 Most viewed - Gujo 郡上市 |
Gujo-Hachiman Castle is on a small mountain named Mt. Hachiman in central Gujo-Hachiman. The main tenshu tower is a 1933 reconstruction made of wood and surrounded by autumn foliage in November.55 viewsTakes about 15 minutes to climb up. It's a fairly easy climb. The castle has a commanding view of the city.
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The main tower is now a museum exhibiting local history and culture. The top floor gives commanding views of Gujo-Hachiman.45 views
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Small admission is charged to enter the castle's main tower. A combination ticket ¥700 is recommended to also see Jion-zenji Temple45 views
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Gujo-Hachiman manhole has ayu sweetfish design.33 views
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During the autumn foliage, Gujo-Hachiman Castle and autumn leaves are lit up in the evening from 5 pm. No admission charged.16 views
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Gujo-Hachiman Castle corner turret and autumn foliage.15 views
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Gujo-Hachiman Castle's tenshu main tower. Reconstruction built in 1933. The original castle was dismantled in 1870 when the samurai system was abolished. Only the stone walls and foundations remained. 12 viewsThis reconstruction is unusual because it was built using wood instead of concrete. This is in fact Japan's oldest reconstructed main castle tower made of wood.
Entrance to the castle tower can be seen on the right. Small admission charged.
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Get off at this bus stop, Gujo-Hachiman Jokamachi Plaza, a small tourist shop with a large parking lot.11 views
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Map around Gujo-Hachiman Castle. The castle is a short uphill hike from the bus stop at Gujo-Hachiman Jokamachi Plaza, a local tourist shop. 10 viewsGujo-Hachiman used to be a separate town (municipality) called "Hachiman-cho" until it merged with several neighboring towns and villages to form the city of Gujo (pop. 38,000) in 2004.
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9 views
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Anyoji Temple's main Hondo worship hall is the largest wooden building in Gifu Prefecture. Small admission charged to enter the worship hall. 安養寺9 views
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When getting off the bus, check the bus schedule for your return trip. Be aware that buses are infrequent. Only once an hour or less often.9 views
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Main tower.8 views
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At the foot of the castle mountain, there's this statue of samurai Yamauchi Kazutoyo and his loyal and loving wife Chiyo and the fine horse she bought for him (in Kinomoto or Azuchi, Shiga Prefecture) with her own money in the 16th century. 8 views
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Chiyo was supposedly the daughter of the Gujo-Hachiman Castle's first lord, Endo Morikazu. Kazutoyo later became lord of Kochi Castle in Shikoku. 8 viewsThis statue was erected in 1991 by local donors. (Gujo-Hachiman Castle can be seen in the background.)
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Gujo-Hachiman Castle and autumn leaves are lit up in the evening.8 views
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Kikoku Guardhouse site now has a Gujo Odori monument.8 views
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Entrance to the road going up to the castle. Both cars and pedestrians use this narrow, single-lane road, so we all need to be careful.7 views
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Takes about 15 min. of uphill walking. Cars can go up to the parking lot near the castle. People in wheelchairs should take a taxi. However, the castle grounds still has a lot of stone steps. Castle tower has no elevator.7 views
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The pedestrian approach to the castle entrance is also pretty with autumn leaves.7 views
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7 views
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7 views
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Major spot to view and photograph the castle. The stone monument is connected with Nichiren.7 views
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Gujo-Hachiman Castle and autumn foliage.7 views
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Gujo-Hachiman Castle corner turret.7 views
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Autumn view of Gujo-Hachiman Castle from a path along the castle wall.7 views
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7 views
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7 views
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Kazutoyo and Chiyo were made nationally famous by the year-long NHK Taiga Drama series Kōmyō ga Tsuji (功名が辻) in 2006. 7 views
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7 views
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Gujo-Hachiman Castle's corner turret and autumn leaves lit up in the evening7 views
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Gujo-Hachiman Castle's corner turret and autumn leaves lit up in the evening7 views
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Bus fare is only ¥1,550 from Meitetsu Gifu Station. It takes 80 min. Gujo-Hachiman is not as far north as Shirakawa-go or Takayama, so it's an easy day trip.7 views
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Bus stop on the highway to Gujo-Hachman.7 views
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7 views
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Cooked cuttlefish (ika) as a food replica.7 views
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Chokyoji Temple in Gujo-Hachiman. Family temple for the Endo Clan, castle lords. 長敬寺7 views
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The road snakes up the mountain, but pedestrians can also go up a few shortcuts. Steeper than the road though.6 views
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Gujo-Hachiman Castle has lots of red maples.6 views
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6 views
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View of Gujo-Hachiman Castle and fall leaves.6 views
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Gujo-Hachiman Castle and red maple leaves.6 views
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Gujo-Hachiman Castle and autumn foliage.6 views
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6 views
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Another corner turret.6 views
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6 views
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Gujo-Hachiman Castle main tower.6 views
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Chikara-ishi stones.6 views
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About Gujo-Hachiman Castle in Japanese. Gujo-Hachiman Castle was first built in 1555 by Lord Endo Morikazu as his base when he was battling another feudal lord, Tono Tsuneyoshi, for the control of the Gujo domain. 6 viewsMorikazu's son Yoshitaka then unified the Gujo domain and built the castle and castle town.
