23/07/2026
One of the greatest pleasures of summer nights in Japan is visiting traditional summer festivals. Deep in the mountains of Gifu Prefecture, Gujo Hachiman hosts the Gujo Odori, a Bon dance festival that takes place over 30 nights from mid-July to September. With a history of more than 400 years, it is one of Japan’s longest-running traditional dance festivals. There is no dress code, and anyone is welcome to join in, even without prior experience. Every year, around 16,000 people gather to enjoy the festivities. As the traditional festival music gradually speeds up, the dancers become more and more energetic, creating an exciting and unforgettable atmosphere.