Gujo Hachiman: A Hidden Castle Town Woven with Waterways

Japagrit
10月5日
読了時間: 4分

"We enjoyed Shirakawa-go and Takayama on Day 1, but what should we do on Day 2?"

"It's my first time in Japan, but I'd love to visit places that seasoned travelers recommend."

Before the rest of the world catches on, there is one place you absolutely must visit.

Let us introduce you to Gujo Hachiman, a quiet castle town nestled in the mountains of Gifu Prefecture. This is a "Town of Waterways and Dance," where 400 years of history and tradition are still very much a part of everyday life.

For clients seeking a relaxed, in-depth journey far from overtourism, Gujo Hachiman offers an unparalleled experience. The reason you can discover the true essence of Japanese culture here is simple: its traditional streets are inhabited by locals, and commercial tourism remains minimal.

We work to keep the value of Gujo Hachiman

Gujo Hachiman is located between Takayama and Nagoya. We are actively involved in supporting the revitalization of this town through tourism, working closely with local sake brewers, artisans, and business owners.

MAP↓

https://maps.app.goo.gl/HaxPdc48oiLokP4C7

Based on these partnerships, we are proud to offer original tour plans:

Guided Day Trip from Takayama (Private Vehicle)
Private Transfer Tour from Takayama to Nagoya Station via Gujo Hachiman

To inspire your next itinerary, here are the three standout charms of Gujo Hachiman.

The 3 Key Charms of Gujo Hachiman

1. The "City of Waterways": Life Sustained by Clear Streams

The single greatest charm of Gujo Hachiman is the network of waterways woven throughout the town.

Beyond the beauty of the Yoshida River, the true spectacle lies in the water system integrated into the residents' daily lives. Throughout the streets, you will see unique, tiered stone basins called "Mizubune" (Water Tubs). This traditional, sustainable system dictates that the upper basin is used for drinking and washing food, while the lower basins are used for washing dishes, showcasing a rational and enduring way of life.

Water Spots to Explore:
- Sogi-sui Spring: Designated as one of Japan's 100 Famous Waters. You can draw water here and feel its exceptional purity.
- Igawa Komichi (Igawa Stream Path): Walk along the residential water channels and be amazed by the sight of large, stately Koi fish swimming gracefully.
Summer Tradition: In the summer, you may witness the vibrant local scene of children leaping off the river's "Tobikomi-dai" (Diving Platform) into the pristine river—a lively snapshot of authentic community life.

2. The "Town of Dance": Join a 400-Year-Old Tradition

The Gujo Odori is a traditional Bon dance that has continued for over 400 years. Its greatest feature is that it is an open culture—anyone can participate; you are not just a spectator.

The festival takes place on 30 or more nights between mid-July and early September. The climax is the "Tetsuya Odori" (All-Night Dancing) over the four nights of the Obon festival, when the entire town dances with passionate energy from dusk till dawn.

The Power of Participation: There is no distinction between tourists and locals. You don't even need a kimono; you can immediately join the circle of dancers in the street. This is a supreme cultural experience that allows you to feel the unity of the community through dance.
Preparation: The Gujo Hachiman Haku-rankan Museum often holds demonstrations and lessons on the Gujo Odori, allowing you to learn the steps beforehand.

3. The "Castle Town": History and Scenic Vistas

Gujo Hachiman flourished as a timeless castle town. The Gujo Hachiman Castle, perched atop a mountain, is affectionately called "Gifu's Castle in the Sky."

Especially during the autumn fall foliage, the contrast between the white castle tower and the vibrant mountain colors creates a spectacular view. The panorama overlooking the town below perfectly captures the harmony between Japan's traditional architecture and its natural surroundings.

Let's Create a Unique Journey Together

Gujo Hachiman's greatest appeal lies in its tranquility, authentic culture, and the genuine warmth of its local residents—all untouched by overtourism.

If you require customized experiences that foster deep interaction with local artisans and residents, or if you are planning corporate training or themed business tours that your competitors cannot offer, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Contact：

office@miit-info.com

Why Do Business Elites Choose Japagrit travel?

Japagrit travel offers a unique travel experience that transcends mere sightseeing, incorporating a keen understanding of the business landscape.

* A Bridge for Business: We aim to spark future business opportunities through your travels in Japan, fostering connections within local communities to explore new avenues for growth.

* A Distinctive Network: Led by our representative, a founding member and current mentor at "BSJ" (Business Support in Japan), we leverage collaborations with experts across various fields, including accountants, immigration lawyers, real estate developers, and more, to provide comprehensive business support.

* Deep Local Connections: Beyond our marketing alliances with travel agencies, we maintain strong ties with local traditional artisans and those involved in cultural industries, enabling us to offer unparalleled and authentic experiences.

* A Global Perspective: Our experience in fostering B2B collaborations with marine travel companies in Italy, Portugal, Australia, and our membership in the Indian Chamber of Commerce Japan and the Australian and New Zealand Chamber of Commerce in Japan provide us with invaluable insights into the needs of international travelers, allowing us to propose the most suitable plans.

* Experience in Supporting Foreign Entrepreneurs: Our origins lie in providing business Japanese lessons to foreign entrepreneurs in Japan. This history has equipped us with a rich understanding of the challenges and success stories of doing business in Japan, which we apply to crafting insightful business travel itineraries.