Gujo Hachiman Castle (郡上八幡城), also known as Yoshida Castle or Gujo Castle, is located in Gujo City, Gifu Prefecture, Japan. The castle was originally built in 1212 by Fujiwara Tomomitsu and was later captured by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1585. The current castle tower is a reconstruction built in 1933 and is known as the oldest wooden reconstructed castle in Japan.
Gujo Hachiman Castle is a hilltop castle, strategically positioned to overlook the surrounding area. It was used as a base for military operations during the Sengoku period. Today, the castle is a popular tourist attraction, and visitors can explore the castle tower, which contains exhibits on the history and culture of the castle, the surrounding area, and the famous couple Yamauchi Kazutoyo and his wife, Chiyo, who resided in the castle.
In addition to the castle, the city of Gujo is known for its traditional waterways, which are used to transport water to irrigate rice fields and for other purposes. The city is also famous for its Gujo Odori summer dance festival, which lasts for 32 nights from mid-July to early September and is considered one of the most beautiful festivals in Japan. The all-night dance, “Tetsuya Odori,” is particularly well-known.
Visitors to Gujo Hachiman Castle can also explore the Gujo Hachiman Hakubutsukan (Museum), located within the castle grounds, which exhibits artifacts and information related to the castle and the history and culture of Gujo Hachiman.
Details
| Hours | March to May / 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM June to August / 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM September to October / 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM November to February / 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Admission | Adults: 400 yen Elementary school and junior high school students: 200 yen |
| Phone | +81 575-67-1819 |
| Address | Japan, 501-4214 Gifu Prefecture, Gunma-cho, Hachiman-machi, Yanagi-cho, Ichinohira 659 |
| Official Website | https://hachiman-castle.com/#home |