The Edo Period, which started 400 years ago, brought stability and prosperity to Japan. That’s why Japanese culture flourished during this period and craftsmanship blossomed around Nagoya, one of the economic centers of the country.
During this tour, you will explore the culture and craftsmanship during the height of the Samurai warrior rule by exploring the city of water, Gujo Hachiman, and its traditional summer dances.
35,000 yen per person (2-6 people)
Private Tour
Nagoya Station Golden Clock (Google Maps)
Nagoya Station Golden Clock (Google Maps)
09:00 (9 hours)
English, Spanish, German, Japanese
English: Fluent ★★★★
German: Native ★★★★★
Spanish: Native ★★★★★
Japanese: Fluent ★★★★
You will be exploring a less-traveled side of Japan.
Together with your knowledgeable guide, you will spend the day exploring Gujo Hachiman, the home of one of Japan’s foremost traditional summer Bon dances and everything connected with it from the traditional craftsmanship used to make the typical wooden shoes called Geta, to the hand towel the dancers use to whip their faces after a particularly hot night of dancing called Tenugui. You will also learn some dance moves!
The city is also famous for its beautiful old wooden houses and many picturesque waterways running through town.
Meet your guide at Nagoya station and travel for about 2 hours north via train and bus to Gujo Hachiman in Gifu Prefecture.
Try the local Soba noodles chilled in summer or hot in winter as a light meal to start the day.
At the local museum you can learn about Gujo’s city history as well as about the town’s proudest feature, the famous Bon Dances held on 30 nights each summer. Get dancing and learn the popular dance moves.
The narrow streets of Gujo Hachiman are very picturesque with shops lining the streets selling street food and souvenirs. The many waterways are one highlight of the town.
Tenugui towels are used by every dancer during the summer Bon dances, as fashion accessories and to whip sweat.
Design and print your own towel during this workshop for a unique souvenir of Gujo Hachiman.
Did you know that Gujo is the birthplace of silk screen printing or serigraphy in Japan?
There is still more to discover in Gujo and as the day winds down you can explore more of the streams and little scenic side streets where you will find a wide variety of shops, some of which sell Geta, the cypress wood sandals used for dancing. A pair of these sandals will make a great souvenir.
It’s time to say goodbye to Gujo, so we’ll take the bus back to Nagoya
We are the co-founders of Nagoya is not boring. We look forward to guiding you around our second home Nagoya and its off-beat surroundings.
Lena is from Germany and she especially loves exploring food and food culture in Japan. Her favorite food is Hitsumabushi, Nagoya’s version of grilled eel on rice.
Elly, from the resort island of Mallorca in Spain, loves all things Japanese culture and history like Kimono, traditional dance called Nihon Buyo, and Sake.
