We've collected almost thirty 360 degree immersive panoramas on this page so that you can enjoy a virtual tour of Gujo Hachiman. Here you can visit places that we hope will stimulate your imagination, and help you to prepare for your visit.
The Yoshida River looking toward Myagase Bridge as seen from Shin Bashi
Our virtual tour begins with water and views along the Yoshida River. Gujo Hachiman sits at the confluence of three famous Japanese rivers - the very wide and well-known Nagara River, the beautiful Yoshida River, and the smaller but no less beautiful Kodara River. The Yoshida River flows through the centre of the town and is very much like the heart of Gujo Hachiman. As such, it is a focal point reflecting the beauty of the light and the season.
In the spring, there are beautiful cherry blossoms to see, in summer, ayu fishermen, and children swimming jostle for space, bringing the river to life in a way that is unique to summer. In the autumn, mist and beautiful autumn colours are gently reflected on the surface of the water. In winter, soft white snow blankets the rocks which are tinged with a light frost while the low winter sun is reflected off the water, promising a return to the summer warmth.
A walk along the Yoshida River also promises some beautiful views of the castle sitting high atop Shiro Mountain towards the north-east. You might even get a glimpse of the castle in the panoramas below if you zoom in!
The Yoshida River is lit, weather permitting, by small lanterns every night that Gujo Odori is danced.
Yoshida River Beside Kinenkan Tourism Centre and Shin BashiFrom this vantage point you can get a real sense of the beautiful Yoshida River in the centre of town. Cool water rushes past on its way to meet up with the Kodara and Nagara rivers, and in the summer you can see people fishing and children swimming as they enjoy this gift of nature.
The Yoshida River at the Mouth of the Kodara RiverDue to rain and summer typhoons this area is constantly changing. It's a shallow area and a favourite place for children to swim on hot summer days.
The Yoshida River Just Below the Mouth of the Kodara River Looking Towards the Nagara RiverThis point of the river, and west towards the Nagara river is a favorite with fishermen both human and winged.
Fishermen along the Yoshida River in summer fishing for ayu as seen from Miyagase Bridge.
The Yoshida River in Spring with Cherry Blossoms BloomingSpring cherry blossoms along a river is almost a Japanese cliché, but it works. From this vantage point you can enjoy the river and pink blossoms while also gazing up towards the castle. Small benches also make it a nice place to enjoy a quiet moment beside the river.
A Google Map showing the locations of the Yoshida River immersive panoramas.
Our virtual visit continues with a top at Sogi Sui sacred water shrine. The shrine features an elongated mizu fune supplied from the natural spring underneath the small shrine building. The lower basins of the mizu fune are often used in the summer by tourists and locals to cool bottled drinks and watermelons.
Sogi Sui Shrine Close Up
Sogi Sui Shrine and view of the Kodara RiverThis view from the embankment includes the Kodara River and Sogi Sui.
A Google Map showing the location of Sogi Sui
No virtual visit would be complete without a a stop at Igawa Ko Michi, a small footpath flanked by a waterway filled with carp. it's the perfect place to escape summer heat, and enjoy a peaceful stroll listening to the sound of water rushing by. You can also buy small bags of food to feed the carp (100 JPY) at several places along the way.
Igawa Ko michi
A Virtual Visit to a Washing Platform Along Igawa Ko MichiThere are several such washing platforms along the waterway, and they are still very much in use by locals.
A Google Map showing the location of Igawa ko michi
Just off Shin Machi in the centre of the historic town south of the Yoshida River, this little street features a small stream with cool running water. It is the perfect place to stop for a break and enjoy a little quiet during a busy day. It's a popular place with locals and visitors alike.
Children playing in Yanaka Mizu Ko Michi
A Virtual Visit to mid-Yanaka Mizu Ko Michi next to the Saito Tea Ceremony Museum
A Virtual Visit to Yanaka Mizu Ko Michi - In Front of the Yudokan Paper Art Museum and the Yanaka Inari Shrine
A Google Map showing the location of Yanaka mizu ko michi
Our virtual tour continues with a visit to some temples and sacred places in Gujo Hachiman
A Google Map showing the locations of the most significant templesand shrines in Gujo Hachiman.
