Gujo Odori

What is Gujo Odori?

Gujo Hachiman is a small castle town in the mountains of Gifu Prefecture, in central Japan, known for its clear rivers, canals and old wooden streets. Every summer, it hosts one of the longest dance festivals in Japan: Gujo Odori. For more than 30 nights from mid-July to early September, locals and visitors dance together in the streets, and for four nights in August, during Obon, the dancing goes on all night.

The tradition is about 400 years old. According to the town, a lord of the Edo period brought together the bon dances of the surrounding villages in the castle town and encouraged everyone to dance together, regardless of class, during the four days of Obon. The dance has been held ever since, and it is recognized as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan. In 2022, it was included in UNESCO's listing of furyu-odori, the ritual folk dances of Japan.

Unlike many festivals, Gujo Odori is not a show to watch but a dance to join. There are ten dances, each with its own song and steps, simple enough for beginners to learn by watching and copying the locals. Dancers form a circle around a yakata, a wooden float carrying the musicians and singers, and move slowly around it to the rhythm of the music. Many wear yukata, light summer kimono, and geta, wooden sandals, whose clatter on the street is part of the sound of the festival.

Each night, the dance moves to a different part of town. The highlight is the Tetsuya Odori, the all-night dancing from August 13 to 16, when thousands of people dance from evening until dawn.

What to expect

The festival runs on more than 30 nights from mid-July to early September, with the all-night dances in mid-August.

Planning your trip

Getting there

From Nagoya, take the Limited Express Hida to Mino-Ota, about 40 minutes, then the slow Nagaragawa Railway to Gujo-Hachiman, about 80 minutes. Highway buses from Nagoya and Gifu are faster, and stop close to the town centre.

Where to stay

Gujo Hachiman has inns, guesthouses and small hotels, which fill up quickly for the Tetsuya Odori, so book early. During the all-night dances, many visitors simply dance until dawn and catch the first bus or train home.

What it costs

Joining the dance is free. Gujo Hachiman is affordable, with inexpensive food in its restaurants and stalls. Renting a yukata in town is a popular way to join in.

Go like you know

• Rent or buy a yukata and geta in town; you'll fit in better and the dances feel right.
• Buy a pair of wooden geta from a local maker as a souvenir.
• Visit on a weekday night in July for a quieter, more local evening of dancing before the crowds of Obon.
• Try the local ayu, sweetfish from the rivers, grilled with salt, at the restaurants and stalls of the old town.
• Walk along the canals and the Yoshida River, and see the Sogi-sui spring, one of Japan's famous springs.
• Tokushima's Awa Odori, in August, is Japan's most famous dance festival.
• For the season behind Gujo's all-night dances, see Obon.

Frequently asked questions

When is Gujo Odori?

On more than 30 nights from mid-July to early September, with the all-night Tetsuya Odori from August 13 to 16. In 2026, the dances ran from July 11 to September 5. The schedule for 2027 is usually published in the winter before.

Can visitors join the dance?

Yes. Gujo Odori is a participatory festival, and visitors are welcome to join the circle. The steps are simple and repetitive; watch the locals for a few songs and copy them. Wearing a yukata is not required, but many visitors rent one to feel part of the festival.

What is the Tetsuya Odori?

The Tetsuya Odori is the all-night dancing held during Obon, from August 13 to 16. On these four nights, the dancing begins in the evening and continues until dawn, with thousands of people in the streets. It is the busiest and most exciting part of the festival.