The succeeding lord, Inaba Sadamichi, built the castle main tower. The castle later had other samurai clans as occupants such as the Endo, Inoue, and Kanamori Clans.
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Top floor of the castle tower is a lookout deck with open windows (no glass). Very breezy.6 views
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View from the lower floor.6 views
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6 views
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Corner turret.6 views
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Another turret. Not open to the public.6 views
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6 views
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6 views
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6 views
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On the way to the castle, you will pass by Anyoji Temple. Jodo Shinshu Buddhist Sect, Otani School. Founded in 1256. 安養寺6 views
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View of Anyoji Temple's main hall. One of Gujo-Hachiman's major temples. 安養寺6 views
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View of Gujo-Hachiman and autumn leaves.6 views
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How to get to Gujo-Hachiman: Taking a bus from JR or Meitetsu Gifu Station or Nagoya Station is most convenient. This is the bus for Gujo-Hachiman at Meitetsu Gifu Station.6 views
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The bus for Gujo-Hachiman has these plastic barriers for COVID-19.6 views
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The bus ride to Gujo-Hachman is scenic through the mountains. 6 views
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6 views
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History of Gujo-Hachiman.6 views
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Typical home in Gujo-Hachiman.6 views
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Unusual rock formations.5 views
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Finally reached the bottom of the castle grounds. Fall leaves already pretty in mid-November.5 views
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Nice red momiji maple leaf gradation from light to dark.5 views
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5 views
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5 views
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Gujo-Hachiman Castle turret and autumn foliage.5 views
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Gujo-Hachiman Castle corner turret and autumn foliage.5 views
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Gujo-Hachiman Castle corner turret and autumn foliage.5 views
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5 views
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5 views
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5 views
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5 views
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Path along the castle wall leading to another turret.5 views
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Castle wall with openings for weapons.5 views
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Main tower and red maples.5 views
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Castle tower had a tree growing in the foundation.5 views
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Historical letters and documents.5 views
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Scale model of Gujo-Hachiman Castle town during the samurai days. The castle is on the top of the mountain.5 views
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Wooden stairways to go up to the upper floors. High heels and short skirts not recommended.5 views
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Wooden stairways to go up to the upper floors.5 views
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View of Gujo-Hachiman from the castle. Looking south with Yoshida River in the foreground. Miyagase Bridge over Yoshida River can also be seen.5 views
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Main gate to the castle tower.5 views
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Back view of Gujo-Hachiman. Ono district with Yoshida River on the right. The covered stadium on the right of the river is Sogo Sports Center. (郡上市 総合スポーツセンター)5 views
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Lower floor in the castle tower.5 views
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Panel display of local activities on the river.5 views
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The much photographed corner turret.5 views
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5 views
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Photo gallery of other castles.5 views
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First floor.5 views
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5 views
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5 views
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Corner turret and main tower.5 views
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5 views
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Turret sprinkled with red maple leaves.5 views
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5 views
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Castle wall and red maples.5 views
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5 views
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5 views
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Some leaves on the way back down the mounatin.5 views
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About Chiyo and Kazutoyo in Japanese.5 views
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It was kind of tiring to climb up the mountain for the second on the same day to see the evening light-up. But it was worth it. Took 20 min. to take some quick photos before going back down to catch the bus back to Gifu Station.5 views
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5 views
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5 views
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5 views
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Photos of Gujo Odori.5 views
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Gujo Odori has ten dance songs. During Gujo Odori, the dances and music go on continuously with live music and singers. So when do the musicians take a break?5 views
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Gujo-Hachiman's natural water sources.5 views
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Yamauchi Kazutoyo5 views
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On the right is Sogi natural spring, named after poet Sogi who bid farewell here to the castle lord after visiting Gujo in the 15th century.5 views
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Gate to Chokyoji Temple. 長敬寺5 views
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Gutter along the temple's wall.5 views
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Yoshida River in Gujo-Hachiman looking downstream toward Nagara River.5 views
