Gujo Odori - One of Japan's Three Great Bon Dances

Gujo Odori is one of Japan's three great bon dances, held in the castle town of Gujo Hachiman in Gujo City, Gifu Prefecture. It has a history of over 400 years dating back to the Edo period. Designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan, it was also registered in 2022 as part of UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage "Furyu-odori" (elegant dances). The festival's greatest characteristic is that "it is not a festival to watch, but a festival to dance." Anyone can join the dancing circle freely—no reservations required, no age restrictions, and no dress code. Participants dance to 10 traditional dance styles accompanied by live performances of shamisen, taiko drums, and flutes. Particularly captivating is the "Harukoma" dance, where dancers create rhythm with their geta (wooden clogs), and the "karan-koron" sound echoing through the castle town enhances the festival atmosphere. By joining the dancing circle with local people at venues that rotate through the town each night, you can experience the true essence of Japanese summer festivals.