What is Shirakawa-go like?
Shirakawa-go, located in Gifu Prefecture, is a village that attracts worldwide attention for its unique landscape. Surrounded by steep mountains and lined with thatch-roofed Gassho-zukuri houses, the scenery is as beautiful as if it were a piece of the original Japanese landscape. In winter, a four-day light-up event is held, attracting tourists from all over Japan.I visited in summer and had a very special experience as the mountains and rivers looked so beautiful!
Shirakawa-go Attractions
- Gassho-Zukuri Houses: Gassho-Zukuri houses, the symbol of Shirakawa-go, are characterized by their unique roof shapes.The steeply pitched roofs are filled with wisdom to withstand heavy snowfall in winter.
- World Heritage Site: Shirakawa-go, together with Gokayama, was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995 as “Shirakawa-go and the Gassho-Zukuri Villages of Gokayama.
- Beautiful scenery from season to season: fresh greenery in spring, lush countryside in summer, autumn leaves in fall, and snowy landscapes in winter.
Things to do in Shirakawa-go
- Gassho-Zukuri Tours: Visitors can tour individual gassho-zukuri houses and experience the traditional lifestyle and wisdom of the past.
- Wada Family Residence: This is one of the representative gassho-zukuri houses of Shirakawa-go. The size and beauty of the structure is breathtaking.
- Light-up: In winter, the snow-covered gassho-zukuri houses are lit up, creating a fantastic sight.
- Local cuisine: Enjoy soba, hoba miso (bean paste), and other local delicacies made with local ingredients.
Points to keep in mind when visiting Shirakawa-go
- Transportation: Shirakawa-go is generally accessible by public transportation by bus from Takayama City.
- Clothing: Dress warmly as winters can be very cold.
- Crowded: It is recommended to make reservations in advance, especially during the tourist season.
Go to Shirakawa-go!
Shirakawa-go is a precious place where you can experience the original landscape of Japan.Enjoy the beautiful gassho-style houses and seasonal nature and create unforgettable memories.
I actually went to Shirakawa-go!
I visited Shirakawa-go because I wanted to see with my own eyes the traditional Japanese architectural techniques of thatch-roofing and gassho-zukuri, and I also wanted to be healed by the peaceful scenery of this rural area rich in nature.
I went to Shirakawa-go by motorcycle. I stayed in Kanazawa the day before and stopped at Shirakawa-go on my way home.
If you are going to Shirakawa-go, you will probably take a direct highway bus from Nagoya, Kanazawa, or Toyama Stations.
For more information, please check the Shirakawa-go Tourist Association website below for directions.
Shirakawa-go Tourist Association Website
Shirakawa-go Seseragi Park Parking Lot
When I first went to Shirakawa-go for the first time, I found out that cars, buses, and motorcycles should not drive through the village, but rather park in a parking lot a short distance away and walk to Shirakawa-go from there.
We crossed a river on the way and were immediately soothed by the very beautiful scenery and the sound of the river flowing.
Although the photos I took are limited, I think you can get a better idea of the charm of Shirakawa-go if you also visit the Shirakawa-go Tourist Association’s website.
Anyway, the scenery is long and quiet.You will soon realize that you are free from your busy life and your energy is recharged.
In Shirakawa-go, by all means, visit soba noodle shops and souvenir shops, and contribute a little to the economy of this village by eating, drinking, and shopping, and you will be richer for your good deeds.
There are many such thatched-roof houses, and everywhere you look you can enjoy the atmosphere and the wonderful scenery.
Gassho-zukuri is a style of minka architecture characterized by thatched triangular roofs built by combining timbers in a mountainous shape, as shown here. They are mostly found in Shirakawa-go in Gifu Prefecture and the Gokayama region in Toyama Prefecture, and were registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in 1995.
Shirakawa-go welcomes many foreign visitors to Japan, and the mood is very welcoming.
When you visit Japan, please plan to make Shirakawa-go a part of your trip!