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Gujo-Hachiman Castle turret and autumn foliage.4 views
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Gujo-Hachiman Castle turret and autumn foliage still green.4 views
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Gujo-Hachiman Castle corner turret and autumn foliage.4 views
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Gujo-Hachiman Castle corner turret and autumn foliage.4 views
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Gujo-Hachiman Castle corner turret and autumn foliage.4 views
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Gujo-Hachiman Castle corner turret and autumn foliage.4 views
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Steps to the castle's main keep.4 views
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4 views
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Corner turret.4 views
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Near the gate to the main tenshukaku tower.4 views
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4 views
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View of Gujo-Hachiman in autumn, south of Yoshida River.4 views
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Main gate to the castle's main tower.4 views
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Defensive wall with holes for weapons.4 views
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4 views
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Inside Gujo-Hachiman Castle's main tower, a museum exhibiting local historical artifacts. This is the first floor. In the background, you can see Koinobori carp streamers made by local artists.4 views
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Great views of Gujo-Hachiman from the top floor of the castle tower. This is looking south (Minami-machi) and that's Yoshida River.4 views
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4 views
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Jokamachi (castle town) area of Gujo-Hachiman. The large temple roof would be Anyoji Temple.4 views
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4 views
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Corner turret.4 views
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4 views
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4 views
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Red maples behind the main tower.4 views
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Lots and lots of autumn colors at Gujo-Hachiman Castle.4 views
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4 views
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One good starting point for touring Gujo-Hachiman is here, Gujo-Hachiman Jokamachi Plaza. A small tourist shop with a large parking lot for bus stops and tour buses. Centrally located. Hike up to the castle from here.4 views
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It says the ventilation system in the bus completely changes the interior air every 5 min.4 views
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Tessoen Garden has a small waterfall.4 views
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Temple bell and ginkgo tree at a neighborhood temple.4 views
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Water looks clean enough for washing potatoes.4 views
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Past Gujo Odori PR posters.4 views
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So happens that there are dance songs having no shamisen or no flutes or no taiko drumming, etc. That's when those musicians can take a break. Clever.4 views
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About Yoshida and Nagara Rivers.4 views
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Gujo-Hachiman during the Azuchi-Momoyama and Edo Periods.4 views
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About Iwasaki Takizo (1895–1965), inventor of the ubiquitous food replicas we see in restaurants in Japan. He was from Gujo-Hachiman where today over 50% of Japan's food replicas are made. He made his first food replica, an omelette, in 1932. 4 views
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4 views
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Blueprint plans of Gujo-Hachiman Castle's reconstructed main tower.4 views
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Small alley to Sogisui natural spring. The Kitamachi area of Gujo-Hachiman is also a National Important Traditional Townscape Preservation District (重要伝統的建造物群保存地区).4 views
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Area along Kodara River is within the Kitamachi (northern) part of Gujo-Hachiman. Part of the castle town at the foot of the castle mountain.4 views
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About Sogi-sui Spring.4 views
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Homes along Kodara River.4 views
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4 views
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Gujo Odori monument.4 views
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Kodara River looking downstream.4 views
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Traditional townscape along a neighborhood called Kajiya-machi where the town's craftsmen lived and worked. 鍛冶屋町4 views
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Red water bucket to put out fires.4 views
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Gujo-Hachiman Castle seen from the street.4 views
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Daijoji Temple in autumn. 大乗寺4 views
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Daijoji Temple in autumn. 大乗寺4 views
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Neighborhood called Shokunin-machi leading to Chokyoji Temple.4 views
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Chokyoji has a connection with the Ryosotai Battalion formed by former samurai of Gujo domain. They fought against Imperial forces in 1868 at Aizu Wakamatsu. 凌霜隊4 views
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Yoshida River's clear and clean water.4 views
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4 views
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3 views
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Gujo-Hachiman Castle corner turret and autumn foliage.3 views
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3 views
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Lots of autumn colors along the way.3 views
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Prime spot to view and photograph the castle.3 views
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3 views
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It's not a precise reconstruction of the original castle tower. Apparently, the original floor plan or architectural design did not survive. The reconstruction was modeled after Ogaki Castle's original main tower.3 viewsOgaki Castle had been one of the few castle towers preserved since the samurai days. It was a National Treasure in Gifu Prefecture until it got destroyed by an air raid in July 1945. Ogaki Castle's current main tower is a concrete reconstruction.
