Gujo Odori
郡上おどりFestivalAug 13, 2027Dates projected
Gujo Odori is a summer dance where visitors join residents in the circle for more than 30 nights, and it suits travellers who want to dance at a festival as well as watch one; the climax is the all-night dancing of 13 to 16 August.
Dates and hours
- August 13, 2027 to August 16, 2027Projected from past yearssourcechecked Oct 11, 2026
- August 13, 2026 to August 16, 2026Confirmedsourcechecked Oct 11, 2026
- July 11, 2026 to September 5, 2026Confirmedsourcechecked Oct 11, 2026
Date rule: More than 30 nights from mid-July to early September, with the all-night dances on 13 to 16 August every year.
People in Gujo Hachiman have danced this bon odori for about 400 years. In the Edo period the lord gathered the dances of the villages into his castle town and told everyone to dance together for the four nights of Obon regardless of rank. The town calls it a dance for dancing, and anyone can step in. UNESCO added it to its intangible heritage list in 2022.
The circle moves to a new venue each night, from shrine grounds to street corners and the square in front of the old town hall. There are ten dances, and every night opens with Kawasaki. Haru-koma is the quick one. Men and women dance the same steps, and men make up a large share of the circle.
No costume is needed, though a yukata suits the town, and shops rent them. The wooden geta clatter keeps the beat, and the town's geta makers will fit a pair while you wait. The 2026 season ran 30 nights from 11 July to 5 September.
Worth knowing
- Learn the first dance, Kawasaki, before you go; it opens every night.
- Buy geta in town and wear them in the circle; their clack is part of the music.
- For an all-night dance, rest in the afternoon; the town says the dancing peaks near dawn as the sky lightens.
Quick answers about Gujo Odoriよくある質問
When is Gujo Odori?
From mid-July to early September each year. In 2026 it ran from 11 July to 5 September, and the all-night dances fall on 13 to 16 August.
Can tourists join Gujo Odori?
Yes. Visitors and residents dance in the same circle, and no costume or registration is needed.
What time does Gujo Odori start?
At 20:00. It usually ends at 22:30, or 23:00 on Saturdays, and the all-night dances go on until 4:00 or 5:00.
What are the opening hours of Gujo Odori?
Gujo Odori is open most nights run 20:00 to 22:30, and Saturdays to 23:00. The all-night dances run from 20:00 until 4:00 or 5:00 the next morning.