Gujo Odori

The Gujo Odori (郡上おどり) is one of the three most important Bon Festivals in Japan. The festival, which is over 400 years old and has been designated a Significant Intangible Cultural Folk Asset by the Japanese government—and more recently a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage—takes place at Gujo Hachiman, a picturesque riverside town in Gifu Prefecture. It is celebrated for its extraordinary longevity, spanning over thirty nights from mid-July through early September, and features ten traditional songs with corresponding dances that vary in tempo and mood.

The hallmark of the festival is the Tetsuya Odori, or all-night dancing, held during the peak Obon period from August 13 to 16. During these four nights, thousands of people dance in a continuous circle from 8:00 PM until the early hours of the morning. Among the ten dances, Kawasaki is the most renowned for its elegant, flowing motions, while Harukoma (the “spirited horse” dance) provides a high-energy contrast. Unlike many festivals with rigid participation rules, Gujo Odori is famously inclusive; onlookers are encouraged to step into the circle and follow the rhythmic movements regardless of their costume or experience level.

A defining technical element of the experience is the rhythmic “clack” of geta (wooden clogs) hitting the pavement. This sound is considered an integral part of the musical accompaniment, and purchasing a pair of local, reinforced geta is a common ritual for serious participants. Because Gujo Hachiman is located in a mountainous region, nighttime humidity can be intense, making the physical endurance required for the all-night sessions quite high. Additionally, transport logistics are vital; the town is serviced by the scenic Nagaragawa Railway or highway buses from Gifu and Nagoya, but both reach extreme capacity during the Tetsuya Odori peak, often requiring visitors to secure accommodation or late-night transport months in advance.