Nagoya to Gujo Hachiman: Castle Hike & Dance Festival Tour

You'll learn an actual dance step from a 24-hour festival that's been running for centuries.

This full-day tour from Nagoya takes you to Gujo Hachiman, a mountain village known as "Little Kyoto," with an English-speaking guide leading a 20-minute hike to Gujo-Hachiman Castle, a stroll through traditional streets, a hands-on workshop where you craft a sushi platter or dessert replica, and a lesson in the Gujo Odori dance: a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. The tour includes admission to all sites, the food workshop, and air-conditioned transport. Lunch is on your own at one of the town's local restaurants.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Gujo Hachiman's culture and history

• Hike to Gujo-Hachiman Castle
• Enjoy views and learn castle history
• Stroll through Gujo town streets
• Have lunch and shop local souvenirs
• Visit food replica factory workshop
• Create sushi platter or sweet treat
• Learn and dance Gujo Odori festival steps

The experience

You'll start the morning with a short scenic hike up to Gujo-Hachiman Castle, perched on Mt. Hachiman and nicknamed the "Castle in the Clouds" for how it seems to float above the surrounding peaks. The 20-minute climb is easy enough, and at the top you get sweeping views of the town and the Gifu mountains spreading out below. Your guide will help you frame the shot for photos. The castle itself sits where historical battles once turned, and your guide walks you through that history before you head back down.

Once you're in town, you'll have time to wander the charming streets of Gujo Hachiman itself, which earned the nickname "Little Kyoto" for its temples, shrines and traditional architecture. This is when you grab lunch at one of the local spots: soba, Hida wagyu, and eel are local specialties, and your guide can point you toward the best options. Between meals you can pick up souvenirs or just soak in the quiet mountain-town feel.

The food replica factory is where things get hands-on. Adults craft a hyper-realistic sushi platter while children under 13 make a dessert tart, using the same techniques that made Gujo famous as the birthplace of Japan's plastic food replicas. You'll see the oversized museum displays too: the kind of quirky detail that makes this town memorable. Then comes the Gujo Odori, the 24-hour dance festival that's been celebrated for centuries and is now a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. You don't just watch: your guide teaches you the actual steps, and you dance alongside the festival dancers themselves.

What’s included

• English-speaking guide throughout the day.
• air-conditioned vehicle transport.
• admission to Gujo-Hachiman Castle, the town, the food replica workshop, and the Gujo Odori dance festival.
• your own handmade sushi platter (adults) or dessert tart (children under 13) from the workshop.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday, Wednesday and FridayDeparts at 09:00

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (6 to 12 years) · Infant (under 6): free

GroupUp to 17

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Snow Monkey Resorts Tours (Machinovate Japan Ltd.)

Is this one for you?This tour departs from Nagoya with transport included, so you don't need a car or local transit knowledge to reach the mountain village. Book the option with Nagoya Station pickup if you're arriving by train and staying elsewhere in the city.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

4 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 12 years); Infant (under 6): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How do I get from Nagoya to Gujo Hachiman on this tour?

The tour includes pickup and transport in an air-conditioned vehicle from Nagoya, though you'll need to confirm the exact meeting point when you book: some options include Nagoya Station pickup, while others may differ. The drive is roughly an hour each way.

What exactly do I make at the food replica workshop?

Adults craft a realistic sushi platter using the same materials and techniques as the replicas displayed in Japanese restaurants. Children under 13 make a dessert tart instead. You get to keep what you make and take photos with the oversized food samples in the museum.

Is the hike to the castle difficult?

The hike to Gujo-Hachiman Castle is a 20-minute scenic walk described as easy, though you should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness. The reward is the views from the castle keep overlooking the town and mountains.

What is the Gujo Odori dance festival like?

The Gujo Odori is a UNESCO-recognized summer festival famous for its 24-hour continuous dancing tradition that's been celebrated for centuries. On this tour, you'll learn the actual dance steps from your guide and dance alongside the festival dancers themselves, not just watch from the sidelines.

Is lunch included in the tour price?

Lunch is not included, but you'll have time to eat in Gujo Hachiman's town center. Your guide can recommend local restaurants serving soba, Hida wagyu, and eel: local specialties worth trying.