Gujo Hachiman

A mountain castle town threaded by crystal-clear streams where children still swim and play as they have for centuries. The town's water channels (suiro) were engineered so carefully that each neighbourhood has its own designated times for water usage — drinking, washing clothes, washing vegetables, and so on — a system still observed today.

Location

Why Visit

• 1

  The water is so pure that children jump from bridges into the town canal — the only place in Japan where this is an official summer activity

• 2

  Gujo Odori dance festival (July–September) includes 32 consecutive nights of traditional Bon dancing until dawn

• 3

  Traditional food replica crafts (shokuhin sampuru) were invented and are still made in Gujo Hachiman

Local Tips

Gujo is the epicentre of Japan's most extraordinary summer festival — Gujo Odori (mid-July to early September, 30+ nights of street dancing) culminates in four Obon all-night dances where anyone can join. The crystal-clear Yoshida River is so clean locals still wash vegetables in it. Plastic food sample manufacturing originated here — factory tours are bookable.