Discover Gujo-Hachiman: History, Food & Adventure
Are you to explore beyond Japan’s Golden Route? If you love history, great food, nature, or adventure, Gujo-Hachiman (郡上八幡) is the perfect hidden gem to add to your itinerary.
Gujo-Hachiman is a quaint town in Gifu Prefecture, known most for its historic townscape and the famous Gujo Odori Festival. While it attracts many visitors in August for the festival, the rest of the year often offers a peaceful escape from nearby hotspots. Although it is accessible by train, I recommend driving if possible because many of the equally visit-worthy locations nearby are most accessible by car or taxi.
Gujo-Hachiman makes for a perfect day trip or an overnight stay, and I often stop here when traveling to or from Takayama. Since it is only an hour from Aichi, it is quite easy to take a weekend drive there to enjoy all the town has to offer.
Exploring Historic Downtown
Upon arriving in Gujo-Hachiman, start your visit in the historic downtown area. The streets are lined with traditional buildings that are filled with restaurants, shops, and cafés. I recommend trying soba, udon, or Hida beef while there. While I am not a fan of Ayu (a river fish), you should consider adding it to your menu or Ayu fishing to your itinerary if you visit in summer. If you are a tea lover, the town is home several tea shops offering traditional Japanese sweets paired with green tea as well as modern Instagrammable desserts.
For coffee, my go-to spot is Supple Coffee Roasters. Their outstanding drinks, cozy atmosphere, and a river view make it a must-visit. Plus, it is right across from Gugulab, one of my favorite antique stores in the area. In the same shopping area, there you can also find Nora Curry and a few shops offering local made goods. If you're craving something other than Japanese cuisine, Nora is a great choice because the chef makes seasonal curry variations using fresh, local ingredients.
Nearby, you will also find plenty of excellent Japanese restaurants. My personal favorite is Shinbashitei where you can try Hida beef, local foods, and hoba miso. Hoba miso is a regional specialty where vegetables and sometimes meat are cooked in a thick red miso sauce on a magnolia leaf. If you are in the area, you should not miss it. Additionally, the same street is home to several udon and soba shops, perfect for an authentic mountain meal.
If you prefer a quick bite on the go rather than a full meal, many of the cafes and restaurants have takeout windows. One local specialty you shouldn’t miss is gohei mochi—a flattened rice cake coated in a thick, slightly sweet soy sauce glaze. You will also find a variety of donuts, cakes, and ice cream to try.
Local Crafts & Unique Souvenirs
Gujo-Hachiman is famous for its plastic food replicas that are seen in restaurant displays across Japan. You can even join a workshop to create your own. If you don’t have time for a hands-on experience, local souvenir shops sell a variety of replica magnets, keychains, and other items.
Beyond food replicas, you’ll also find other local goods like sake and woodwork. A great spot to explore a variety of local sake is Ueda Liquor Store. The Godzilla-katsu first drew me into the store, but the sake tasting and friendly owner kept me interested. They offer a variety of Japanese sake, yuzushu (yuzu liqueur), and umeshu (plum wine) which means that you are sure to find something to suit your tastes.
History & Culture
History lovers won’t want to miss Gujo-Hachiman Castle. Although a replica, it is still interestingly designed and offers magnificent panoramic views of the local area from its position on the hilltop. It’s stunning year-round, but autumn is especially beautiful. The mountains and town glow in shades of red, yellow, and orange.
Walking through the old town is another great way to enjoy the area’s history. Modern and traditional shops coexist in the space that looks as though time stood still. If you don’t mind crowds, visiting during the Gujo Odori Festival is an unforgettable experience. It’s one of Japan’s most historic Bon Odori festivals and features all-night dancing during Obon in mid-August and smaller events held on weekends from late July through August.
Outdoor Adventures
Gujo-Hachiman is an excellent base for exploring the region’s natural beauty. You can visit moss-covered mountain shrines, go trout or ayu (sweetfish) fishing, camp, or even take a whitewater rafting adventure. The surrounding areas are perfect for those looking to escape the crowds and enjoy Japan’s countryside. No matter what activity you choose, you will be impressed by the beautiful nature surrounding the town.
There are many other cities that are near Gujo-Hachiman and worth a visit. It is also the perfect stop between Takayama and Nagoya if you want to experience an area with fewer tourists. If you’ve visited Gujo-Hachiman, what were your favorite spots? Let me know in the comments!
