1 Day Tour From Nagoya: Gujo Hachiman – Gifu's "Little Kyoto"

Your guide will provide you with a tour of the picturesque town of Gujo before stopping for lunch and free time to purchase souvenirs.

At a food replica factory and museum, you will have the opportunity to craft realistic wax replicas of popular foods.

You will not only watch the dancers, but also have the chance to learn one of the dances for yourself and dance along with the festival dancers.

Adults will be able to create a hyper-realistic sushi platter.

Duration8h

Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before

Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away

TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted

LanguagesEnglish

Group sizeUp to 17 travelers

Overview

Embark on a family-friendly journey to Gujo Hachiman, a small-yet-picturesque mountain village nicknamed "Little Kyoto" where Japan’s exceptional craftsmanship and timeless traditions come alive.

Starting with a short scenic hike to Gujo-Hachiman Castle, you’ll stand where history was made, soaking in breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and town below. Wander the charming streets of this picturesque town, then partake in a truly unique creative experience at a food replica factory, crafting your own sushi platter or sweet treat. Dive into the lively world of Japanese festivals, where you’ll learn the steps of a dace from the local 24-hour dance festival that’s been celebrated for centuries. This 1-day tour from Nagoya allows you to experience the unique beauty, history, and (sometimes quirky) culture of small town Japan as you are led by an experienced, English-speaking guide.

What's included

English speaking guide
Food replica workshop (Adults: sushi platter / Children (under 13): dessert tart)
Air-conditioned vehicle
Admission into all locations included in the tour

Lunch
Accommodation
Transportation to/from Nagoya Station

What to expect

Gujo Hachiman Castle
1h · Admission ticket included

Gujo-Hachiman Castle, perched atop the stunning Mt. Hachiman, often appears to float above the clouds while overlooking the town below—earning it the nickname of the “Castle in the Clouds.”

We will get a chance to stretch our legs and enjoy an easy-yet-scenic 20-minute hike to the castle’s keep. There, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of the town below and the surrounding Gifu mountains. Your guide will share insights into the castle's role in historical battles and will be on hand to take photos to make your friends and family back home jealous of your time in Japan.
Gujo Hachiman Castle Town
2h

Descending from the castle, we’ll take a leisurely stroll through the picturesque town of Gujo, often referred to as “Little Kyoto” for its beautiful temples, shrines, and traditional charm. Here, you’ll have time to explore the town’s quaint streets, purchase local souvenirs, and enjoy a delicious lunch. Feel free to ask your guide for dining recommendations or follow your nose to one of the many eateries serving up local specialties including soba, Hida wagyu, and eel.
Gujo
45m

Next, we’ll visit a food replica factory—a true highlight and one of the quirkiest things Gujo is famous for. Here, you’ll get hands-on experience crafting your very own hyper-realistic dish just like the ones seen on display in almost every restaurant in Japan.

Adults will be able to create a sushi platter while children (16 and under) can craft a sweet treat. This unique workshop honors the town’s legacy as the birthplace of Japan’s iconic plastic food replicas. You'll also have time to explore and snap a photo with the oversized food samples displayed in the museum!
Gujo-Hachiman Hakurankan
30m · Admission ticket included

Our final stop immerses you in one of Japan’s most cherished cultural traditions—the Gujo Odori dance festival. A UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, this summer festival, known for its 24-hour dances, is one of Japan’s most highly-regarded summertime dance celebrations. You’ll not only watch the dances but learn the steps and dance alongside the festival dancers.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Your guide will meet you at the SILVER clock tower and will be holding a SNOW MONKEY RESORTS sign.

If arriving by Shinkansen, the SILVER clock tower will be straight ahead as you exit the gate. If coming via JR, follow signs to the Taiko-Dori Gate; the silver clock is near the Taiko-Dori exit.

End point

Your guide will meet you at the SILVER clock tower and will be holding a SNOW MONKEY RESORTS sign.

If arriving by Shinkansen, the SILVER clock tower will be straight ahead as you exit the gate. If coming via JR, follow signs to the Taiko-Dori Gate; the silver clock is near the Taiko-Dori exit.

Additional information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

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