Shirakawa-go blog. The ultimate Shirakawa-go travel guide for all kinds of travelers

Shirakawa-Go is a famous ancient Japanese village, possessing picturesque nature surrounding traditional Gassho-style houses. So, what to go and where to go in Shirakawa-go? Let’s check out the Shirakawa-go blog with the ultimate Shirakawa-go travel guide for all kinds of travelers from Klook below!

Located in Central Japan, Shirakawa-Go is truly a gem amidst the beautiful nature of the Land of the Rising Sun. The special feature of Shirakawa-Go is the traditional houses with unique sloping thatched roofs, surrounded by natural beauty and very unique historical culture. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is truly worth your time to make a journey here!

Getting to Shirakawa-Go may not be as simple as getting to some other places in Japan, but with flexible options, you can still easily access. Let’s explore how to get to Shirakawa-Go and the special things you can experience here.

Where is Shirakawa-Go Village? (#Shirakawa-go travel guide)

Shirakawa-Go is located in Gifu Prefecture, in the central region of Japan. The village is located in the Shokawa Valley, surrounded by majestic mountains, offering a peaceful setting and magnificent natural beauty.

With its special location, Shirakawa-Go is easily accessible from major cities such as Nagoya, Kanazawa, and Takayama by bus or car. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Shirakawa-Go attracts thousands of visitors each year to explore the traditional culture and unique architecture of the Gassho-zukuri thatched-roof houses.

When Was Shirakawa-Go Recognized as a World Heritage Site?

Shirakawa-Go ancient village was recognized as a World Heritage Site in 1995 by UNESCO. It is part of the Historic Villages of Shirakawa-Go and Gokayama, notable for its Gassho-zukuri architecture – a traditional style of house with a steep triangular roof, designed to withstand heavy snowfall in winter.

How to Get to Shirakawa-Go in Japan?

Getting to Shirakawa-Go by Bus

If you want to save money, getting to Shirakawa-Go by bus is probably the best option. Although it takes longer than other means of transport, you will be rewarded with beautiful scenery along the way. To get to Shirakawa-Go, you can go to Toyama or Kanazawa city, then take the Nohi bus to the village.

From Osaka to Toyama, it can take about 6 to 8 hours, with overnight bus options. Similarly, from Osaka to Kanazawa, it takes about 5 hours. For the route from Tokyo to Toyama or Kanazawa, the travel time will be 7 hours and 8.5 hours respectively.

Getting to Shirakawa-Go by Train

Depending on the city you are departing from, you can choose to take the Shinkansen to Toyama city, and you can use the JR Pass to save money. From Toyama, you can continue by Nohi bus to Shirakawa-Go. Travel time from Tokyo and Osaka to Toyama usually takes about 2 to 3 hours.

What is the best season to visit Shirakawa-Go?

Shirakawa-Go is a village with special beauty, each season brings its own charm. Winter (December to February) is the most prominent time, when snow covers the ancient roofs, turning the whole village into a true fairy tale scene. The famous gassho-zukuri roofs are covered with snow, creating a magical image of Japanese winter.

Spring (March to May) has a completely different beauty with cherry blossoms blooming all over the village. The pale pink flowers bloom next to the traditional houses, creating a peaceful and brilliant space that visitors cannot take their eyes off.

In summer (June to August), Shirakawa-Go is covered in lush green rice fields. This is the ideal time to enjoy the fresh, cool air and admire the vibrant nature, especially when streams flow throughout the village.

Autumn (September to November) turns Shirakawa-Go into a colorful picture when maple leaves and other leaves turn red and yellow. The whole village is brilliant under the autumn foliage, giving visitors an indescribable romantic and peaceful scene.

No matter what season you visit, Shirakawa-Go always brings you beautiful moments and unforgettable experiences. Choose the most suitable time for yourself and come to fully experience the beauty of this ancient village!

What to do in Shirakawa-Go Village – Japan

Shirakawa-Go ancient village is not only known as a world heritage site with unique Gassho-zukuri houses, but also offers many interesting activities to help visitors explore traditional lifestyles and enjoy the peaceful space. Let’s find out all the things you can experience in this ancient village!

Visit Gassho-zukuri Old Houses (#Shirakawa-go travel guide)

When coming to Shirakawa-Go, you cannot miss the Gassho-zukuri old houses built with steep thatched roofs to withstand the snow. Houses such as Wada House or Kanda House have been converted into museums open to visitors, helping you understand more about the traditional lifestyle of local people.

Ogimachi Village is a famous spot in Shirakawa-Go, where you can see unique Gassho houses with steep thatched roofs. There are more than 110 of these houses here, some of which are over 250 years old. If you want to experience more, you can try staying overnight in one of the houses that have been converted into short-term accommodations.

Viewing from Shiroyama Tenshukaku Observation Deck

Shiroyama Observatory is an ideal place to admire the whole view of Shirakawa Village from above. From here, you will have a beautiful view of the ancient thatched roof houses amidst the four seasons. Whether it is snow-covered winter or colorful autumn, this place is always a must-see photo spot.

