charm. Here are the best things to do when visiting this beautiful town.
1 / EXPLORE GUJO HACHIMAN CASTLE / all year round
Standing on a hill overlooking the town, Gujo Hachiman Castle is one of Japan’s oldest reconstructed castles, originally dating back to the 16th century. The current structure was rebuilt in 1933 and offers sweeping views of the surrounding valley and mountains. In autumn, the castle is especially striking as it rises above a sea of colourful leaves.
2 / STROLL THE OLD TOWN STREETS & WATERWAYS / all year round
Gujo’s historic centre is lined with traditional wooden houses, narrow lanes, and clear streams that flow between buildings. The townscape is perfect for exploring on foot, with small shops, cafes, and traditional crafts adding to the atmosphere. A simple walk through town is one of Gujo’s most rewarding experiences.
3 / JOIN A FOOD REPLICA WORKSHOP / all year round
Gujo is the birthplace of Japan’s famous plastic food replicas, used in restaurant displays across the country. At Sample Village Iwasaki and other spots around town, visitors can try making these realistic creations, from tempura to parfaits. It’s a fun and an unique hands-on experience that appeals to both adults and children.
4 / EXPERIENCE THE GUJO ODORI DANCE FESTIVAL / July to September
The Gujo Odori is one of Japan’s most famous traditional dance festivals. Lasting over 30 nights through the summer, the highlight comes in mid-August when dances are performed all night long. Visitors are encouraged to join in, making it a lively and unforgettable cultural experience.
5 / VISIT THE GUJO HACHIMAN HAKURANKAN MUSEUM / all year round
To better understand the town’s culture and traditions, stop by the Gujo Hachiman Hakurankan Museum. Exhibits explain the history of Gujo, showcase local crafts, and include a lively demonstration of the Gujo Odori dances. It’s the best place to get context for what you see around town and to appreciate the depth of its heritage.
6 / STROLL ALONG IGAWA LANE / all year round
Running through the centre of town, Igawa Lane is a narrow stone-paved path with clear spring water flowing beside it. The stream is home to colourful koi and even small trout, and locals still use the water for daily life. With its mix of nature and tradition, Igawa Lane is one of the most picturesque places to walk in Gujo Hachiman.
7 / TRY LOCAL CUISINE: AYU SWEETFISH & REGIONAL SOBA / summer to autumn
Gujo is well known for its fresh river fish, especially ayu (sweetfish), which is grilled over charcoal and enjoyed in summer and autumn. The town is also famous for handmade soba noodles, crafted from locally grown buckwheat. Together with mountain vegetables and seasonal side dishes, Gujo offers a true taste of rural Gifu.
8 / DISCOVER TRADITIONAL DYEING SHOPS / all year round
Gujo Hachiman is known for its centuries-old tradition of dyeing. Several shops in town, such as Watanabe Somemono, display beautifully dyed fabrics and clothing that showcase this craft. Visitors can browse these shops, watch artisans at work, and pick up indigo-dyed items as unique souvenirs that reflect the town’s cultural heritage.
9 / WALK THROUGH YANAKA LANE (YANAKA MIZU-NO-KOMICHI) / all year round
Yanaka Lane is a stone-paved walkway designed to recreate the waterways that once flowed through Gujo Hachiman. Clear spring water runs alongside the path, lined with colourful glass spheres and seasonal flowers. It’s a peaceful and photogenic spot that reflects the town’s deep connection to water.
10 / SHOP FOR LOCAL CRAFTS & TRADITIONAL SOUVENIRS / all year round
Gujo Hachiman offers a variety of unique souvenirs that reflect its culture and traditions. Shops sell indigo-dyed fabrics, wooden Gujo geta sandals often worn during the Gujo Odori, and handmade wagashi sweets. Picking up one of these local specialties is the perfect way to remember your visit and take home a piece of Gujo’s heritage.
Where to Stay in Gujo Hachiman
Gujo Hachiman is a small town, but it offers a selection of welcoming accommodation that lets you experience its charm at a slower pace. Traditional inns and guesthouses around the historic centre provide tatami rooms, local cuisine, and the chance to stay within walking distance of the canals and castle.
