Vitality Unending: Gujo Hachiman Town Guided Walking Tour 

Imagine the mighty roaring of a river wide, blue and crystal clear, in the depths of a mountain valley, coursing along boulder banks with traditional houses full of character, sprawling green trees of various hues, running still under a hefty stone bridge. That is the heartbeat of the Yoshida River, the lifeblood of Gujo Hachiman, the Town of Water. Canals girding, criss-crossing the town, its transparent channels through which bright, colored carp leisurely swim about, were built by the Endo Tsunetomo, the 6th Lord of Gujo Hachiman Castle in 1660 of the Kanbun Era, to safeguard the town from fires after it was ravaged to the ground in 1652. In summer from mid-July to early September, this sleepy, secluded town bursts into effervescent life as more than 300,000 people converge to join Japan’s longest-running dance, the Gujo Odori (Dance)! Stroll down alleyways filled with traditional architecture from centuries gone by, and dive into daily life in an abundance of water along with exclusive local activities through this 5-hour guided walking tour showcasing all things Gujo. From the scenic Igawa Lane with its vivid, well-loved and well-fed carp, to a spectacle of energetic, lively Gujo Odori moves, to the grand Yoshida River that children leap into for respite from summer’s sweltering heat. Feel vitality unending for yourself, bubbling just beneath the surface here in Gifu’s Town of Water. 

From AUD $217

Highlights

  • Look forward to joining a collection of wonderful activities exclusive to the home of the Gujo Odori, one of Japan's three greatest Bon dance festivals, the Town of Water, Gujo Hachiman!

  • Enter the impressively realistic world of food replicas at Sample Kobo - with products so exceptionally well-made, you'd mistake them for real, edible, mouth-wateringly delicious dishes! Make an original food replica phone stand in the shape of a cup of spilled ice cream, available in different flavors. There's also a wide range of small-sized food replica items sold, from phone straps, key chains, magnets, and so much more - memorable and one-of-a-kind Gujo Hachiman souvenirs for all.

  • Watch and learn as you move to the melodies of local folk songs at the demonstration of the longest-running dance in Japan with a history of over 400 years, the beloved Gujo Odori, at the Gujo Hachiman Museum.

  • Enjoy an exclusive and tasty set meal of soba noodles with Japanese yam, and a Hida Beef Bowl (Hida Gyuudon), served at Heijin, in the private Japanese-style room (furnished with tables and chairs) on the second floor.

  • Duration

    5 hours 30 minutes

  • Offered in

    English

What is included

  • Food replica workshop activity

  • Gujo Hachiman Museum entrance fee

  • Echizen-ya tour

  • lunch

  • Guided tour

ITINERARY

Meeting / Pickup Point

Gujo Hachiman Old Government Memorial Museum.

Start time

10:30:00

End point

Gujo Hachiman Old Government Memorial Museum.

What To Expect

Discover the enchanting "Town of Water," Gujo Hachiman, on a tour filled with unique and memorable activities. Immerse yourself in the world of artful craftsmanship at Sample Kobo, where you can create your very own, incredibly realistic food replica phone stand, a perfect souvenir to remember your trip. Next, step into history at the Gujo Hachiman Museum to witness a captivating demonstration of the Gujo Odori, one of Japan's top three Bon dances with a 400-year legacy. After exploring the town's vibrant culture, savor a delicious and exclusive set meal at Heijin, featuring local specialties like soba noodles with Japanese yam and a savory Hida Beef Bowl, served in a private, traditional Japanese room. This tour offers a perfect blend of hands-on creativity, cultural immersion, and authentic local cuisine.

Schedule

10:30 - Gujo Hachiman Old Government Memorial Museum
～ Igawa Lane (with vividly-colored carp swimming about in stunningly clear canals)
～ Take in the magnificent sight of the mighty Yoshida River and its breathtaking scenery from Shinbashi Bridge
～ Old Town District of Yanagimachi
11:00～11:40 - Gujo Odori (Dance) demonstration and tour at Gujo Hachiman Museum Old Town District: Shokunin-machi (Craftsman Town), Kajiya-machi (Blacksmith Town) ** watch how the "segi ita", a specialized wooden board is used to dam neighborhood canals, allowing use of water for daily life - one of the many reasons Gujo is called the "Town of Water".
12:10～13:00 - Lunch at Hirajin, soba (buckwheat noodles) and Hidagyudon (Hida beef bowl)
13:00～13:45 – Sogisui Spring, Shimizubashi Bridge, Kodara River～ Visit Hirano Honten (sake tasting), Shibaraku (cutlery and Mino washi paper shop), Ohmamiya (nikkeidama - cinnamon candy shop)
13:45～14:40 - Food replica making and shopping at Sample Kobo
14:50～15:10 - Tour the interior and observe the exhibits of Echizen-ya, a store and residence built in the early Meiji Period (closed on Thurs)
15:20～15:50 - Tour the workshop interior and shopping at Watanabe Somemono Dyehouse.
16:00 - Disperse at the Gujo Hachiman Old Government Memorial Museum.

※This itinerary is an example.























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    • Availability: 2025/4/1～2025/10/31 (Excluding Thursdays)

    • 2 to 8 people(15 people at most)

    • Please inform us of any dietary requirements beforehand.

    • This is a walking-only course

    • Please wear comfortable walking shoes and clothing.

    • There may be adjustments made to the itinerary depending on the season.

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