Gujo Hachiman is an amazing area that has a perfect blend of traditional culture and nature. It is renowned for the beautiful castle town stretching out from the famous Gujo Hachiman Castle in Gifu Prefecture. Local snow fanatics also have a keen eye on the area as there are many ski resorts in the surrounds and it is a quick two-hour drive from Nagoya—making it a great base for snow activities. Osaka and Kyoto are not far off either and extremely easy to get to via train or bus, not to mention speedy access to Nagoya Airport and Chubu Centrair International Airport. This location is on the brink of emerging as a popular destination for international tourists as a complete package of snow and Japanese flair.
The gorgeous chalk-white Gujo Hachiman Castle stands proudly at the top of the mountain in Gujo Hachiman, serving as the heart of the area and the core of the Edo-period castle townscape that still remains here. Gazing down upon the town from the castle will treat you to an incredible view that just so happens to be shaped like a “Gujo Ayu” (sweetfish), which is a tasty local freshwater fish. Take a trip over during the cherry blossom season for the fairytale combination of the castle framed by cherry blossoms, or head over in the winter for the majestic sight of it covered in snow.
It’s not often that you get taken on a trip back in time to a castle town while out on a visit to a ski area, so be sure to take a stroll around town to soak up the sights of the stone-paved streets and old wooden houses lining the roads here.
Gujo Hachiman’s biggest trait is its plentiful supply of water. The city is filled with water channels and streams, and carp can be found swimming in the various canals. This water is used for drinking and agriculture purposes, with the sheer beauty and purity of the water giving the area its unique charm. What makes these channels of water so fascinating is that, despite years of hypothesising, there is still no definitive answer as to where they lead. If this has piqued your curiosity, then it’s time to head on over to follow the channels and solve the mystery yourself.
Winter here is when the beautiful custom of “kanzarashi” is performed. Kanzarashi is a Japanese tradition that involves soaking cloth or thread in rivers or ponds during the winter. The fibres are washed in the water and are then left to dry naturally in the cold air. This technique softens the materials and helps to ensure that the colours remain bright and gorgeous. Gujo Hachiman is known for carrying out this tradition as a major event and has done so for many long years. The pure flowing waters and crisp climate are perfect and these factors are crucial for producing high-quality textiles. Kanzarashi is a traditional technique that utilises the natural environment and is the reason why it is so deep-rooted in the area’s culture. Tourists flock here to witness the magnificent sight of cloth being spread out near rivers and ponds. It’s definitely a sight to be seen and worth heading over in the winter to simply admire it.
GUJO ODORI AND TRADITIONAL CRAFTS
While this can’t be experienced in the winter, there still has to be mention of the Gujo Odori, which is a festival that has been famously held in Gujo Hachiman for over 400 years. It is a dance event that runs from July to September. Mid-August is when the main festival period takes place and the entire town is enveloped in a frenzy of dance that extends through the night. Visitors from around Japan descend on the area during this period for this very event and having this knowledge under your belt might make your stay even more enjoyable. Another unique quirk of Gujo Hachiman is that it is famous for offering an experience unique to other places—food-sample making. You have to see it to believe it. Just have a look at the photos for yourself to see how incredible these samples are. This area is popular for giving visitors the opportunity to make these very realistic fake foods in almost no time. Try your hand at making a wax prawn tempura or head of lettuce to take back as impressive souvenirs for your friends and family.
SKI RESORTS AROUND GUJO HACHIMAN
MEIHO is a thirty-minute drive from Gujo Hachiman. It is the closest ski resort to the city and one of the most prominent in Gifu Prefecture. The plentiful snow machines here mean that skiers and snowboarders are always guaranteed plentiful snow, regardless of the conditions. There are a variety of courses catering for visitors of all levels, making it perfect for families and groups out for a ski trip.
TAKASU DYNA, the largest ski resort in Western Japan, is also easy to access from Gujo Hachiman. Dropping by after a night of snowfall will give you the chance to enjoy powder snow in the tree runs here. There’s fun mto be had for snow sport fanatics of all levels, making it a must-visit hotspot.
One final spot I’d like to mention is the Winghills Shirotori Ski Resort. Snow is always abundant here thanks to the numerous snow machines. The snow park and many family areas makes it a great spot for beginners and families with children.
Gujo Hachiman its surrounds is jampacked with ski resorts as well as other amazing drawcards such as the historic townscape, traditional culture, and scrumptious food. Get the most out of your ski trip here by strolling around the town, soaking in the hot springs, feasting on the food, and embracing the local culture. For your next ski trip, why not add Gujo Hachiman to your list of mustgo locations. You’re guaranteed the ultimate snow experience alongside fun activities, the beautiful great outdoors, and fascinating cultural eye-openers.
