Gujo-Hachiman Hakurankan (Gujo Hachiman Museum)

This museum is housed in a former tax office built during the Taisho era and is known for its retro-style exterior. Inside, the many charms of Gujo Hachiman are introduced through four themed sections.
One of the highlights is the “Gujo Odori” section on the first floor. Here, visitors can learn about Gujo Odori, the traditional dance culture of Gujo Hachiman. Staff dressed in yukata perform Gujo Odori four times a day, and even outside the performance times, visitors can enjoy videos introducing all ten dances.
Staff also demonstrate how to perform each of the ten dances of Gujo Odori. If you are planning to join the next Gujo Odori festival, this is a great place to begin practicing.
The second floor features three sections dedicated to “Water,” “History,” and “Crafts,” allowing visitors to learn about Gujo Hachiman from a variety of perspectives. The “Crafts” section is especially popular.
In addition to traditional tsumugi silk, hand-dyed textiles, and ayu fishing equipment, the museum also displays a wide variety of realistic food replicas, one of Gujo Hachiman’s best-known local industries.