Running from mid-July to early September, the Gujo Odori is a UNESCO-recognised folk performing art and one of Japan's three great bon dances. Dance events take place on 33 nights across the summer, culminating in the legendary Tetsuya Odori (all-night dances) on four nights around Obon in mid-August, when dancing continues uninterrupted from dusk to dawn. Ten traditional dances are performed to live shamisen, shakuhachi, and taiko, and—unlike many festivals—visitors are warmly invited to join the circle. The beautifully preserved castle town of Gujo Hachiman, with its clear streams and traditional architecture, provides an unforgettable backdrop.
- Type
- Festival
- Category
- Matsuri
- Season
- Summer
- Month
- July–September
- Region
- Chubu
- Prefecture
- Gifu
- City
- Gujo Hachiman
Highlights
- ◆33 consecutive nights of street dancing across summer
- ◆All-night Tetsuya Odori dances through Obon week
- ◆Visitors actively encouraged to join the dance circles
- ◆Ten distinct traditional dances performed live
- ◆UNESCO-recognised Intangible Cultural Heritage