Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)
Gujo Hachiman Castle is a mountain castle built on the small hill of Mt. Hachiman (approximately 350m above sea level) in Gujo Hachiman, Gujo City, Gifu Prefecture, and is a symbol of Gujo Hachiman, known for its old castle town and clear streams. From the Sengoku to Edo periods, the castle developed along with the town, changing hands several times. The building was once lost under the castle abolition order in the Meiji period, but the castle tower was later restored as part of a local preservation and restoration movement, and it now serves as an observation deck where you can experience the castle's atmosphere and history.
Its distinctive features include the beautiful scenery of the castle town overlooked from the castle, the clear streams (for daily use and spring water for tourism), the magnificent views in the cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons, and tourism resources linked to local culture such as the Gujo Dance. You can enjoy the historical atmosphere through the castle tower, stone walls, and walking paths on Shiroyama.
Highlights
- View from the castle tower (reconstructed castle tower): You can see the castle town, mountains, and clear streams. On clear days, you can see all the way to the distant mountains, making it a popular photo spot.
- Stone walls and enclosure remains: As you walk along the remains of the stone walls and enclosures that remain on the slopes of Shiroyama, you can imagine what the territory was like at the time.
- Castle town streetscape: Stroll through the castle town, where traditional merchant houses, waterways, and old streetscapes remain, and enjoy local cuisine and souvenirs.
- Seasonal scenery: Cherry blossoms in spring, fresh greenery in summer, and autumn leaves decorate the castle and town. The cherry blossom and autumn leaves seasons are particularly crowded, but the scenery is exceptional.
- Combining with the Gujo Odori Dance and local events: During the Gujo Odori Dance held in the summer, the whole town comes alive, and the atmosphere at night is also recommended.
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
- The most common way to access the area is from the nearest major station, Minoota Station (JR). From Minoota Station, you can take a local bus (towards Gujo) or Nohi Bus to Gujo Hachiman.
- From Nagoya: Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours by train and bus (take the train to Minoota and change onto a bus). If you use an express bus or car, the travel time will vary depending on road conditions.
- From Takayama: There are bus services connecting the area from Takayama. Direct buses may be available during peak tourist seasons, so please check the timetable in advance.
- Access by car: From the Tokai region, it takes about 1-2 hours (depending on your starting point) via expressways and national highways. There are paid and free parking lots scattered around the castle, but they tend to get crowded during the tourist season, so it's recommended to arrive early.
- How to get to the castle: From the base of Gujo Hachiman Castle (on the castle town side), there are walking paths and stairs to climb. It takes approximately 10 to 25 minutes from the castle entrance to the castle tower, including the slopes and stairs (this may vary depending on your physical strength and whether you make any stops along the way).
* Bus times and operating companies, parking information, castle opening hours and fees may change depending on the season and circumstances, so please check the official website or local tourist information for the latest information before visiting.
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
- If you are only visiting the castle: Approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, including the time to climb the castle and back
- If you include a stroll around the castle and castle town, and visits to restaurants and souvenir shops, it will take about 2 to 3 hours.
- If you also want to enjoy the surrounding museums, hot springs, and seasonal events (Gujo Dance, etc.): Half a day to a full day
Nearby spots
- Gujo Hachiman Castle Town (Street Walk): Old townhouses, traditional craft shops, cafes and restaurants are scattered throughout the town. Waterways and wells create the townscape.
- Gujo Odori Venue (Summer): Gujo Odori, considered one of Japan's three major Bon Odori festivals, is a traditional event that continues throughout the night and is open to tourists.
- Clear stream area (spring water and river play spots): There are many spots where you can come into contact with water, such as the clear water springs up throughout the town and nearby rivers.
- Gujo Hachiman Exhibition and Museum: A facility that introduces the history and culture of the region (please check the operating status in advance).
- Nearby hot springs: There are day-trip hot spring facilities and accommodations in and around Gujo city. They are easy to combine with sightseeing.
Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)
- Crowds: The area is especially crowded during the cherry blossom season in spring, the autumn leaves in fall, and the Gujo Odori festival in summer. Parking lots and buses can fill up quickly, so we recommend leaving early.
- Comfortable clothing: The climb to the castle involves many stairs and slopes, and some areas can be slippery. Please wear comfortable shoes. Be especially careful in rainy weather.
- Opening hours and admission fees: The opening hours and admission fees for the castle tower and museum may change depending on the season and events. Please check the official information in advance.
- Local Manners: Castle towns are also residential areas. Please follow local rules regarding noise, taking your trash home, and smoking etiquette on the street.
- Consideration for the natural environment: Please be mindful of protecting the environment by not damaging plants or ecosystems on mountain trails, and by following rules when bringing pets.
Finally, the charm of Gujo Hachiman Castle is doubled when enjoyed together with the atmosphere of the town as a whole. It changes with each season, so it's a good idea to plan your visit based on your purpose (cherry blossoms, autumn leaves, Gujo Dance, etc.). For the latest opening hours and access information, please check the official Gujo City Tourism website and the information of each transportation company.