Check-in Deai-Bashi Suspension Bridge

Deai-bashi Suspension Bridge is the main entrance to Shirakawa-go Village, where you can enjoy the view of the surrounding river and mountains. This is also a great check-in spot for tourists. Walking on the suspension bridge, looking down at the river below and the thatched-roof houses in the distance makes for a very interesting and memorable experience.

Shirakawa Hachiman Shrine

Located inside Ogimachi Village, Shirakawa Hachiman Shrine is not well known but is worth a visit. Don’t miss the chance to explore this place, especially if you are an anime fan as the shrine has appeared in several previous anime series. In addition, the shrine also plays an important role in the history of Shirakawa-Go and often hosts the Doburoku Festival in the fall.

Visit the Kanda House in Shirakawa-go Village

In Ogimachi Village, the Kanda House is a unique spot that you should not miss. This is an educational museum that allows you to learn about the lives of local people from hundreds of years ago. With an entrance fee of 300 yen, you can visit and even enjoy traditional tea in this special space.

Experience Staying at Traditional Ryokan

Ryokan – traditional Japanese inns – are the ideal choice for you to fully experience the culture and life of the local people. Here, you will enjoy traditional dishes, relax in the onsen bath, and enjoy the typical Japanese hospitality. It will definitely be a memorable experience in your journey to explore Shirakawa-Go.

I stayed in Takayama and stayed at the lovely little Hostel K’s House Takayama (Agoda.com or Booking.com) right near Takayama station.

You can find more, check rates, availability & book for Takayama hotels on Agoda.com or Booking.com.

What to Eat When Traveling to Shirakawa-Go Ancient Village in Japan?

Cuisine is a cultural spectrum that is worth exploring when traveling to Japan. If you have the opportunity to visit Shirakawa-Go, try the unique local dishes below.

Gohei Dango Rice Cake (Gohei Mochi)

Gohei Dango, also known as Gohei Mochi, is a unique specialty of Shirakawa-Go. This is not a sweet dessert as you often think, but a delicious snack made from soft rice covered in miso paste. Although not too rich, the distinctive flavor of Gohei Dango will make you remember it forever.

Hida Beef

Hida beef is one of the best Wagyu beef you can enjoy. You can eat it as a steak or turn it into dishes such as beef onigiri (rice balls), beef dumplings or fried potato cakes.

Tochi Mochi (Japanese Horse Chestnut Mochi)

Tochi Mochi is a specialty delicacy that requires a lot of processing. It is made from Japanese horse chestnuts collected from the Hida region. Young people absolutely love this sweet mochi.

Special Festivals in Shirakawa-Go – Gifu

Shirakawa-Go Winter Light up

Experience the magic of winter in Shirakawa-Go through the Winter light up, an exclusive event held only a few days a year in winter. The sparkling lights amidst the thick blanket of snow against the majestic mountains of Shirakawa-Go create a fairytale-like feel. You can spend some extremely romantic moments with your significant other.

Doburoku Matsuri Festival

The Doburoku Matsuri Festival takes place every year from early to mid-October in Shirakawa-Go. Villagers gather to pray to the local mountain gods for a bountiful harvest. During this festival, you can witness sacred rituals and traditional activities such as lion dances, folk singing and dancing.

Where to Stay When Traveling to Shirakawa-Go Ancient Village in Japan

For a unique accommodation experience, you can choose one of the inns around Ogimachi Village. Gassho-zukuri farmhouses are often used by local families, providing an intimate experience of traditional Japanese culture. In these traditional houses, you will find tatami mats and traditional teacups.

At night, futons are laid out for you to sleep on. However, booking a place here can be quite difficult, so many people choose to stay in the neighboring cities of Gokayama, Takayama, Kanazawa and Nagoya.

Shirakawa-Go is a beautiful and unique land in the heart of Japan, where visitors have the opportunity to visit unique Gassho houses and experience the unique traditional culture of the Land of the Rising Sun. But to fully enjoy the beauty and uniqueness of Shirakawa-Go, learn and prepare carefully before you go.

Choose a time that approriate your itinerary, a convenient hotel or accommodation, and try the unique local cuisine. Shirakawa-Go will satisfy your passion for culture, history, and nature, and leave you with lasting memories.

The post first appeared on Klook Vietnam and was translated and edited by Living Nomads. If you find any images or text that belong to you, please contact us, so we can credit you or give us permission to use them. Thank you very much!

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in and to Shirakawa-go you can refer to

• A Day in Shirakawa Village and Takayama
• Gokayama Ainokura & Shirakawago Bus Tour
• Takayama and Shirakawa-go Day Trip from Nagoya
• Shirakawago Ogimachi Village Half Day Tour from Takayama
• Shirakawa-go, Takayama, and Kamikochi Day Tour from Nagoya
• Takayama Spring Festival & Shirakawago Tour
• [Klook Exclusive] Shirakawago Illumination Wonderland Trip from Nagoya or Takayama
  Shirakawago Minkaen Illumination & Festa Forest Museum Round Trip Bus Trip from Takayama
• Shirakawago Day Trip with Exclusive Illumination Winter Event and Round Trip Transfer from Takayama

Are you looking for more Shirakawago travel guide and top things to do in Shirakawago: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Read more: Explore 5 things to do in Shirakawa-go — One of the most beautiful Japanese traditional village hidden behind the mountain.