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Saturday, July 7, 2012

Gifu Summer Festivals and Events

July is the start of the hot summer period in Japan with the end of the rainy season. This is the time to head outdoors and enjoy the numerous festivals and events happening around the country. A few of my favourite Summer Activities in Japan.

Some of the big summer events happening in Gifu this July include:



Gujo Bon Odori (July 14 – Sept 8) 
Where: Hachiman-cho, Gujo-shi, Gifu
When: Weekdays & Sundays from 8:00pm to 10:30pm and Saturday from 8:00pm to 11:00pm

Held over a span of 33 nights, the Gujo Bon Odori is regarded as one of the three best Bon Odori in Japan, and has been performed for over 400 years. It is famous for the all-night dancing where the locals let their hair down for some frenzied dancing. During the four main days of the festival from  August 13 – 16 the dancing goes on through the night. Read about Obon.

Gero Hot Spring Evening Market (July 21 – August 25) 
Where: Shirasagi Bridge, Gero, Gifu
When: Every Saturday from 7:00pm to 10:00pm

This market held in the streets of one of Japan’s most famous hot spring towns is not to be missed. Features stalls selling local speciality products, sake and amazing food.

Chunichi Shinbun Nagaragawa Fireworks Festival (July 28th) 
Where: Nagara Bridge, Gifu-shi, Gifu
When: July 28th from 9:00am to 8:45pm 

One of the largest fireworks festivals in Japan featuring over 30,000 fireworks. Held in the skies over the beautiful Nagara River with Gifu Castle as a background this event can’t be missed.

Thanks to Gifu Crossroads - A Guide to Your Journey to Gifu Prefecture
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10 comments:

  1. UnknownJuly 7, 2012 at 11:21 AM

    Thanks for the info. If we have time, my wife and I should try to go to one of those events. She is originally from Nagoya and Aichi is next to Gifu, so we sometimes go back and would be nice to go to Gero Onsen since I don't think I've been there before.

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    1. Japan-AustraliaJuly 7, 2012 at 2:47 PM

      Thanks Thomas, Yes, Aichi is just next door to Gifu and Nagoya is only a 30 minute train ride. Definitely pay Gifu a visit and try and check out these events. I highly recommend a stay at Gero onsen for the hot springs and food and it is also on the way to the beautiful Takayama.

      John

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  2. linaJuly 7, 2012 at 2:32 PM

    I like the idea of going to a festival, enjpy the atmosphere and food and then soak in an onsen to recpver. ^^

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    1. Japan-AustraliaJuly 7, 2012 at 2:48 PM

      Thanks Lina, Can't beat the summer festivals in Japan for the atmosphere, food and fun. You gotta visit Japan during the summer next time.

      John

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    2. RuroushaJuly 7, 2012 at 7:30 PM

      That's what I keep telling her! ;)

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    3. Japan-AustraliaJuly 8, 2012 at 1:40 PM

      Hi Rurousha, She's got to do it then. No better time to enjoy Japan :)

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  3. AnonymousJuly 7, 2012 at 3:13 PM

    Summer is the best season for enjoying festivals.
    I would like to the fireworks festival in my neighborhood if I can.

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    1. Japan-AustraliaJuly 7, 2012 at 7:17 PM

      Thanks Cocomino, It is the best time for the festivals in Japan and the weather goes hand in hand with the atmosphere and events. Do you have a big fireworks festival in your area?

      John

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  4. RuroushaJuly 7, 2012 at 7:31 PM

    "This is the time to head outdoors and enjoy" ... lots of beer! ^^

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    1. Japan-AustraliaJuly 8, 2012 at 1:42 PM

      Thanks Rurousha, Totally agree. Summer is the time for those amazing beer gardens in Japan. The big cities have some cool ones on top of buildings, but love the one on top of Mt Kinka here in Gifu. Amazing views of Gifu from up there.

      John

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