Gujo Odori: Tradition and Excitement of Japan's Three Great Bon Dances Continuing 400 Years

The sound of geta clogs echoes through the castle town at night, and strangers dance together in the same circle — Gujo Odori, held in Hachiman, Gujo City, Gifu Prefecture, is not a festival to watch but a festival to join. Its appeal lies in the openness with which anyone can jump into the circle and in the fervor of dancing through the night, and it is counted as one of Japan's three great bon dances. Designated a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property and boasting a history of about 400 years, Gujo Odori is a traditional bon dance with no barrier between dancers and spectators — one that is fun precisely because you take part.

A Bon Dance Rooted in the Castle Town

Gujo Odori is said to have begun in the Edo period when the lord of Gujo Hachiman encouraged bon dancing so that his subjects could become one across the class divisions of samurai, farmers, artisans and merchants. Carefully handed down by local people over a long history, it came to be known as the longest-running bon dance in Japan, held over thirty-odd nights through the summer. Gujo Hachiman is a beautiful town where clear streams and water culture live on, and the atmospheric streets of the castle town still remain. Performed against this evocative town, Gujo Odori embodies the town's history and culture and has become the pride of the community.

All-Night Dancing and the Joy of Taking Part

The greatest feature of Gujo Odori is that spectators are free to join the dancing circle. The appeal is its accessibility — the steps are not difficult and you can dance right away simply by imitating what you see — and locals and tourists alike dance the night away together. There are more than ten dance tunes, each with its own choreography, and learning several is the connoisseur's way to enjoy it. Above all, the "all-night odori" held during the Obon period is the climax of Gujo Odori, dancing literally through the night until morning and wrapped in the height of excitement. The distinctive rhythm of dancing in clattering geta and the atmosphere of a castle town lit by lanterns come together to create an unforgettable summer night.

Excitement of All-Night Dancing

"All-night Odori" is held during the Bon period (August 13-16), dancing through the night until dawn. Anyone can jump into the dancing circle to participate, allowing tourists to enjoy Gujo Odori together with locals.

Gujo Hachiman Castle Town

Gujo Hachiman Town, the stage of Gujo Odori, is a castle town known as "Gujo Hachiman," also famous as a water town with the Yoshida River flowing. In summer, sights of children jumping into the river can be seen, a scene that could be called Japan's original landscape.

Best Season and Access

Gujo Odori is held over a long period through the summer, with the all-night odori taking place during Obon. It is safest to check the annual dates through official information from Gujo City or the organizers. For access, take a bus or taxi from Nagaragawa Railway "Gujo Hachiman Station" to the center of town. It is also close to the "Gujo Hachiman IC" on the Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway, making it convenient by car. If you plan to join the dance, bringing geta or a yukata will heighten the mood all the more. As this is a summer night festival, do not forget to stay hydrated. Please join the circle and experience the atmosphere of the castle town and the fervor of the dance for yourself.

Practical Information (2026)

• Dates: In 2026, from the "Odori Hassho-sai" (opening festival) on Saturday, July 11 to the "Odori Osame" (closing) on Saturday, September 5, for a total of 30 nights
• All-night odori: Four days, Thursday, August 13 to Sunday, August 16
• Hours: Weekdays and Sundays 20:00-22:30, Saturdays 20:00-23:00. For the all-night odori, August 13 runs 20:00 until around 4:00 the next morning, August 14 and 15 run 20:00 until around 5:00 the next morning, and August 16 runs 20:00 until around 4:00 the next morning
• Venues: The location changes by day. For the all-night odori, the 13th and 14th are Shinmachi to Hashimotocho, the 15th is Hashimotocho to Shinmachi, and the 16th is Honmachi. On ordinary days, venues include in front of the Gujo Hachiman Former Government Building Memorial Hall, Kamitonomachi, in front of Sekisuien, Shiroyama Park, and Kawaramachi
• Participation fee: Free. Anyone may join the circle and dance
• Parking: Shown with a P mark on the official venue map. The guidance for the opening festival recommends "the municipal Atago car park, which has a large capacity"
• Traffic restrictions: On the day of the opening festival, traffic restrictions are in place from around 16:00 in the central city area around the dance venues and their surroundings

*Parking and shuttle bus information for the all-night odori period is usually announced in early August. Please check the official website of the Gujo Hachiman Tourism Association before visiting.*

📚 Sources

• Gujo Hachiman Tourism Association
• Gujo City official website