Gujo Odori Essential: Special “Odori Tenugui” (Dance Towel)
- As one of the “three essentials” of Gujo Odori, this limited-edition tenugui (dance towel) is specially made each year during the festival season. For this tour, every participant will receive one as a special gift (one per person)!
- Use it to shield from rain, wipe sweat, or as a stylish accent with your yukata. Dance the night away and enjoy this unforgettable summer tradition!
Note: The image shown is from a previous year. It will be updated once the 2025 design is finalized.
Gujo Odori: One of Japan’s Three Great Bon Dances
- Gujo Odori is recognized alongside Tokushima’s Awa Odori and Akita’s Nishimonai Bon Odori as one of Japan’s Three Great Bon Dances.
- In 1996, all 10 Gujo Odori songs were designated as Important Intangible Folk Cultural Properties by the Japanese government.
- In 2022, Gujo Odori was also included in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage listing under “Furyu-odori,” a category of traditional Japanese festive dances.
The Secret Behind Dancing All Night
- The highlight of Gujo Odori, the Tetsuya Odori (All-Night Dance), runs for four nights from August 13 to 16. Today, the dancing continues non-stop from 8:00 PM until 5:00 AM — up to nine hours each night.
- On the final morning, as the mountains begin to emerge in the light of dawn, the once lively dance circle takes on a solemn, sacred atmosphere. This deeply moving moment, reflecting the festival’s origins in remembrance and offering, is one of the most unforgettable aspects of Tetsuya Odori.
- So, how do dancers keep going for so long? The secret lies in the music — varied rhythms, dynamic pacing, and a call-and-response style between the lead singer and dancers create an uplifting sense of unity. Faster songs inject energy at just the right times, making it easy to keep dancing all night long.
Note: The bus tour schedule allows you to join from around 10:00 PM until the final dance the next morning.
A Dance Anyone Can Join
- One of the most charming aspects of Gujo Odori is its openness — anyone can step into the circle, no matter their outfit or experience. As you move your hands and feet to the rhythm, you'll naturally pick up the steps. Surrounded by the sounds of shamisen, taiko drums, flutes, and spirited vocals, you might just find yourself falling in love with the magic of Gujo Odori.
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Information about tour operator
Name: H.I.S. Co.,Ltd.
Address: Kamiyacho Trust Tower 5F 4-1-1 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-6905, JAPAN
Registration number: No.724 by Commissioner of Japan Tourism Agency
Information about tour
Place of departure and destination: from NAGOYA to GIFU
Number of days of travel: 1 Day
Means of transportation: BUS
Name of bus company: Ginga Kotsu Co., Ltd
Meals: NO
Minimum number of passengers to operate: 20 Peoples
Number of GUIDE:1