For those who prefer modern amenities, small hotels and business-style lodgings are also available, making Gujo a comfortable overnight stop. Staying in town allows you to enjoy quiet evenings along the waterways and wake up to the peaceful atmosphere that makes Gujo so distinctive.
Because Gujo is located between Nagoya and Takayama, many visitors also choose to stay in one of those larger cities and visit Gujo as a day trip. This makes it easy to combine Gujo with other destinations in central Japan while enjoying a wider range of accommodation options
Tours & Charters to Gujo Hachiman
While Gujo Hachiman can be explored on your own, joining a guided tour is the most convenient way to discover its history, traditions, and hidden corners. With direct transport and an English-speaking guide, you can relax and enjoy the town without worrying about schedules or navigation.
At present, we don’t offer tours that start from Gujo itself. Instead, our tours begin from Takayama or Nagoya, making it easy to include Gujo Hachiman as part of a wider journey through central Japan.
1-Day Tour from Takayama: Gujo Hachiman – History, Traditions and Crafts
From Takayama and into the heart of Gujo Hachiman, a town known for its preserved waterways and living traditions. Visit the hilltop castle for sweeping views, stroll the old town streets lined with wooden houses, and learn about Gujo’s cultural heritage at local museums. Along the way, you’ll also discover the town’s famous crafts, including food replicas and indigo dyeing.
Highlights:
- Visit Gujo Hachiman Castle and enjoy views over the town.
- Explore the waterways and traditional streets of the old town.
- Discover Gujo’s crafts, including food replicas and indigo dyeing.
1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Gujo Hachiman’s Crafting Culture & Castle in the Clouds
Escape the bustle of Nagoya and journey into the mountains of Gifu on this guided day trip. Travel directly to Gujo Hachiman, where you’ll explore the town’s historic castle, old merchant streets, and beautifully clear waterways. The tour also introduces Gujo’s famous traditions, from food replica making to local crafts, giving you a well-rounded experience of this charming riverside town before returning to Nagoya.
Highlights:
- Visit Gujo Hachiman Castle and enjoy sweeping views of the town and valley.
- Stroll the preserved streets and waterways of the old town.
- Discover Gujo’s unique crafts, including food replica making.
Private Charters to Gujo Hachiman
If you prefer a more flexible way to explore Gujo Hachiman, a private charter is a great option. While we don’t currently list a set charter plan from Gujo itself, we can arrange customised trips from Takayama, Nagoya, or other nearby cities. Charters allow you to travel at your own pace, choose the places that interest you most—such as the castle, waterways, food replica workshops, or indigo dyeing shops—and enjoy the comfort of a private vehicle.
If you’re interested in a tailor-made experience, please contact us and our team will help create a customised itinerary that fits your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When is the best time to visit Gujo Hachiman?
Gujo can be enjoyed year-round. Summer is the most famous season thanks to the Gujo Odori dance festival, while spring brings cherry blossoms, autumn offers colourful leaves, and winter transforms the town with snow.
How do I get to Gujo Hachiman?
The easiest way is by express bus, with direct services from Nagoya, Gifu, and Takayama. Trains also run to Gujo-Hachiman Station on the Nagaragawa Railway, though access is slower. Many visitors also join guided tours that include direct transport.
What is Gujo Hachiman famous for?
The town is known for Gujo Hachiman Castle, its historic waterways and preserved townscape, the centuries-old Gujo Odori festival, and as the birthplace of Japan’s realistic food replicas.
Can I visit Gujo Hachiman as a day trip?
Yes, Gujo is a popular day trip from Nagoya or Takayama. However, staying overnight lets you enjoy the peaceful evening atmosphere, when the streets and waterways are beautifully lit and much quieter.
Are there family-friendly activities in Gujo Hachiman?
Definitely. Families can join food replica workshops, stroll along Igawa Lane to see koi swimming in the canals, explore the castle, or attend the lively Gujo Odori festival in summer.