The Gujo Odori, held in Gujo City, Gifu, is a traditional summer festival widely recognized as one of Japan’s three great Bon dance festivals. In 2022, it was inscribed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage as part of the traditional performing arts category furyu-odori (ritual folk dance), making it a globally recognized example of Japanese folk culture. In 2026, the festival will be held from mid-July to early September. Its most famous event, the Tetsuya Odori (all-night dance) in August, offers a unique cultural experience where dancing continues through the entire night until morning.

A Living Tradition Recognized by UNESCO

Gujo Odori is a Bon dance tradition that has been passed down for more than 400 years as a living part of local community life. It is not a staged performance or tourist attraction, but an everyday cultural practice that continues to be preserved and shared by local residents. With its UNESCO inscription, the festival has gained international recognition for its cultural significance, attracting attention from travelers around the world as an authentic example of Japan’s living traditions.

A Japanese Nightscape of Lanterns and Wooden Townscapes

The festival takes place in the historic town of Gujo Hachiman, a well-preserved castle town known for its traditional wooden houses, stone-paved streets, and network of clear waterways.
At night, lantern lights illuminate the entire town, creating a serene and beautiful view as light reflects off the flowing water. On rainy days, the wet stone streets enhance these reflections, producing a more dreamlike scenery, often described as feeling like stepping into a Japanese animated film.

Tetsuya Odori: Japan’s Rare “Sleepless Festival”

During the peak period in mid-August, the festival hosts the Tetsuya Odori, where dancing continues from night until morning. Participants dance continuously without concern for time, while the entire town becomes united in rhythm and celebration. This all-night format is extremely rare even in Japan and provides an especially powerful and unforgettable cultural experience for international visitors.

Nearby Attractions

Gujo Hachiman Castle
Sogi-sui Spring (one of Japan’s Top 100 Water Sources)
Historic Gujo Hachiman old town with waterways

Key Details

Dates: July 11, 2026 (Saturday) – September 5, 2026 (Saturday)
All-night dancing: August 13 (Thursday) – August 16 (Sunday) (several consecutive nights planned)
Location: Gujo Hachiman town area, Gifu
Admission: Free (open participation)

Main Highlights

Traditional Bon dances (Kawasaki, Harukoma, etc.)
All-night Tetsuya Odori experience
Lantern-lit historic townscape
Interactive dance participation for visitors

Access

Approx. bus access from Gujo Hachiman Station (Nagaragawa Railway)
Highway bus from Gifu Station / Nagoya area
Approx. 90–120 minutes by highway bus from Nagoya

Inquiries

Gujo Hachiman Tourism Association
Tel: 0575-67-0002
Available: 9:00–17:00 (Open year-round; extended hours during peak season)
Tourist information center with flexible seasonal operation