Wanouchi (輪之内町, Wanouchi-chō) is a town located in Anpachi District, Gifu Prefecture, Japan.

[2] Per Japanese census data,[3] the population of Wanouchi has recently plateaued after a long period of growth.

In 1754, the Tokugawa shogunate, ordered the powerful Satsuma Domain from Kagoshima to build embankments in order to divert the rivers in the area for flood control and as a measure to drain off Satsuma Domain's wealth to reduce its potential as a threat to Tokugawa rule.

The construction of these banks proved extremely dangerous and difficult, hampered both by nature and by obstruction from the Tokugawa shogunate.

It is said that a human sacrifice was made in the Wanouchi area during the construction when a local retainer voluntarily gave his life by remaining under the rushing waters in order to keep a foundation pillar from moving until it could be secured from above.

As well as aiding in the construction, this sacrifice was also treated as an offering to the gods ensuring the successful completing of the project.

The graves of 8 of these men are located around Wanouchi, serving as a reminder of the sacrifices made so that people could live in a safer environment.

For over 200 years in the spring and autumn young girls have performed special dances and songs at the Chisui Shrine.

Location: Shinmei Shrine (神明神社) Date: July 16 Noryo Hometown Festival During Japan's stifling hot and humid summer, the Noryo Hometown Festival gives the people of Wanouchi the chance to enjoy Obon dancing in the cool of the evening.

During Obon it is customary for people to return to their hometown, don yukatas and join in the local festivities.

Various entertainment events such as lotteries, karaoke competitions and firework displays create a carnival-like atmosphere.

In the early evening, residents of Mirushinden gather at the Myoko Temple to acknowledge the community's founder, Kazuya Sozaemon.

There, the sake flows, enhancing the pounding of taiko drums as people wearing "happi" (festival) coats and brightly decorated umbrella hats perform the Shirakawa dance.