Exploring Gujo Hachiman

The cobbled street near Sogi Sui, a water spring where locals once washed clothes and vegetables

A building in one of Gujo's historic districts

The Yoshida River that runs through the center of Gujo Hachiman

Gujo Hachiman Castle is a modern reconstruction but has a history that dates back centuries

The entrance to the castle

Dancers at the Hakurankan, demonstrating one of the Gujo Odori dances

The exterior of Sample Kobo, where a vast majority of Japan's plastic food replicas are produced

An employee at Sample Kobo makes plastic food replicas of shrimp tempura

Plastic food that looks almost good enough to eat

Gujo Hachiman is home to many small shops and boutiques, most of which sell products made in Japan

A spacious, comfortable room at the Nakashimaya Ryokan in central Gujo Hachiman

Breakfast is a sizable spread at Nakashimaya Ryokan