Gujō, Gifu

Gujō (郡上市, Gujō-shi) 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.[2] The total area of the city was 851.21 square kilometres (328.65 sq mi). Gujo Hachiman, a part of the city that was an independent town until 2004, is well known for its large summer bon odori festival, Gujo Odori.[3]

Gujō

郡上市
City
Flag
Seal
Location of Gujō in Gifu Prefecture
Gujō
 
Coordinates: 35°44′54.8″N 136°57′51.6″E
CountryJapan
RegionChūbu
PrefectureGifu
First official recorded82 AD
City settledMarch 1, 2004
Government
 • MayorToshiaki Hioki[1]
Area
 • Total1,030.75 km2 (397.97 sq mi)
Population
 (February 1, 2019)
 • Total41,858
 • Density41/km2 (110/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC+9 (Japan Standard Time)
City symbols 
- TreeMaple
- FlowerMagnolia kobus
Phone number0575-67-1121
Address228 Shimatani, Hachiman-chō, Gujō-shi, Gifu-ken 501-4297
WebsiteOfficial website
Gujō City Hall

Geography

Gujō is located in west-central Gifu Prefecture. The headwaters of the Nagara River are in the city.

Waterways

Gujō's waterways operate the same way as they did in the 17th century. The canals and fountains are still used for washing rice, vegetables, and laundry. Townspeople cooperate to keep the canals clean and the water fresh. As a result of their efforts, Gujō's drinking water is a source of local pride.

Gujō Hachiman is in a valley where three major fast-running rivers meet: the Yoshida, the Nagara and the Kodara. Pure mineral water flows from every tap in the town. The local ayu, soba, and sake all depend on the water for their flavors.[4] Some residents still use the town's unique system of small waterways to wash laundry and dishes, following a set of very strict rules that describe what may be washed where. This practice has survived for centuries and ensures that all households have access to clean water.[4]

Climate

The city has a climate characterized by hot and humid summers, and mild winters (Köppen climate classification Cfa). The average annual temperature in Gujō is 13.6 °C. The average annual rainfall is 2569 mm with September as the wettest month. The temperatures are highest on average in August, at around 26.6 °C, and lowest in January, at around 1.3 °C.[5]

Neighbouring municipalities

Demographics

According to Japanese census data,[6] the population of Gujō ro has declined steadily over the past 40 years.

Census Year Population
1970 54,146
1980 52,690
1990 50,986
2000 49,377
2010 44,491

History

Historically, the area around Gujō was part of the former Mino Province. During the Edo period, most of the area was under the control of Gujō Domain under the Tokugawa shogunate. During the post-Meiji restoration cadastral reforms, the area was organised into Gujō District, Gifu. The town of Hachiman was created on July 1, 1889 with the establishment of the modern municipalities system. The modern city of Gujō was established on March 1, 2004, from the merger of the towns of Hachiman, Shirotori and Yamato, and the villages of Meihō, Minami, Takasu and Wara (all from Gujō District).[7]

Government

Gujō has a mayor-council form of government with a directly elected mayor and a unicameral city assembly of 18 members.

Economy

Food replicas

Gujō is a leading producer of food replicas in Japan. Many of the food replicas, used by restaurants to decorate their windows and inform patrons of their dishes, are produced here.

Education

Gujō has 22 public elementary schools and eight public middle schools operated by the city government, and two public high school operated by the Gifu Prefectural Board of Education.

Transportation

Railway

Highway

Local attractions
Gujō Odori

Gujō Odori

The dance festival — Gujō Odori — started over 400 years ago and continues today. During the four days of Obon in mid-August, dances continue all night. The dances begin on the same night as Kyoto's Gion Festival and continue for 30 nights. They begin at the Yasaka Shrine and move to another shrine each night. The Gujō Odori Preservation Society tell musical stories through an o-hayashi, which consists of a soloist, a shamisen, a taiko, and a shakuhachi.[8] Listeners participate by dancing around the stage. During Urabon (August 13 to 16) the dancing continues until 5 a.m. More than 20,000 visitors come to town for the odori.[8]

References
  1. 市長の部屋. Gujo official website (in Japanese). Gujo city. Retrieved 8 August 2011.
  2. Gujō city official statistics (in Japanese)
  3. "Gujo Odori Festival 2019 - Don't Just Look Dance with Locals in Gifu!". FestivalGo. Retrieved 2019-11-21.
  4. http://www.gujohachiman.com/kanko/index_e.htm Gujo Hachiman Water
  5. Gujō climate data
  6. Gujō population statistics
  7. 市政 > 郡上市の紹介 > 郡上市の歴史 > 近代（明治・大正・昭和時代）. Gujo official website (in Japanese). Retrieved August 17, 2011.
  8. http://www.city.gujo.gifu.jp/english/tourism_and_amusement/ Gujō City tourism and amusement guide
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