2023 NO.35
Menu
Strolling Japan
A Town of Pristine Waterways and Traditional Dance
Gujo Hachiman
During the night dances, the street is filled with people ready to join in. ©Gujo Tourism Federation
Koi carp and other river fish swim in the walkway-lined Igawa Komichi canal as it flows behind local residences.
A mizubune basin provides drinking water in the upper level and water for rinsing and washing in the lower. ©Gujo Tourism Federation
At the Watanabe Dyehouse, fabric is immersed in flowing waterways, part of the time-honored traditional Gujo Honzome dyeing technique.
Koinobori carp streamers are immersed in the Kodara River in winter, a practice called koinobori no kanzarashi. (Photo courtesy of Watanabe Dyehouse)
A stroll through Gujo Hachiman reveals a network of canals, including the Igawa Komichi, stretching across the town. Put in place to help prevent fires following the outbreak of a large blaze in the 17th century, the waterways still form an indispensable part of life in the town today. Set up along the canals are multiple mizubune (literally “water boats”), which are basins filled with water drawn from the mountain springs, where the locals get drinking water and rinse off their vegetables.
The waterways are also essential for a traditional, local handicraft called Gujo Honzome. Immersing the indigo-dyed crafts in running water brings out more vivid color and has a tightening effect on the fabric. In wintertime, a practice called koinobori no kanzarashi takes place, in which decorative koinobori (carp-shaped windsocks), which are displayed in celebration of boys’ growth, are immersed in the clear-flowing rivers. The sight of the brightly colored streamers floating on the water’ surface is a uniquely distinctive scene of winter in Gujo Hachiman.
Visitors can also enjoy salt-roasted sweetfish (ayu), a local delicacy sold at food stalls at the waterside, while taking in the gentle murmuring of the water’s flow, or take a short break at a cafe serving sweets in a renovated kominka residence. Another special, memorable experience may be visiting a crafting studio to try one’s hand at making replicas of food items, a practice with roots in Gujo Hachiman.
From festive, lively dancing to strolls along gurgling waterways, Gujo Hachiman—a town of contrasting faces, peaceful and dynamic—offers a variety of charms visitors are sure to enjoy.
Salt-roasted sweetfish (ayu) is enjoyed for its appetizing aroma. ©Gujo Tourism Federation
A refreshing, flavorful carbonated “cider” beverage is made with natural Gujo Hachiman water.
Parfait served at the matcha cafe Sogi-an in a historic, renovated kominka residence with “matcha art” on the surface depicting Gujo Odori dancers.
Local workshops allow visitors to try their hand at making food replicas themselves. (Photo courtesy of Sample Kobo)
A food replica shows an attempt to twirl pasta around a fork.
Gujo Hachiman Area Map
①Gujo Hachiman Castle②Gujo Hachiman Hakurankan③Igawa Komichi④Watanabe Dyehouse⑤Sogi-an⑥Sample Kobo
●Access
From Nagoya Station, the trip to Gujo Hachiman Station on the JR Limited Express and Nagaragawa Railway takes approximately 2 hours.
●Contact information
Gujo Tourism Federation official website TABITABI Gujo
https://tabitabigujo.com/