Gujō (郡上市) Travel Guide & City Profile

Last reviewed: October 23, 2026 · Prices are approximate and for orientation only.

Overview & City Profile

Gujō (郡上市, Gujō-shi; Japanese pronunciation: [ɡɯ.(d)ʑoꜜː(.ɕi)]) is a city located in Gifu, Japan. As of 1 February 2019, the city had an estimated population of 41,858, and a population density of 41 persons per km2, in 15,341 households. The total area of the city was 851.21 square kilometres (328.65 sq mi), including Gujo Hachiman, a part of the city that was an independent town until 2004, and has a large summer Bon odori festival, Gujo Odori.

Within Gifu Prefecture (Chubu region), Gujō (郡上市) serves as a city in gifu prefecture. Travelers exploring Gifu often combine a stop in Gujō with regional highlights such as Preserved Edo streets of Takayama, UNESCO thatched farmhouses of Shirakawa-go, Gero Onsen (one of Japan's Three Famous Springs), Gifu Castle, Gujo Hachiman, and Magome-juku.

Getting to Gujō & Getting Around

Via the regional hub (Gifu Station, Gifu-Hashima (Shinkansen) & Takayama Station): 20m from Nagoya Station to Gifu on JR rapid trains; 2h 25m from Nagoya to Takayama on the scenic JR Limited Express Hida.

• Local rail & IC cards: Once in Gifu Prefecture, JR regional lines and local private railways connect Gifu with Gujō. Nationwide IC cards (Suica, Pasmo, Icoca) work on major urban and JR commuter gates; for rural branch lines or local buses, keep ¥1,000 bills and ¥100 coins handy for the onboard fare box.
• Luggage & station lockers: Main stations in Gifu have coin lockers for day-trippers. If you are stopping in Gujō en route between larger bases, check your suitcase dimensions in our Luggage & Locker Checker or forward big bags ahead with Takkyubin.
• Driving & car rental: While city centers around Gujō are accessible by train and taxi, renting a car from a major Shinkansen station or airport in Gifu can be rewarding for reaching mountain gorges, coastal viewpoints, and countryside onsen. Read our Renting a Car in Japan Guide.

What to Eat in Gujō & Gifu

Gujō shares the culinary traditions of Gifu Prefecture and the wider Chubu region. Don't miss these local specialties during your visit:

• Hida wagyu beef (nigiri, skewers,朴葉みそ hoba-miso on magnolia leaf) — a signature specialty across Gifu Prefecture.
• Takayama ramen — a signature specialty across Gifu Prefecture.
• Gohei mochi (walnut-miso grilled rice cakes) — a signature specialty across Gifu Prefecture.
• Ayu (sweetfish) from clear rivers — a signature specialty across Gifu Prefecture.

For dietary restrictions or food allergies, open our Japanese Phrasebook & Show-to-Staff Cards to display clear Japanese dietary explanations at restaurants in Gujō.

Best Time to Visit & Seasonal Highlights

April 14–15 & October 9–10 for the Takayama Festival; May–October for Gujo Odori & Nagara River cormorant fishing (ukai); Jan–Feb for snow-draped Shirakawa-go.

Regional highlights across Gifu Prefecture that pair well with a visit to Gujō include: Preserved Edo streets of Takayama, UNESCO thatched farmhouses of Shirakawa-go, Gero Onsen (one of Japan's Three Famous Springs), Gifu Castle, Gujo Hachiman, and Magome-juku.

Practical Travel Tips for Gujō

• Tourist information center (観光案内所): Look for the Kankō Annaijo counter inside or right outside the main train station in Gujō (or at Gifu Station, Gifu-Hashima (Shinkansen) & Takayama Station) for free walking maps, bus timetables, and festival calendars.
• Cash & ATMs: While hotels, chain stores, and convenience stores in Gujō accept international cards and IC payment, smaller family-run restaurants, shrines, and rural buses often prefer cash. 7-Eleven (Seven Bank) and Japan Post ATMs accept foreign debit cards reliably.
• Dining hours: Outside major metropolitan hubs, lunch typically runs 11:30 AM–2:00 PM and dinner spots open around 5:30 PM, with earlier last orders (around 8:00–9:00 PM) in smaller cities.