What is Gujo Hachiman Castle Town Plaza and what can visitors do there?

Gujo Hachiman Castle Town Plaza is the central hub of the historic Gujo Hachiman town in Gifu Prefecture, Japan. Visitors can explore traditional Japanese architecture, shop for local crafts and souvenirs, enjoy regional cuisine at restaurants and cafes, and experience cultural activities like food replica making workshops that the town is famous for.

How do I get to Gujo Hachiman Castle Town Plaza from major cities like Tokyo or Osaka?

To reach Gujo Hachiman Castle Town Plaza, take the JR Tokaido Line to Gifu Station, then transfer to the Nagaragawa Railway to Gujo-Hachiman Station. From Tokyo, the journey takes approximately 4-5 hours including transfers. From Osaka, it takes about 3-4 hours. Local buses also connect the station to the castle town plaza area.

What are the opening hours and admission fees for Gujo Hachiman Castle Town Plaza?

Gujo Hachiman Castle Town Plaza is a public area that is accessible 24/7 with no admission fee. However, individual shops, restaurants, museums, and attractions within the plaza have their own operating hours, typically 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and may charge separate entrance fees. The nearby Gujo Hachiman Castle has specific visiting hours and admission costs.

What are the must-see attractions near Gujo Hachiman Castle Town Plaza?

Key attractions near Gujo Hachiman Castle Town Plaza include Gujo Hachiman Castle with panoramic mountain views, the famous clear spring waters and waterways throughout the town, traditional food replica workshops, historic temples and shrines, the Gujo Hachiman Museum, and the charming old streets with preserved Edo-period architecture perfect for walking tours.

Gujo Hachiman Castle Town Plaza, Gifu

Gujo Hachiman Castle Town Plaza serves as the central hub of one of Japan's most well-preserved historic castle towns, located in Gifu Prefecture. The town was constructed in the 16th century following the completion of the Gujo Hachiman Castle, with Endo Tsunetomo undertaking a major renovation of the castle in 1667 during Edo period and building a castle town of water which remained the same up to the present day. After being completely destroyed by fire in 1652, the town was rebuilt in 1660 by Endo Tsunetomo with an ingenious network of small waterways connected to the surrounding rivers built throughout the town to safeguard it from fire.

The plaza represents the cultural heart of what is known as Japan's "Water City," where centuries-old traditions remain deeply integrated into daily life. Gujo Hachiman townspeople's bond and unique traditions with water have been passed down for over 400 years and become the symbol of this old castle town. Gujo's waterways function in much the same capacity as they did in the 1600s, with locals still using the springs and canals for washing vegetables and rice. The famous Sogi-sui spring and the flower-lined canals of Igawa Lane and Yanaka Lane exemplify this living water heritage.

The main plaza is located just a short walk from the castle and features dozens of family owned shops, specialty stores, and restaurants for locals and travelers to enjoy at their leisure. Visitors can experience the town's renowned Gujo Odori dance, which was originally organized by the lord of the castle in the Edo period so that people of all classes could pull down the class barrier. The plaza also provides access to traditional craftsmanship workshops and local specialties that reflect the region's artisanal heritage.

Transportation to Gujo Hachiman Castle Town Plaza requires connecting through major cities. From Nagoya Station, take the Gifu Bus High-Speed Nagoya Gujo Hachiman Line directly to Gujo Hachiman Castle Town Plaza, costing ¥2,260 one-way or ¥4,100 for a round-trip ticket, taking about an hour and a half. By train, take the JR Takayama Line from Gifu Station to Mino-Ota Station (about 40 minutes) and change to the local Nagaragawa Railway for Gujo Hachiman. From Gujo-Hachiman Station, ride the Mame Bus for 20 minutes to Gujo Hachiman Castle Town Plaza. Admission to the castle grounds is free, while individual adult admission inside the castle costs ¥400 for adults and ¥200 for children.

What other travelers are saying about Gujo Hachiman Castle Town Plaza, Gifu

Gujo Hachiman Castle Town Plaza is a convenient and pleasant spot to take a break while exploring the historic town. It’s designed more like a small rest area and souvenir center, but it still has a cozy, welcoming vibe. The selection of souvenirs includes local sweets, crafts, and a few fake food items, though not as many as you’d expect from a town famous for them. It’s a good place to grab some snacks or small gifts without feeling overwhelmed. The area is clean and spacious enough to rest your feet for a bit. While not a major attraction, it’s a nice stop for travelers wanting a quick breather and a few mementos before heading up to the castle or strolling along the river.

CVM T

Jun 9, 2025

The castle is very beautiful with a lot of history to discover. I recommend wearing comfortable clothes and shoes as there are several flights of stairs to climb. The road to the castle is a bit narrow and steep, so I recommend a small car. The parking lot is not very large. The castle is very beautiful in the autumn with the reddish leaves and in the winter with the snow on its roof. The castle is also very beautiful to see from the city where you will see it at the top of the mountain.

Gujo Hachiman also known for little Kyoto and town of water.. located almost center of Gifu. The town is surround by water and but you can easily walk just about anywhere.. Also a lot of local restaurants and stores in the area.. you can also visit the well known “Castle in the Sky” in the town. Be ready to have great experience on foot. Try to check small streets in the town and you will be surprised what is hidden..

We had a wonderful time in Gujo ☺️ Thanks to the people working there. They gave us so many advices about the town and even helped us to find a bus 💯 We can't thank you enough. You were really nice to talk to. We will visit again for sure !!

It's a nice small traditional town. Not too urbanized nor crowded. You can hear the flow of water in almost all the streets. The drainga system including the canals are well designed and it gives an amazing feeling.