1-Day Itinerary in Gujo Hachiman
Day Trip from Nagoya with the Seishun 18 Kippu
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It could be said that Gujo Hachiman is a town that runs on water: spring-fed channels loop past old homes, stone basins keep travelers refreshed, and koi patrol the narrow Igawa lanes. In addition, a short climb leads to the hilltop castle; below, bridges frame clear rivers and tight streets. August turns everything electric green: ferns, slopes, and riverbanks; so even in the heat, you get cool scenes at every turn.
Having lived in Japan for 8 years (without counting the times I visited before moving here) and after traveling to 43 prefectures as a travel journalist, I can confidently say that this is probably one of the prettiest towns I have visited in Japan, so here’s hoping I can convince you to dedicate at least one day to exploring it! This is a wonderful opportunity for travelers to explore the hidden gems of Gifu Prefecture or the Chubu Region, beyond the usual tourist areas.
One Day in Gujo Hachiman
Its compact and walkable size makes it a great choice for a day trip, which is precisely what I did from Nagoya using the Seishun-18 Kippu for part of the route, a convenient seasonal pass that allows free travel on JR local train lines. Check our related article for details.
Gujo Hachiman Castle and panoramic views
I started the day by heading straight for Gujo Hachiman Castle (郡上八幡城), perched on a small mountain above town. The climb wasn’t long, but in August, the heat felt like nature had cranked the sauna dial all the way up. Luckily, the path wound through dense cedar trees that threw just enough shade to make the walk manageable, and pausing in the road here and there was also a good excuse to take in the views amid the sounds of cicadas buzzing and the smell of damp earth.
Related: 10 Must-See Castles in Japan
Brief History of Gujo Hachiman Castle
Originally built in 1559 during the Warring States era, the fortress was once a stronghold in battles for central Japan, changing hands several times because of its strategic location. However, the Meiji government demolished the castle in 1870, leaving only the stone walls. And then, when local leaders decided to rebuild the castle in 1933, the likeness of Ogaki Castle, considered more visually pleasing, was chosen instead, probably due to a lack of reliable historical sources for a faithful reconstruction.
A Historical Mismatch that Works Out in the End
It is believed that the original castle was probably more like a watchtower. Only the original stone walls remained, and some criticised the choice of building a wooden structure purely for aesthetic reasons. The idea was effective nonetheless, and the castle is nowadays a recognizable town symbol. Furthermore, having been built in 1933, it is regarded as one of the oldest wooden castles in Japan and a locally designated cultural property.
At the summit, the town unfolded in every direction. The Yoshida River carved its way through the valley, bridges connecting the neighborhoods like threads, while hills rolled into layers of green. Inside, there is also an interesting local history museum with lots of samurai memorabilia.
 Business Hours |
9 AM–5 PM / Jun to Aug 8 AM–6 PM / Nov to Feb 9 AM–4:30 PM (last admission 15 minutes before closing time) |
|---|---|
 Price |
400 yen |
 Official Website |
https://hachiman-castle.com/ |
Midday Stroll: Waterways and Bridges
Descending from the castle, I headed toward the Yoshida River. The shift from mountaintop breeze to midday heat was immediate, but the sound of rushing water made it bearable. My first stop was Miyagase Bridge (宮ヶ瀬橋), an arched span with wide views of the river cutting through town. The water was beautifully clear and you could see kids wading along the edges, splashing around like it was the most natural swimming pool in the world. I leaned over the railing, enjoying the sight of tiled rooftops stacked against green hillsides in the distance.
From there, I slipped into Igawa Lane (いがわ小径), a narrow canal path tucked between traditional houses. Carved stone channels carried spring water right past front doors, and schools of koi patrolled lazily beneath the surface. Now and then, I passed locals pausing by the water to cool their hands or chat across the lane, scenes that made the town feel quietly lived-in despite the flow of visitors. The August sun was punishing, but here the air felt cooler, the trickle of water echoing off wooden walls like a natural soundtrack.
Cooling Down at Sogi-an Cafe
By midday, the August heat had fully settled in, the kind that makes even the idea of a steaming bowl of noodles feel like a cruel joke. Not even cold noodles felt appetizing. So instead of “lunch,” I made a tactical retreat into Sogi-an (宗祇庵), a riverside cafe famous for its matcha and seasonal sweets. And really, who said kakigori isn’t a perfectly fine lunch option by itself? When the sun feels like it’s pressing down on your shoulders, a mountain of shaved ice is as satisfying as any set meal.
I ordered a towering matcha kakigori, and within minutes it arrived: green tea syrup soaking into fluffy ice, topped with a drizzle of condensed milk. The first spoonful was icy enough to make my teeth protest, but the bitterness of the matcha balanced out the sweetness beautifully. Sitting by the window, overlooking the small, pretty garden, I let myself cool down and recharge before continuing the walk.
Early afternoon: Bridges and a Tranquil Temple
Refreshed and slightly sugar-buzzed from my oversized kakigori, I wandered back outside where the sun was still in full force. A short walk brought me to Shimizu Bridge (清水橋), a red-railed crossing over the Kodara River. From here, the town looked straight out of a watercolor sketch: wooden houses hugging the water, kids dangling their feet from the bank, and the river itself running so clear you could see every rock at the bottom. I leaned against the railing for a while, just admiring the scenery.