The Autumn Garden at Jion Ji Zen TempleThis small Zen temple offers the perfect place to sit and contemplate your thoughts while enjoying a beautiful Zen garden. It is especially beautiful in late November when the autumn colours put on a spectacular show.
This small temple is off in a little corner of town is easy to miss. You have to cross the Kodara River to get here from the north end of town, but it's a small bridge and easy to reach. There are beautiful momiji trees by the main entrance gate that are especially beautiful in the autumn. It is always serene and restful here and well worth a visit.
Dai Jo Ji Temple Entrance
A Virtual Visit to Kishitsurugi Shrine below Gochiku In Temple
Early morning Za Zen Meditation at Gochiku In Temple
Our virtual tour continues with a visit to Gujo Hachiman Castle, a symbol of the town and one of the ten most beautiful mountain castles in Japan.
A Google Map showing the location of Gujo Hachiman castle.
Beginning outside the castle entrance and then moving through the entrance, first floor exhibits, then up to the 2nd floor, and finally the top floor with a beautiful view of the town.
The entrance to Gujo Hachiman Castle lit for a special night of the Momiji Festival in November 2018
The first floor has a number of historic exhibits from the town's history.
Note: there is no elevator to the top of the castle, and the stairs can be quite steep.
The view from the top floor of the castle offers a spectacular view of the entire town in all directions.
The autumn view from the top floor of Gujo Hachiman Castle looking west towards the Nagara River with a view of the north and south parts of the historic centre with the Yoshida River running through the centre.
Our virtual tour continues with a visit to some other popular tourist attractions in Gujo Hachiman
Historic Shokunin Machi in front of Cho Kyo Ji Temple
View looking towards Shokunin machi from Cho Kyo Ji Temple
Along Historic Yanagi Machi Near An Yo Ji Temple
A view looking south towards An Yo Ji along Yanagi Machi
Between An Yo Ji and Jokamachi Plaza
A Google Map showing the location of historic and well preserved Yanagi machi and Shokunin machi
Our virtual tour continues with a visit to some other popular tourist attractions in Gujo Hachiman
You can take Gujo Odori lessons at this museum which also offers a gift store featuring local arts and crafts.
A Google Map showing the location of the Gujo Hachiman Hakurankan Museum
Gujo Hachiman is known for producing high quality Gujo Tsumugi silk. Although no longer in production, you can still "visit" the inside of this hidden workshop, and you can learn more about Gujo Tsumugi and its history, manufacture, and design on our weaving and dyeing page.
The Watanabe indigo dyeing workshop in Gujo Hachiman was founded over 400 years ago between 1570-80. Today the hand-dyed creations of Shokichi Watanabe, the 14th owner of the house, and a designated prefectural cultural asset, can be seen and bought in many stores in Gujo Hachiman. You can learn more about the tradition of weaving and dyeing in Gujo Hachiman on our weaving and dyeing page.
Be sure to stop by here for brochures and information about accommodation and restaurants. This is also a small restaurant and a gift store that features local arts and crafts.
A Google Map showing the location of the Kinenkan Tourist information centre
A hidden garden in one of the towns beautiful machiya homes. These gardens are typically in the middle of the house and not visible from the street. You can also find some rental accommodation in traditional machiya houses - check at the Kinenkan Tourist Information Centre.
A Virtual Visit to a Small Beautiful Park Near City HallAtago Koen - Atago Park is a beautiful park throughout the year, but it is especially beautiful in the spring when the cherry blossoms are in bloom. The park borders on a small shrine and two temples which are all very photogenic.
A Google Map showing the location of Atago Park which is especailly beautiful in the spring.
A bit outside of town, and only a short car ride away are some stunning caves
This is the perfect place to escape summer heat and explore some beautiful natural caves. No special equipment is needed, just comfortable shoes and a sense of adventure.
A Visit to the Otaki Shonyudo Caves
A Google Map showing the location of the Otaki Caves
Visit us in person:
Kinenkan Tourism Centre
501-4222
520-1, Shimadani,
Hachiman Cho,
Gujo Shi, Gifu ken,
Japan
Hours:
9:00 am - 5:00 pm daily
9:00 am - 6:00 pm during Gujo Odori season
Phone: 0575 67-0002
