Gujo Hachiman | Japan’s Little Venice Hidden in the Mountains of Gifu
Nestled in the lush mountains of Gifu Prefecture, Gujo Hachiman (郡上八幡) is a riverside castle town where crystal-clear water flows through every street.
Often called “The Water City” or “Little Venice of Japan,” it’s a place where time slows — wooden houses, quiet canals, and the sound of running streams weave together into a living postcard.
Wander its narrow lanes and you’ll find water bubbling up from stone wells, koi swimming in the canals, and the reflection of old merchant houses shimmering on the surface — a town that still breathes with the rhythm of water.
🌿 A Town Where Water and Tradition Live Together
Gujo Hachiman’s history stretches back over 400 years, centered around its elegant Gujo Hachiman Castle, perched on a forested hill overlooking the town.
Below, the canals that once powered local life now create a serene atmosphere — every street seems to whisper stories from the Edo period.
In summer, the town comes alive with Gujo Odori, one of Japan’s most famous traditional dance festivals.
Locals and visitors dance together through the night, wooden clogs tapping in rhythm with taiko drums — a celebration of community and joy that lasts for over 30 nights.
📸 A Photographer’s Dream of Reflection and Light
Morning light reflects off the canals, the castle floats above the mist, and lanterns glow softly along the bridges at night.
Every corner of Gujo Hachiman feels crafted for those who love to capture timeless Japan — a perfect blend of water, wood, and nostalgia.
Don’t miss Yanaka Mizu-bune, the old communal water basins still used today for washing vegetables and cooling drinks — a beautiful symbol of harmony between people and nature.
🗺️ Access & Basic Info
Name: Gujo Hachiman (郡上八幡)
Location: Gujo City, Gifu Prefecture, Japan
Type: Historic castle town with canals
Best season: Spring (fresh greenery), Summer (Gujo Odori), Autumn (fall colors)
Official Info: https://www.gujokankou.com/
Access:
- 🚗 By car: About 1 hr 30 min from Nagoya
- 🚆 By train: From Nagoya, take JR to Mino-Ota → Nagaragawa Railway to Gujo Hachiman Station
- 🚶 Walk: About 15 min from station to the old town center
✨ Gujo Hachiman isn’t just a town — it’s a flowing world of water, wood, and heart, where the essence of old Japan still lives.
