[2024 Shirakawa Attraction] Travel Guide for Shirakawa-go (Updated Sep)
No.1 of Best Things to Do in Gifu Prefecture
UNESCO World Heritage - Cultural Sites
Villages
Address:
Ogimachi, Shirakawa, Ono District, Gifu 501-5627, Japan
Opening times:
Open year round, 24/7Open
Recommended sightseeing time:
2-3 hours
Phone:
+81-5769-61311
The breathtaking beauty of Shirakawa-go
Shirakawa-go, a place that seems to have stepped out of a fairy tale, is so beautiful it takes your breath away. Each thatched-roof house bears witness to the passage of time, yet stands firm, displaying its unique charm.
Every season here is like a painting: the cherry blossoms of spring, the greenery of summer, the red leaves of autumn, the snowy scenes of winter, each moment is enchanting.
Walking along the paths of Shirakawa-go, you will feel a sense of tranquility and harmony. There is no urban noise here, only the sounds of nature.
As a World Heritage site, Shirakawa-go not only boasts stunning natural beauty but also a rich historical culture. Every visitor who comes here is deeply attracted by the unique atmosphere of this place.
BRENNAN FERNANDEZ
How beautiful is Shirakawa-go in summer? It's lush and green, rivaling the beauty of winter
Shirakawa-go is not only breathtakingly beautiful in winter, but also enchanting in summer! The land is covered in green, the scenery is picturesque, and it's full of life and vitality.
When Shirakawa-go welcomes summer, the entire village is enveloped in greenery, like a natural oxygen bar. Walking on the country roads, the air is fresh, making one feel relaxed and happy.
The summer in Shirakawa-go presents a completely different beauty from winter, with distant green mountains, nearby fields, and the babbling streams, all showcasing the charm of nature
SereneWhisper
Fairytale Alike Village in Japan 🇯🇵
#japantrip
📍Shirakawa-go, Japan
Visited Shirakawa-go, which is also known as Shirakawa village while travelling to Japan and we were in awe the entire times that we were here! It is a rural mountain village surrounded by mountains. The unique architectures called Gassho-zukuri farmhouses were nicely built in the land of Shirakawa-go, whereby no nails or any other metal materials were used during the construction of the house! The village is almost like it is straight out of the fairytale with its snowy mountains, snow-covered rooftops of the farmhouses. The panoramic view of Shirakawa-go was absolutely stunning and breathtaking. We spent 2 days here and couldn’t get enough of the sight! Would definitely recommend this place! 10/10!
StephenieNg
"The Most Beautiful Fairy Tale Village" Shirakawa Village Lighting Event, miss it and wait for a year
"The Most Beautiful Fairy Tale Village" Shirakawa Village Lighting Event, miss it and wait for a year|||
❄️2024 Shirakawa Village Gassho-style Village Lighting Event Group Launch
⏱️2024 Lighting Dates:
January 14th (Sun), January 21st (Sun), January 28th (Sun)
February 4th (Sun), February 12th (Mon), February 18th (Sun)
❄️Lighting Time: 17:30~19:30
Mr. Kay Gutkowski
Shirakawa Historic Village
#2024wish
Shirakawa Historic Village is a Japanese mountain settlement in once considered a wild and unexplored region. Because of the area's natural environment, with high mountains and heavy snowfall with neighboring regions are limited.
The Gassho-style house is a symbol of the World Heritage Site of Shirakawa-go village. The architecture is unique and is called Gassho-zukuri and is extremely rare in Japan. The best time to go is in May, August, September and October. The views are breathtaking, serene and charming. It is definitely worth the visit there.
The address is 501-5692 Hatogaya-517 Shirakawa Village District Gifu Prefecture.
I wish to go Hokkaido!
#japan #tripblazers #mytripvlog
Cozyli
Breathtaking views of SHIRAKAGAWA-GO!
Shirakagawa-go is a small traditional village with small buildings and the village is known as one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites. It is definitely worth a visit especially during winter season with breathtaking snowscapes views!
