Gujo Odori

Name: Gujo Odori
Start: 2025-07-11
Location: Gujo

The Sound of Geta Echoes in the Water Town—A Summer Night Where Everyone Becomes One

2025/07/11

Every summer, the castle town of Gujo Hachiman in Gifu Prefecture comes alive with the rhythm of Gujo Odori and the clatter of wooden geta sandals. For more than 30 nights from mid-July to early September, the town transforms into circles of dancers, and during Obon, the famous “All-Night Odori” continues until dawn. Locals and visitors, regardless of age or nationality, join hands and dance together, their smiles and footsteps echoing over the waterways and stone bridges.

Gujo Odori is held every year from mid-July to early September, with the main All-Night Odori taking place during Obon (August 13–16). Whether you are a first-time visitor, a festival lover, or someone who wants to experience the essence of Japanese summer, this open festival welcomes anyone to join the circle at any time.

Main Attractions

All-Night Odori

The biggest highlight of Gujo Odori is the “All-Night Odori,” held for four nights during Obon. From dusk until dawn, the dancing continues, with the clacking of geta sandals, melodies of shamisen and flutes, and the chorus of festival songs filling the town. Locals and travelers alike—thousands of people—form circles under lanterns and enjoy the perfectly synchronized dances. The river breeze and the sound of flowing water blend into the night, creating a dreamlike atmosphere.

Main Events

Gujo Odori continues for over 30 nights, but the Obon period (August 13–16) is the peak. Each night features different dance songs (“Kawasaki,” “Harukoma,” “Yacchiku,” etc.), each with its own choreography. Special events like dance competitions, yukata contests, and umbrella dances are also popular highlights.

Costumes and Decorations

There is no dress code, but many people join in yukata and geta sandals. The town is decorated with lanterns, banners, and streamers, and the scent of river water and summer grass drifts through the air. The simple, cool costumes and the lantern-lit townscape create a nostalgic yet festive atmosphere.

Traditional Food & Drink

Festival stalls offer local specialties such as salt-grilled ayu (sweetfish), local sake, river fish tempura, and chilled Japanese sweets. The aroma of fish grilled over charcoal, cold sake, and the crisp texture of tempura are the flavors of summer, enjoyed between dances or while resting by the riverside.

Cultural and Historical Background

Gujo Odori has a history of over 400 years, said to have started in the early Edo period when the feudal lord Endo Yoshitaka encouraged everyone, regardless of status, to dance together for community harmony. Its roots are also said to lie in Bon Odori for ancestor memorials. Today, it is counted among Japan’s three great Bon Odori festivals, and in 2022, it was inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

For the people of Gujo, this festival is a cherished tradition for giving thanks to ancestors and strengthening community bonds. The spirit of “anyone can dance together” is at the heart of Gujo Odori, giving it a unique warmth and joy.

Participant Voices

I came from Tokyo to experience the All-Night Odori. I was nervous at first, but locals taught me the steps and I quickly became part of the circle. I made friends with people from all over Japan!

Fun Facts

Gujo Odori lasts for over 30 nights, making it the longest Bon Odori festival in Japan.
During the All-Night Odori at Obon, up to 20,000 people can gather in a single night.
There are 10 official dance songs, each with its own choreography.
Anyone can join the dance circle at any time, with no restrictions.