From Nagoya: 400 Years of Gujo Odori All-Night Dance & Hot Spring Tour
- Dance Till Dawn at a UNESCO Heritage Festival!
- Hassle-Free Round-Trip Bus from Nagoya
- Peak Relaxation at a Luxury "Infinity" Hot Spring
Package Options
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
Product Info
Purchase Notice
This tour is a Japanese tour. The tour conductor will provide language support using a translator (Pocket Talk).
This is not a private tour, you will enjoy the tour with other guests.
If the minimum number of participants (20) is not met by (14) days before the scheduled date, the tour on that date might be canceled.
Drinking alcohol on the bus is prohibited.
Please note that odd-numbered groups will, in principle, share seats on the bus
The order of the itinerary may be partially changed.
Cancellation fees for the return overnight bus tour will be the same as those for the accommodation tour.
Spending time may be shortened due to traffic congestion, etc.
Children under 7 years old cannot apply for this overnight bus tour. Thank you for your understanding.
Meals are not included. Please purchase them yourself at service areas or local food stalls.
Changing rooms and baggage storage at the Gujo Odori venue will be extremely crowded. Please change into your costume beforehand if you plan to participate in the dance.
The bus will be out of service during the Gujo Odori. You will not be able to return to retrieve your luggage, so we recommend bringing only the minimum amount of luggage.
【Regarding entry to Tenku SPA HILLS Ryusenji no Yu】
Those with tattoos (including temporary tattoos and body paint) will be refused entry to the facility. However, if your tattoo is small enough to be covered by only two of our designated cover seals (9.5 x 14.0 cm) (sold for 200 yen each), you may use the facility after applying the seals. Entry will be refused to anyone whose tattoo exceeds the size of the cover seals or who refuses to use them.
We refuse entry to individuals associated with organized crime, those who are excessively intoxicated, those with skin conditions, those with infectious diseases, and those with pets.
Children under junior high school age are not permitted to use the facility alone. Children of elementary school age and younger must be accompanied by a guardian. Please note that mixed bathing is prohibited for children 8 years of age and older, and for children under 8 years old who are taller than 120 cm; they must be accompanied by a guardian of the same sex.
Please refrain from shouting or engaging in any behavior that disturbs others. Entry may be refused to anyone who does not follow our rules or staff instructions.
For children who are not yet potty-trained, please use the children's bath.
The use of mobile phones, including calls and text messages, is strictly prohibited in the bathroom and changing rooms.
Please refrain from taking photos in any other area that infringes on the privacy of other customers.
When taking photos or posting on social media, please blur or crop images if other customers are visible.
Reminders
【Important Notes During Bus Tour】
Please refrain from drinking alcohol on the bus.
Members of the odd-numbered group may need to share seats with other passengers on the bus.
As stipulated by Japanese law, please wear your seat belt on the tour bus.
Please remain seated and avoid walking while the tour bus is moving.
Seating on the bus is assigned by H.I.S staff. Please do not change your seat during the tour.
Tour Operation & Schedule Strict adherence to meeting time is important.
Please arrive at the designated meeting point at least 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time. The bus will depart at the scheduled time at the discretion of our staff. We cannot wait for late arrivals. If you miss the departure, the tour fee will not be refunded.
Latecomers who wish to rejoin the group will be responsible for all transportation fees.
Please wear the sticker provided by the tour guide visibly.
Avoid sticking the sticker on leather goods, as it may leave marks.
Do not use the seat reclining function or adjust the seat settings.
Please set all electronic devices, including mobile phones and game consoles, to silent mode.
Talking on mobile phones and making video calls are prohibited on the tour bus.
Smoking is strictly prohibited on the tour bus.
Arrival times at each sightseeing spot may vary depending on traffic conditions.
The use of drones for filming or other purposes is prohibited during the tour.
Please do not use perfume, sprays, or change baby diapers on the bus, as it may disturb other passengers.
Manage your valuable belongings yourself.
After the tour, please take all your trash with you and do not leave any on the bus.
Ensure you do not forget or leave any personal belongings on the bus after the tour.
If you fail to follow these regulations and cause a disturbance on the bus, you may be asked to leave the bus, even during the tour.
Please inform us of any allergies or dietary restrictions when you book. especially if the tour includes lunch.