The unique architecture of the houses called Gassho- zukuri is rarely found in Japan. Any seasons are good to visit this unique village. From Tokyo station, take the Hokuriko Shinkansen to Toyama and then the bus to this village. The bus ride may take up to 3 hours. Allow at least 3-4 hours to visit this village.
Best to visit nearby places such as Takayama and Kanazawa.
#travelguide #travelinspiration #worldheritage #heritage #historical #japantravel
Klslee
The Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go
If you want to have a dreamy experience in winter, try to visit this lovely place with cutie tiny houses! 😅❤️
The UNESCO World Heritage villages of Shirakawago and Gokayama are remarkably photogenic, thanks to their steeply-sloped gassho-zukuri thatched roofs (capable of withstanding heavy snowfall) and beautiful mountain surroundings.
Getting to Shirakawago
Located in Gifu Prefecture (Gifu-ken), Shirakawago is home to Ogimachi, the most visited of the region’s UNESCO villages. Ogimachi’s extreme popularity stems in great part from its utter convenience. The village is located directly en route between the coastal city of Kanazawa and the mountain town of Takayama.
As there is no access by train, you can get to Shirakawago’s Ogimachi village by car. Some travelers enjoy renting a car to self-drive, while others prefer to have a private driver.
There are also convenient buses between Kanazawa and Takayama, which stop briefly in Ogimachi. When purchasing bus tickets, you can include a stopover, and for most travelers 1-2 hours is the right amount of time.
#MyTripVlog #houses #CelebrateWithTrip #newyearadventure
Anything travels
Winter wonderland
#2023travelwish
location: shirakawa-go village, Gifu, Japan
would love to travel to the winter wonderland of gassho cottages that reminded me of Pokémon game. shirakawa-go is a unesco heritage site, it’s beautiful and breathtaking during winter as the snow blankets the little cottages. seeing the snowfall in person and experience the postcard view will be such a magical feeling! There is no train station there, have to take a bus from the nearby towns. Takes about 2-3h by bus. But the journey is worth it!
followchelto
Relaxing onsen for the soul
#spamagic
located at Onyado Yui no Sho in Shirakawa-go Hida Takayama Onsen (Gifu) - 20min walk from shirakawa village. it’s a wonderful experience for those who never tried onsen before. I stayed at the hotel there for a night so I’m not sure if it’s possible to walk in. The onsen facilities are awesome, comes with free soba (slurps), drinks for after soak refreshments and of course bathing facilities like make up removal and facial toner and essence! amazing. the view is great and secluded (needed for private onsen)! aside from private onsen (no need to book just need to queue), there are public onsen for female and male (separately). it’s very relaxing.
all photos are taken without anyone inside the private onsen.
followchelto
Snow Magic in Shirakawa-go
#2023travelwish
Definitely recommended !
This historical village is on the UNESCO list. The main point is houses. It attracts attention with its unique architecture. Since the roofs of houses resemble the shape of praying hands, architecture is called gassho zukuri, meaning praying hands.
This village during the winter receives a lot of snow every year. However, there is no problem for houses because the structure of roofs is quite appropriate for strict weather conditions.
To be able to feel Japanese culture deeply, it should be stayed in ryokan (Japanese traditional lnn) overnight.
Shirakawa-go is a place where I will wanna go over and over 🙂
#spooktaculartrip #awesomepic
2trip
Shirakawa - UNESCO’s World Heritage Site
Summer version of Shirakawago
Gassho-zukuri style farmhouses
Imagine all covered in white during Winter 😍
Hope can go again in Winter ❄️
Recommend Gasshozukuri Minkaen Outdoor Museum👍🏼
Must walk up to observatory site to see the whole village
Bus from Kanazawa station 2000yen (earliest 8am bus)
Bus to Takayama station 2600yen (hourly bus, can purchase tickets at bus terminal, some buses need reservations)
Spent 4 hours for sightseeing around the village
Many restaurants and souvenir shops provide cashless payment(but sometimes the machine may malfunction, in the end pay with cash)
spent
Yanlw99
Must Visit Village in Winter Japan
In my 10 days of Winter Japan trip, there are 2 places which left the deepest impression in me. One is the snow monkey park, and the other one is this, the Shirakawa-Go village.
