The Gujo Dance is famous for the lyrics "When you leave Gujo, your sleeves are totally wet, even though it's not raining." The dance has been performed to the lyrics of this song for over 400 years. Originally, in the Edo period, the dance was promoted to unite people from different classes; warriors, farmers artisans and tradesmen. Today both tourists and local residents make a big circle and enjoy dancing. This is why the Gujo Dance is not meant for watching but for participating. Dancing is performed for about thirty nights from mid-July through early September. Many dance circles (Ennichi-Dance) are found here and there throughout the city. Ten different styles of music are played mixing both fast and slow dancing. Over 300,000 people including young and old as well as men and women from all over Japan come to Gujo to enjoy dancing to the rythmical sounds while wearing yukata (kimono for summer) and geta ( wooden clogs).

Literature written in 1723, known as "Kyomonbotomeki," describes a notice that "dancing is prohibited at shrines during the obon period." This document indicates that dancing had been enjoyed prior to that time. There are two major characteristics of the Shirotori Dance. The first characteristic, music, has a thrilling tempo which attracts young people. In old days young boys and girls got to know each other through dancing and dancing gave them the opportunity to fall in love. Dancing used to provide a special opportunity for young people that they looked forward to.
The other characteristic is dancing under the Kiriko Lanterns. Related to Buddhism, Kiriko Lanterns are hung during Obon. It is said that the lanterns were first hung in front of the Nagatakihakusan Shrine in the era of eclectic of Buddhism and Shintoism (9th century). This custom spread to other shrines in various areas and shows how deeply Hakusan faith is rooted.
The Shirotori Dance is performed from mid-July to late-August and especially on August 13th,14th and 15th during the Obon period. Local residents and dance-loving people from all over Japan dance through the night until sunrise around a stage illuminated by Kiriko Lanterns.