We may not be able to accommodate some cases.
For people who have something cannot eat, please eat lunch only what you can or we will stop at a Service Area on the way, so buy something to eat there.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations 21 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
- For cancellations made 8 to 20 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 20% will apply
- For cancellations made 2 to 7 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 30% will apply
- For cancellations made 1 to 1 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 40% will apply
- Cancellation is not allowed between 0–0 days from the selected date. Orders cannot be canceled or modified, and refunds will not be granted.
- Due to time zone differences, the confirmed cancellation date is based on the supplier’s local time. Please allow 2–5 business days to process your cancellation request, after which the cancellation fee will be charged according to the product’s cancellation policy. Once your refund request is confirmed, KKday will initiate the refund to your original payment method within 15 days. The actual refund timing depends on your card-issuing bank’s policy.
FAQ
1. What is the Gujo Odori festival and where is Gujo Hachiman located?
The Gujo Odori is a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage festival with over 400 years of history, renowned as the longest folk dance in Japan. It's not just a performance but a participation-based dance event. Gujo Hachiman, where the festival takes place, is a charming castle town located in Gifu Prefecture, Japan, known for its pristine waterways and traditional architecture.
2. What are the renowned features of Gujo Hachiman town?
Gujo Hachiman is celebrated for its beautifully preserved Edo-era townscape, intricate network of clear waterways, and historic Gujo Hachiman Castle. Visitors can explore traditional crafts, such as food replica production and Gujo Hachiman indigo dyeing, or enjoy the crystal-clear Yoshida River. Its natural beauty and cultural heritage make it a picturesque destination for travelers seeking authentic Japanese experiences.
3. What is the scale and prominence of the Gujo Odori Dance Festival in Japan?
The Gujo Odori Dance Festival is highly prominent in Japan, recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. With over 400 years of history, it's known as the "longest folk dance in Japan," spanning 32 nights throughout the summer. Its scale is remarkable, as thousands of locals and tourists participate together in the traditional dances, creating a vibrant, communal celebration that draws visitors from across the country.
4. How can visitors travel to Gujo Hachiman, especially from Nagoya?
To reach Gujo Hachiman from Nagoya, a convenient option is to take a direct round-trip bus, which simplifies the journey and avoids multiple transfers. Alternatively, you can take a train to Mino-Ota Station and then transfer to the scenic Nagaragawa Railway for direct access to Gujo Hachiman. Driving is also an option for those preferring flexibility, offering a picturesque route through the Japanese countryside.
5. What is the recommended duration to spend exploring Gujo Hachiman town?
To fully experience Gujo Hachiman's charm, it's recommended to spend at least half a day to a full day. This allows ample time to explore the historic castle, wander through the traditional streets, visit museums showcasing local crafts like food replicas, and enjoy the pristine waterways. If you plan to participate in the Gujo Odori festival, you might want to extend your stay to enjoy the evening dance sessions.
6. When is the optimal season or period to visit Gujo Hachiman?
The optimal time to visit Gujo Hachiman largely depends on your interests. For the renowned Gujo Odori Dance Festival, the summer months, particularly mid-July to early September, are ideal, as the festival is held nightly, including all-night sessions in mid-August. Spring offers beautiful cherry blossoms, while autumn provides stunning fall foliage, making these seasons also popular for scenic visits and enjoying the town's natural beauty.
7. What is the meaning and historical significance behind the Gujo Odori Dance Festival?
The Gujo Odori Dance Festival embodies a profound historical and cultural significance rooted in community and tradition for over 400 years. "Odori" generally refers to traditional Japanese folk dance. In Gujo Hachiman, it signifies a collective summer ritual where people of all ages and social classes come together to dance, fostering unity and preserving ancestral customs. It's a living tradition passed down through generations, strengthening the town's identity.
8. What makes the Gujo Odori All-Night Dance unique?
The Gujo Odori All-Night Dance is unique because it's one of Japan's few festivals where dancing truly continues from dusk till dawn, particularly during the Obon period in mid-August. Unlike many festivals where spectators merely watch, Gujo Odori encourages full participation, allowing anyone to join in the traditional folk dances. This immersive, communal experience sets it apart as a vibrant, enduring cultural event that deeply connects participants to its 400-year history.
