Sometimes, the small and lesser known towns found throughout Japan are the most beautiful and surprising destinations. We got the chance to stop and do some sightseeing around Gujo while driving back to Nagoya from the city of Takayama. While touring Gifu Prefecture, Gujo might have been the most surprising destination. Gujo had everything a large city has packed into a small town. In Gujo you can hike to Gujo Castle, explore the cute alley ways, walk through historic districts, visit temples, and dine in the many restaurants that line the historic streets.
Gujo is located in Gifu Prefecture. If looking at the map above it appears to be almost halfway between Takayama and the outskirts of Nagoya City.
The best way to reach Gujo is by vehicle and it is easily accessible from the expressway (E41) or Route 256.
If taking the expressway from Takayama, Gujo is a little over an hours drive. We decided to take the scenic route and avoid tolls and the drive took about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
If departing or heading toward Nagoya, the route takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes on the expressway or 2 hours and 20 minutes if avoiding tolls.
Sightseeing Around Gujo - Can't Miss Attractions and Sites
Everything in Gujo is within walking distance, with the exception of the castle, I recommend driving to the castle. Gujo just is not that big, there are a few parking lots around town, from there you can walk to all the recommended sites below.
Gujo Hachiman Castle
Gujo Hachiman Castle is probably the most famous attraction in Gujo and is well worth a visit. This castle is perched on a hill overlooking the city. There are several parking lots around the castle ranging from at the base of the hill to right behind the castle. We parked somewhere in between and walked about 15 minutes to the castle entrance.
Gujo Hachiman Castle is on the smaller side and doesn’t take to much time to visit. I’d say 30 minutes or less is all that is needed for a thorough visit.
Gujo Hachiman Castle was originally built in 1559 but was dismantled during the Meiji Period. The castle was again rebuilt in 1933. Today, you can enter the castle and walk the grounds. Since the castle is new, it was built with larger stairs that aren’t as steep as some of the original castles, so it’s a bit easier to make it to the top of the main keep. You get incredible 360° views of Gujo and the surrounding mountains.
Admission and Hours
Admission
¥320 Per Person
Hours
9:00 to 17:00 – March to May and September to October
8:00 to 18:00 – June to August
9:00 to 16:30 – November to February
Yanagi-machi Dori
Yanagi-machi Dori is a street at the base of the hill below the Gujo Hachiman Castle. The architecture of the houses reminded me a lot of the houses we saw in Takayama. We parked our car at a paid lot near Yanagi-machi Dori, walked from one end to the other before making our way to the downtown area of Gujo. Because the houses and street here was so beautiful, I recommend a quick stroll on Yanagi-machi Dori.
Yanaka Lane
Yanaka Lane or Yanaka Mizu No Komichi is a small alley way in the center of Gujo. Yanaka Lane has been around since ancient times and was a community road leading toward Yanaka Inari Shrine. According to a plaqard at the beginning of the alley way there are 80,000 stones that line the pathway. There is a cute little canal on the side of the pathway. We visited on an off day and there were no people around. I can see this area being popular in the summer time, especially for children to play in the canal.
Igawa Lane
Igawa Lane is the primary attraction that drew me to stopping in Gujo while on our road trip. It popped up in Google Maps, and I was instantly drawn to it. According to a placard at the entrance of Igawa Lane, this lane is 1 meter wide and 119 meters long. The lane is in a peaceful neighborhood in Gujo not far from the Yoshida River.
This alley way was absolutely beautiful! The canal, maple trees, old style houses, and gigantic carp really made Igawa Lane worth visiting. Honestly, the carp in the canal here where some of the fattest I’ve seen in my life. You can pay for food and feed them at a few sites along Igawa Lane.
Miyagase Bridge
There are three bridges in Gujo that cross the Yoshida River. They all have incredible views, but I highly recommend walking over the Miyagase Bridge. The views of the river and homes from here were just spectacular. During the summer months, locals take advantage of the hot weather and cool off in the river below.
Sogi Spring
Sogi Spring itself was worth a quick visit, but I recommend walking the river walk nearby along the Kodara River. The Shimizu Bridge, is a pretty red bridge that is a popular photo spot. When we were here, there were a lot of school age children on the bridge taking photos. There are stairs near Sogi Spring leading to the river, it’s also a popular lunch spot.
Manhole Covers Around Gujo
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