The most interesting part of the village is the special building style, also known as Gassho-Zukuri. It kinda reminds me of how a gingerbread man’s house looks like!
Being in a Japanese mountain settlement, the entire area is surrounded by mountains, and together with the snowfall from the winter season, the entire place instantly turns into a super magical winter wonderland with the snow capped mountains and traditional houses.
However, winter is not the only season to visit this place, a quick Google search will show you how beautiful this place turns into, in every season! If I have the chance, I would definitely want to come back to visit here again to enjoy the beauty of this place in different seasons!
Accomodations and food are available in this area as well. And lastly to travel here, it can be accessible via various public transport but just make sure to plan the route early and properly, to prevent missing any timing!
REMEMBER to bring along a camera to take pictures of this wonderful, and amazing place too!
#momentssg #unforgettableexperiences #japan #nationalpark #scenicspotguide
Seanjunhao
Winter in Shirakawa-go
Shirakawa-go is a is a quaint little village in the Gifu Prefecture that looks like a scene straight out of a fairy tale! This UNESCO World Heritage site is well-known for gassho-zukuri, which are houses built with triangular thatched roofs resembling hands clasped in prayer. It is constructed at a steep angle to allow heavy snow to fall off easily in winter.
During winter, there is a light up event where several houses will be lit up in the evening. With the houses covered in a thick blanket of snow, this evening illumination scene is nothing short of magical. You can visit Shirakawa-go at any time of the year but I would personally recommend to visit in Dec-Mar as the winter snow makes the village even more stunning!
#japan #decembertravel #nyedestinations #unforgettableexperiences #newyearstravel #scenicspotguide #shirakawago
I have heard that we can take nice photos in Gassho Village, as long as keep the wish in your heart during the snowing season
展榮展瑞K.R.Bros
Baichuan Township, which was designated as a World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 1995, is located in the foothills of Baishan Mountain in the northwest of Jixian County. It is a quiet mountain village surrounded by mountains, paddy fields and rivers. It is named because of the palm-shaped roof house. In the winter, Hezhang Village is synonymous with fairy tales. The whole village is covered with velvety white snow. The faint spots in the evening cabin are lit with light, which is fascinating. It is important to note here that due to the wooden structure, the most feared fire in the village is the fire, so many warnings and fire hydrants will be seen in the village.
William..
Shirakawa-go is an UNESCO world heritage site in gifu region. this village showcases its traditional houses known as gassho zukuri that is best visited during winter. You can see its best view from afar seeing the whole village with the mountain as a background during daytime, ehile winter illumination which happens few times during at night.
you can go here by bus from nagoya. #wintergetaway #winter #winter #shirakawago #gifu #worldheritage
#wintergetaway
#wintergetaway
rjgarcia
I went to Shirakawa-go (Japan) from Nagoya by bus. In about three hours, I reached this nice village. As it was winter and snow was everywhere, it was truly a beautiful sight!! This place is really beautiful beyond words! White clouds, crystal clear stream water and snow capped mountains surrounding a village with beautiful houses. Must walk up to the viewing top to see the whole village, the view is magnificent and breathtaking with it's mountainous background.
Bobchan
Shirakawa-go and Gokayama are two scenic and secluded mountain village areas famous for their traditional architecture. Both of these villages can be reached from Kanazawa by bus or car. The villages are worth a visit all year-round. Whether under the hush of a blanket of snow or brimming with green vitality, this oasis looks like something out of a fantasy. A must visit place!
#givethanks
#givethanks
Collegiala015
Shirakawa-go - Japan: Some claimed that this is the most beautiful villages in Japan. This place becomes more famous and this is because they can still keep the uniqeness of its thick roof till present. The virw in summer and winter time are totally different which I will be back in winter real soon!! See you again in next 2 weeks! 🇯🇵
D34***93
Shirakawa-go: A Village Buried in Time
Shirakawa-go is a hidden gem in Japan, where traditional farmhouses blend harmoniously with beautiful nature. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, this place is especially captivating in winter with its snow-covered scenery. As you stroll through the tranquil village, you feel as if you've stepped back in time. Traditional houses like the Gassho-zukuri homes boast unique structures and stunning landscapes. Don't miss out on the local cuisine, particularly the warm miso soup, which was quite impressive. When visiting, it's important to dress appropriately for the changing weather. Shirakawa-go is a fantastic place where you can experience both Japan's tradition and nature simultaneously.
avocaa
Highly recommended place - Shirakawa-go
AGNES LIM SN
Winter Wonderland Tour! Komatsu Shirakawa-go.