Not far from the bridge, tucked behind quiet streets, stood Jionzenji (鍾山慈恩護国禅寺), a Zen Buddhist Temple founded in the 16th century. Compared to the liveliness of the waterways, the temple grounds felt almost like stepping into another rhythm.
Strolling Over Shinbashi and a Last Look at Town
Before making my way back to the station, I stopped by Shinbashi (新橋), one of Gujo Hachiman’s most photogenic crossings. From the middle of the bridge, the view stretched out over the Yoshida River, with tiled rooftops stacked tightly along the banks and green mountains pressing in from all sides.
It struck me how compact the town really is, with its castle above, canals and bridges below, and everything within an easy walk. I took one last look at the river, trying to store away the sound of rushing water and the layered greens of midsummer hills, before retracing my steps back toward Castle Town Plaza. The train ride ahead was long, but leaving with that image in mind made it feel like Gujo Hachiman had followed me onto the journey home.
Additional Options: Gujo Odori & (Almost) Too-Real Fake Food
If you’ve got the time, staying into the evening in Gujo Hachiman can be magical, especially in mid-August or the first week of September, when Gujo Odori (郡上おどり) takes over the town. Far from being the typical festival you watch from the sidelines, everyone is encouraged to join the dances. The matsuri runs for about 30 nights in summer, with the biggest stretch during Obon (August 13–16).
Also, one of the more delightful surprises about Gujo Hachiman is that it’s widely regarded as the birthplace of Japan’s food-replica industry (the “shokuhin sampuru” you see in many restaurant windows). If you’ve got a bit of spare time, consider visiting the sample workshops—Sample Village Iwasaki and Sample Kobo—where you can see how these incredibly lifelike wax or plastic food models are made, and even try making one yourself (tempura pieces, a lettuce leaf, or a dessert cup are common options). At the very least, try to get a small souvenir as a charming memento.
Getting to Gujo Hachiman
Reaching Gujo Hachiman from Nagoya is straightforward, though it takes a bit of patience:
- By JR lines, you can ride north to Mino-Ota Station (Take first the Tokaido Line to Gifu Station, and in Gifu Station change to the Takayama Line to reach Mino-Ota Station).
- At Mino-Ota Station, take the Nagaragawa Tetsudo Line (This is not JR, so additionala fare has to be paid) to reach Gujo-Hachiman Station.
The Nagaragawa Railway is a leisurely local line that rattles through valleys and along the river, giving you a rolling preview of the town’s green surroundings. The whole trip is about two and a half hours, making it perfectly suited for slow travel, especially if you’re riding on the Seishun-18 Kippu.
Alternatively, suppose you have no preference for local JR lines. In that case, you can also take the Meitetsu-Limited Express Line (seat reservation may be required) from Meitetsu Nagoya Station to Meitetsu-Gifu Station, and once there, take a bus in Gifu Station to Gujo Hachiman Jokamachi Plaza.
If you choose to go from Tokyo, the fastest option is to take the Tokaido Shinkansen to Nagoya (about 100 minutes by Nozomi). From there, follow the same route as above.
Related: Shinkansen: A Complete Guide to the Japanese Bullet Train
Route | Line | Fare | Duration |
1. Tokyo to Nagoya | Tokaido Shinkansen | ¥11,100 | 1h40m |
2. Nagoya to Gifu | Tokaido Line | ¥480 | 27m |
3. Gifu to Mino-Ota | Takayama Line | ¥510 | 34m |
4. Mino-Ota to Gujo Hachiman | Nagaragawa Tetsudo Line | ¥1,380 | 1h19m |
If you have some extra time and want to make the most of the Seishun-18 Kippu, you can reach Nagoya from Tokyo using local trains on the Tokaido Line. The journey takes about 6 hours and 30 minutes. This is actually what I did. Just be prepared to change trains several times along the way. Slow travel can also be fun and rewarding.
Most visitors begin at Castle Town Plaza (Jokamachi Plaza), the bus hub at the edge of the old town. This is a convenient spot to grab a map, refill your water bottle, and orient yourself before heading uphill or into the canal-lined streets. The town is compact and walkable, so once you arrive, you can explore entirely on foot without worrying about local buses or taxis.
You can confidently book your Shinkansen tickets online through our partner service, Japan Bullet Train. Try checking the route from Tokyo to Nagoya now![Ads]
This piece focused on Summer as it was the season when I visited, but suffice to say that such a beautiful town as Gujo Hachiman is a pleasure to visit anytime during the year. Expect pretty blooms in Spring, gorgeous warm hues in Autumn, and the otherworldly beauty of snow in Winter. Doesn’t matter when, you’ll be guaranteed to love it.
Need more inspiration to discover towns and villages around Japan? Check the articles below!
Written by
Photographer, journalist, and avid urban cyclist, making sense of Japan since 2017. I was born in Caracas and lived for 14 years in Barcelona before moving to Tokyo. Currently working towards my goal of visiting every prefecture in Japan, I hope to share with readers the everlasting joy of discovery and the neverending urge to keep exploring.
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