Chubu · GifuDance
For more than 30 nights, a mountain town dances in the streets, and everyone is invited to join the circle.
Overview
Gujo Odori is one of Japan’s great communal dance festivals, held over some 30 nights each summer in the castle town of Gujo Hachiman, Gifu. Unlike stage-based events, this is participatory Bon dancing: locals and visitors form circles in the streets and dance to live singing and shamisen. It is inscribed on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage and famous for its all-night dances during the Obon holidays.
When & Where
The 2026 season runs from 11 July to 5 September, with dancing on more than 30 nights at venues that rotate through the old town’s streets and squares on a published schedule. Regular evenings run roughly 8:00 to 10:30 pm, while the four Obon all-nighters on 13, 14, 15 and 16 August dance from about 8:00 pm until 5:00 am. Nearest station: Gujo-Hachiman.
Getting There
From Nagoya, take a train or highway bus toward Gujo Hachiman; by rail, transfer at Mino-Ota to the Nagaragawa Railway for Gujo-Hachiman Station, then walk or take a short bus into the old town. Highway buses from Nagoya are often the simplest option. During Obon the town is packed, so plan transport and lodging early, or visit on a quieter regular night.
What to Expect
Expect to join in rather than just watch: the steps are simple and repeat, and newcomers pick them up quickly by following the circle. A song platform (yagura) anchors each night, with live musicians leading a rotation of traditional dances. The Obon nights are the most intense, dancing until dawn, while regular nights are relaxed and welcoming.
Tickets & Access
Participation is free and open to all; there are no tickets or reserved areas. Wear a yukata if you like — many dancers do — and comfortable footwear such as geta or flat shoes. Simply step into the circle and follow along.
Tips for Visitors
Check the nightly venue schedule in advance, as the location changes each evening. For the famous all-night experience, come during 13–16 August, but expect big crowds. Gujo Hachiman’s clear canals, castle and food-sample workshops make it a rewarding daytime stop too.
Access and Map
| Dates | 11 July – 5 September 2026 (Obon all-night dances 13–16 August) |
|---|---|
| Venue | Old-town streets of Gujo Hachiman, Gifu (venues rotate nightly) |
| Access | Nagaragawa Railway to Gujo-Hachiman Station, or highway bus from Nagoya |
| Admission | Free |
| Official site | Gujo Hachiman Tourism (official dance schedule) |
Source: Gujo Hachiman Tourism (official dance schedule)
Image: Photo: Jialiang Gao www.peace-on-earth.org / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 (license)
