• Gujo Hachiman’s Crafting Culture & Castle in the Clouds
  • Gujo Hachiman’s Crafting Culture & Castle in the Clouds
  • Gujo Hachiman’s Crafting Culture & Castle in the Clouds
  • Gujo Hachiman’s Crafting Culture & Castle in the Clouds
  • Gujo Hachiman’s Crafting Culture & Castle in the Clouds
  • Gujo Hachiman’s Crafting Culture & Castle in the Clouds
  • Gujo Hachiman’s Crafting Culture & Castle in the Clouds
  • Gujo Hachiman’s Crafting Culture & Castle in the Clouds
  • Gujo Hachiman’s Crafting Culture & Castle in the Clouds
  • Gujo Hachiman’s Crafting Culture & Castle in the Clouds
  • Gujo Hachiman’s Crafting Culture & Castle in the Clouds
  • Gujo Hachiman’s Crafting Culture & Castle in the Clouds
  • Gujo Hachiman’s Crafting Culture & Castle in the Clouds

Gujo Hachiman’s Crafting Culture & Castle in the Clouds

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ID: GYG921232-1440366
Category:
Country: Japan

Duration: 1 days


Description

Embark on a family-friendly journey to Gujo Hachiman, a small-yet-picturesque mountain village nicknamed "Little Kyoto" where Japan’s exceptional craftsmanship and timeless traditions come alive.
This 1-day tour from Nagoya allows you to experience the unique beauty, history, and (sometimes quirky) culture of small town Japan as you are led by an experienced, English-speaking guide.

This tour will start at Nagoya Station at 9:00 A.M., where your guide will meet you in front of the Silver Clock tower near the Shinkansen Gates. Your guide will provide you with a brief history of the region and set the scene as you depart Nagoya JR Station via the tour bus toward your first destination, Gujo-Hachiman Castle.

Gujo-Hachiman Castle, perched atop the stunning Mt. Hachiman, often appears to float above the clouds while overlooking the town below—earning it the nickname of the “Castle in the Clouds.”

Get a chance to stretch your legs and enjoy an easy-yet-scenic 20-minute hike to the castle’s keep. There, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of the town below and the surrounding Gifu mountains. Your guide will share insights into the castle's role in historical battles and will be on hand to take photos to make your friends and family back home jealous of your time in Japan.

Take a leisurely stroll through the picturesque town of Gujo, often referred to as “Little Kyoto” for its beautiful temples, shrines, and traditional charm. Here, you’ll have time to explore the town’s quaint streets, purchase local souvenirs, and enjoy a delicious lunch.

Next, visit a food replica factory—a true highlight and one of the quirkiest things Gujo is famous for. Here, you’ll get hands-on experience crafting your very own hyper-realistic dish just like the ones seen on display in almost every restaurant in Japan.

Adults will be able to create a sushi platter while children (16 and under) can craft a sweet treat. This unique workshop honors the town’s legacy as the birthplace of Japan’s iconic plastic food replicas. You'll also have time to explore and snap a photo with the oversized food samples displayed in the museum.

The final stop immerses you in one of Japan’s most cherished cultural traditions—the Gujo Odori dance festival. A UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, this summer festival, known for its 24-hour dances, is one of Japan’s most highly-regarded summertime dance celebrations. Watch the dances, learn the steps, and dance alongside the festival dancers.

From here, return to Nagoya station via the tour bus and say your goodbyes there. Feel free to ask the guide for dinner recommendations or instructions back to your hotel.

Highlights

  • Marvel at the panoramic mountain views of Gujo-Hachiman Castle.
  • Explore the charming streets of small town Japan.
  • Craft realistic sushi and sweet treats at a food replica factory.
  • Learn from and dance with the Gujo Odori dancers at a lively festival museum.

Guiding languages

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
This tour starts in Nagoya, however, if you’d like to join us from Tokyo, we’d love to have you with us!

Take the following services on the Tokaido Shinkansen line:
Departing Tokyo Station – Arriving Nagoya Station
Tokyo: 07:00 – Nagoya: 08:38 – Nozomi No. 203
or
Tokyo: 07:09 – Nagoya: 08:47 – Nozomi No. 9

Rather than heading straight back to Tokyo, we recommend staying in Nagoya after the tour or booking accommodation in Takayama.

For international visitors holding a Japan Rail (JR) Pass, both train services (including reservations) can be used without any additional charge.
The meetup point is at the base of the SILVER clock tower outside of the Shinkansen gates. If you are arriving via Shinkansen, the clock tower should be located directly in front of you as you exit the gate. If you are arriving via a JR line, please look for signs directing you towards the Taiko-Dori Gate. The silver clock is located inside the station just before the Taiko-Dori exit. You may wait nearby there until the tour begins at 9:00 A.M. Be sure to look for the guide holding a SNOW MONKEY RESORTS tour sign. We highly recommend arriving early as Nagoya station can be quite crowded.
INCLUDED
  • English-speaking guide
  • Transportation by bus
  • Entrance to all locations on the itinerary
  • Food replica workshop
NOT INCLUDED
  • Meals and drinks
  • Personal expenses
  • Accommodation

When should I book?

To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.


Cancellations

This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.