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Another gate.3 views
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Main gate to the castle's main tower.3 views
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Gujo-Hachiman Castle corner turret. Not open to the public.3 views
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Scroll painting of Chiyo, famous wife of Yamauchi Kazutoyo in the 16th century. Chiyo was supposedly the daughter of the Gujo-Hachiman Castle's first lord, Endo Morikazu.3 views
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Corridor on a lower floor of the main castle tower.3 views
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In autumn, Jion-zenji Temple is a major attraction for autumn leaves in Tessoen Garden.3 views
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3 views
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Tessoen Garden admission is ¥500 as of autumn 2021.3 views
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Room to view Tessoen Garden. We can only view the garden from this room and cannot walk in the garden.3 views
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Suikin-kutsu water basin that makes a leasant sound with water droplets. 水琴窟3 views
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Inside the Hondo main temple hall.3 views
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3 views
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Otohime Stream3 views
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Gujo-Hachiman street lamp and Otohime Stream.3 views
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Hakurankan is Gujo-Hachiman's main museum exhibiting local culture, history, crafts, and ecology. Building was built in 1920 as a tax office. 3 viewsOpen: 9:00 am–5:00 pm, closed Dec 24 to Jan 2. Small admission charged
https://hakurankan.com/group_en/
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About the Gujo Odori dance.3 views
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Gujo Odori dance demonstrations daily at 11 am, 12 p.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. with extra sessions at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.3 views
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Sogisui natural spring.3 views
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River fishing in Gujo.3 views
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River fishing in Gujo.3 views
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3 views
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Kami-shibai show corner.3 views
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3 views
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Portraits of Chiyo and Yamauchi Kazutoyo.3 views
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Portrait of Chiyo, wife of Yamauchi Kazutoyo.3 views
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3 views
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3 views
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Indigo dye3 views
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Gujo-Hachiman Castle and Anyoji Temple as seen from the street.3 views
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Machinami Koryukan is a new local museum is near Hakurankan. まちなみ交流館3 views
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About Gujo-Hachiman's northern part of town (Kitamachi).3 views
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Second floor of Machinami Koryukan museum.3 views
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Sogi Spring in Gujo-Hachiman.3 views
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3 views
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Gujo-Hachiman Castle seen from the street.3 views
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Sake shop in a traditional building in a neighborhood called Kajiya-machi3 views
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Kodara River upstream.3 views
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Old-style mailbox.3 views
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Red water bucket to put out fires.3 views
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Daijoji Temple gate and bell tower (built in 1803) along Kodara River.3 views
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Daijoji Temple in autumn. 大乗寺3 views
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Daijoji Temple in autumn. 大乗寺3 views
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Daijoji Temple in autumn. 大乗寺3 views
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Looking downstream on Yoshida River. Miyagase Bridge can be seen.3 views
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Former Hachiman Town Hall was built in 1936 and served as the Hachiman Town Hall until 1994. It now houses a tourist information center, souvenir shop, and restaurant. 郡上八幡旧庁舎記念館3 viewsThe large plaza in front of the building is one of the main venues for the Gujo Odori Dance held in summer.
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About the Former Hachiman Town Hall.3 views
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Ayu sweetfish.3 views
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