🌟A winter fairy tale! If you're tired of the hustle and bustle of the city and yearn for a romantic encounter with snow, Komatsu Shirakawa-go is definitely your top choice! In this secret place covered with white snow, time seems to stand still, and every moment is as beautiful as a painting.
【Snow Country Romance】❄
Wake up in the morning, and the outside of the window is already covered with silver, as if you have stepped into a fairy tale world overnight. Put on thick snow boots, and we step into this dreamy forest. The three-meter-deep snow makes people seem to be suspended on the mountainside, shaking hands with the beech trees, and it is so quiet that you can only hear your own heartbeat and the sound of snowflakes falling.🌲
🏡【Cozy Accommodation, Experience Traditional Gassho-style House】🏡
Night falls, check in to Shirakawa-go Nature School, and experience the authentic fusion of Japanese and Western accommodation. The Western-style room type is spacious and comfortable, the Japanese-style room type is full of Japanese style, and there are also Japanese and Western-style room types to meet your dual pursuit of comfort and culture. Soak in the warm hot spring, look up at the stars all over the sky, and feel extremely happy!
💡【Highlight! 2025 Shirakawa-go Lighting Festival】💡
Speaking of Komatsu Shirakawa-go, how can we not mention the annual lighting festival? This year, the 39th Shirakawa-go Lighting Event will be held on January 13, January 19, January 26, and February 2, with a total of four feasts waiting for you to enjoy!🏮🎉
During the event, the entire village is decorated with warm lights, as if you are in a huge crystal ball. The lights and white snow reflect each other, creating an indescribable romantic atmosphere.
⚠Attraction tips:
✔Shirakawa-go is free of charge, and you can visit and play for free
✔ If you want to go up the mountain, you need to take the bus in the village. There is a bus every ten to twenty minutes. When you get to the top of the mountain, you can see the whole view of the mountain nest.
Ari$Cox
Nagoy, Japan
#summerdestinations##Shirakawa go village
瑪拉丁Maraddin
Must-visit attractions in Komatsu in autumn. Don't miss out or you'll have to wait a year.
Autumn is the best season for travel. Komatsu in autumn is a colorful painting, with each place hiding the unique secrets of the season. Today, we will introduce attractions suitable for autumn check-ins. Save them and check in!
1⃣Kenroku-en - One of the Three Great Gardens of Japan
📍Address: 1 Kenrokumachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa
Transportation: Take a bus or rent a bicycle from Kanazawa Station
Keywords: Garden Art, Autumn Maple Viewing
Must-do: Stroll in the garden, feel the delicacy of Japanese gardens, and enjoy the brilliant red leaves.
⏰Opening Hours: 7:00-18:00 (Autumn)
2⃣Shirakawa-go - World Heritage Village
📍Address: Shirakawa, Ono District, Gifu
Transportation: Take a bus from Kanazawa Station
Keywords: Gassho-zukuri, Rural Scenery
Must-do: Visit traditional Gassho-zukuri buildings and feel the pastoral poetry in autumn.
⏰Opening Hours: All day
3⃣Kaga Onsen - Hot Spring Town
📍Address: Kaga, Ishikawa
Transportation: Take the JR Hokuriku Line to Kaga Onsen Station
Keywords: Hot Spring Therapy, Japanese Ryokan
Must-do: Relax in the hot spring and experience traditional Japanese hot spring culture.
⏰Opening Hours: All day
4⃣Kibagata Park - Gift of Nature
📍Address: Chuocho, Komatsu, Ishikawa
Transportation: Take a bus or rent a bicycle from Komatsu Station
Keywords: Lake Walk, Family Trip
Must-do: Walk around the lake and enjoy the fresh air and natural beauty of autumn.
