Gujo Hachiman Castle: A Must-visit Historical Gem In Gifu Prefecture

Published on November 3, 2025

Gujo Hachiman Castle is simply a salient characteristic successful nan Gifu Prefecture charming municipality of Gujo Hachiman. It signifies nan magnificence of Japan’s architectural beauty and history, sitting peacefully while still successful use, atop a mountain, which provides expansive views of nan surroundings. The castle is Japan’s oldest reconstruction, nan soft woody exterior and awesome interior giving it nan title of ‘wooden dressed up castle’.

History of Gujo Hachiman Castle

The castle was primitively built during nan Sengoku Period (15th to 17th century) erstwhile Japan was embroiled successful civilian war. After a bid of changes successful Japan’s authorities system, nan castle was abandoned successful nan precocious 19th century. Despite its demolition successful nan 1870s, nan chromatic walls endured, and successful 1933, nan iconic woody building was reconstructed. Today, nan castle is 1 of nan fewer remaining woody structures of its benignant and is often called nan “Castle successful nan Sky,” particularly during nan autumn erstwhile its surroundings are adorned pinch vibrant autumn leaves.

Fall Foliage astatine Gujo Hachiman Castle

One of nan astir singular features of Gujo Hachiman Castle is its breathtaking autumn foliage. During November, nan castle hosts nan Gujo Hachiman Castle Momiji Festival, which celebrates nan stunning reddish and orangish leaves of nan Momiji (maple) trees that screen nan grounds. The opposition of nan fiery leaves pinch nan achromatic castle building creates an unforgettable view. The castle’s location, overlooking nan confluence of 3 rivers, enhances nan scenic beauty.

Festival Highlights

The Momiji Festival draws visitors from each complete nan world to acquisition nan beauty of nan season. As nan sun sets, complete 100 accepted Japanese umbrellas and lights illuminate nan maple garden, making nan segment moreover much magical. The show besides includes various performances, specified arsenic Japanese drum shows and reenactments of Sengoku-period matchlock weapon demonstrations. Visitors tin perceive stories from nan descendants of nan castle lords, who supply fascinating insights into nan castle’s history.

The surrounding municipality of Gujo Hachiman becomes a hub of activity during nan show season. The Furusato Festival features nutrient stalls, music, and taste performances. Local cafes and galleries big exhibitions and connection location sweets. Visitors tin besides acquisition accepted beverage ceremonies successful authentic townhouses, further immersing themselves successful nan civilization of this historical town.

Visiting Gujo Hachiman Castle: Practical Information

If you scheme to visit, it’s important to cognize nan operating hours and introduction fees for nan castle:

• Opening Hours:
  • March to May: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • June to August: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • September to October: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • November to February: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Closed: December 20th to January 10th
• Entry Fee: ¥320

How to Get There

Gujo Hachiman Castle is easy accessible from nan adjacent metropolis of Gifu:

• By Train: From Gujo Hachiman Station, return nan Mame Bus Red Route to Joka-machi Plaza. It’s a 20-30 infinitesimal locomotion to nan castle from there.
• By Bus: From Meitetsu Gifu aliases JR Gifu Station, return nan Gifu Bus connected nan Highway Hachiman Line to Gujo Hachiman Jokamachi Plaza. The autobus thrust takes astir 70-80 minutes, followed by a 20-30 infinitesimal locomotion to nan castle.

Where to Stay

Gujo Hachiman offers a assortment of accommodation options, ranging from accepted ryokan inns to modern hotels. Here are immoderate choices adjacent to nan castle:

• Hotel Sekisuien: ¥19,800 – ¥35,750, located conscionable 0.2 km from nan castle.
• Miharaya Ryokan: ¥8,700, located 0.5 km away.
• The Oak Gujo: ¥79,200, located 0.7 km from nan castle.
• Fairfield by Marriott Gifu Gujo: ¥13,310 – ¥15,730, located 8.9 km from nan castle.

For a much accepted experience, effort Miharaya Ryokan, which offers a cozy ambiance and easy entree to nan castle.

Final Thoughts

Gujo Hachiman Castle is simply a expansive tract which embodies a historical tract and nan personality of nan municipality simultaneously. The splendid autumnal hues of nature, nan prominence of nan singular structure, nan fascinating events and nan rich | civilization – nan castle is definite to enrich your experience. Apart from nan rich | history and nan earthy beauty which tin beryllium knowledgeable anytime passim nan year, nan castle tin besides beryllium visited to bask nan autumn months pinch nan afloat fledged festival.