| THE TOWN WAS founded in the 16th century by Endo Morikazu. Located almost due north of Nagoya, Gujo Hachiman is situated at both the geographic centre and the traditional heart of Japan in a small mountain valley next to the Nagara River. Here two fast running rivers, both tributaries of the Nagara River, create a natural moat around an area at the foot of a small mountain - known locally as Mount Hachiman. Over time, a small town blossomed and grew in this protected area below the castle. |
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In
1652 Gujo Hachiman was completely destroyed by fire. When rebuilt in 1667
by Endo Tsunetomo, an ingenious network of small waterways connected to
the surrounding rivers was built throughout the town to safeguard it from
fire. For centuries, people in the town have used these waterways in their
daily lives - for washing everything from vegetables to be used for winter
pickles to household laundry - activities which can still be seen today. |
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| Since
the town's founding, water has, and continues to play, an important role
in the life of the town and its people. Today as you walk throughout the
town you see, and hear water rushing through these small waterways, present
day reminders of the town's heritage and a testament to its resilience and
will to survive. |
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Gujo Hachiman's "off the beaten path" location has helped to preserve many traditional ways of living that can only be seen here. This includes indigo dyeing, silk weaving and dyeing, and playing host to one of the three most important traditional dance festivals in Japan. Visitors to this small mountain town have an opportunity to experience the town's colourful history and traditions which are still very much alive and celebrated today. | |
| Gujo Hachiman is also home to a large number of temples and shrines, all constructed when the town was rebuilt in 1667. In all, you will find 4 shrines and 13 temples to visit, earning Gujo Hachiman the nickname "little Kyoto". Visitors will also notice many homes built in the Kyoto style - narrow and deep - lining the streets of historic areas of the town. |  |
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