⏰Opening Hours: All day
EffervescentMellifu
SNOW SNOW SNOW
we love to buy floght ticket using trip.com.
it is easy, friendly user.
if u love snow, then go to japan.
atiqah awang
Shirakawago in summer
#traveldiaries
Shirakawago, a mountainous village in Central Japan, is listed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site and a must-go tourist destination if you are in this part of the country. It is renowned for her steeply sloped thatched roofs Gassho-style houses which resembled hands meeting in prayer in Japan 🇯🇵.
The fastest connection between Tokyo and Shirakawa-go is by Hokuriku Shinkansen and bus via Toyama: Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo to Toyama (130-170 minutes, around 12,500 yen one way) and transfer to the bus to Shirakawa-go (90 minutes, 2,400 yen one way, see timetable).
#japantrip #familytrip
Elizabeth ND Ko
Guide to Taking Panoramic Photos of Shirakawa-go
When visiting Shirakawa-go, every tourist dreams of taking a panoramic photo of the village.
Here are some tips for taking panoramic photos of Shirakawa-go.
There are three spots on the observation deck where you can take photos.
On the right, there is a paid photo spot where a photographer will take your picture for 2000 yen per photo.
In the middle, there is a free spot for landscape photos, but it's not suitable for taking pictures of people because there is a green rope in the background.
On the left, there is a snack and rest area where you can take photos while enjoying sweets and drinks purchased from the snack shop.
However, the view from the observation deck is not necessarily better than the wild viewing spots you pass by while walking up. So, if you take a bus up, it's recommended to walk down to the starting point of the trail for better photo opportunities.
NomadWanderlust
Japanese Ancient Architecture: Gassho Houses
P1-9 are the gassho-styled houses in Shirakawa-go (and Takayama Hida Village), which is one of the famous World Heritage sites; whereas P10-19 are some of the other traditional Japanese architecture in latter days.
Being one of the most developed nations, Japan is yet such a good keeper of its historical roots, keeping all these historical building intact and coherent in the background of modernisation.
#ancienttown
Shih Yuin Chew
Shirakawa-go: A Timeless Village in Japan’s Alps
Tucked away in the scenic mountains of Gifu Prefecture, **Shirakawa-go** is a village like no other, known for its iconic **gassho-zukuri** houses. Declared a **UNESCO World Heritage Site** in 1995, Shirakawa-go is famous for its traditional thatched-roof homes, which resemble hands pressed together in prayer (“gassho” means praying hands), designed to withstand heavy snowfall in winter.
### **History of Shirakawa-go**
The unique architecture of Shirakawa-go dates back over 250 years. The steep, triangular roofs were built without nails, allowing snow to slide off easily during the region’s long, harsh winters. These homes were also used for **silkworm farming**, with the attics serving as silkworm cultivation spaces. The village’s isolation helped preserve this way of life for generations, making it a living museum of rural Japan.
Despite modernization, Shirakawa-go maintains its rustic charm and traditional lifestyle. Visitors can explore the **Wada House**, one of the largest gassho-zukuri homes, and experience the village’s history through its artifacts and exhibits.
### **Tips for Visiting Shirakawa-go**
- **Best Time to Visit**: The village is beautiful year-round, but winter transforms Shirakawa-go into a magical snow-covered wonderland, especially during the **Winter Light-Up** event.
- **Stay Overnight**: For a unique experience, book a night in a gassho-zukuri farmhouse, where you can enjoy traditional Japanese hospitality and wake up to serene mountain views.
- **Explore on Foot**: Walking through the village allows you to take in the beauty of the traditional homes, rice fields, and surrounding mountains. Don’t miss the **Shirakawa-go Observation Deck** for panoramic views of the entire village.
- **Local Delicacies**: Try **Hida beef** and **gohei mochi**, a skewered rice cake coated in miso sauce—local specialties you shouldn’t miss.
Shirakawa-go is a true glimpse into Japan’s past, offering a unique combination of history, architecture, and natural beauty.
#Shirakawago #GasshoZukuri #UNESCOWorldHeritage #WinterWonderland #TraditionalJapan #JapanTravel #ExploreGifu #HidaBeef #CulturalExperience #RuralJapan #100waysoftravel