Shirakawa-go is a Gassho-style village located in northern Gifu Prefecture, and was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. The traditional houses, characterized by their gabled thatched roofs, reflect the wisdom of an area with heavy snowfall, and people still live there today. You can enjoy the scenery in every season, and the fantastical scenery of the winter illuminations is particularly popular with tourists from overseas.
Highlights
- Walking around the Gassho-style village and seeing the inside of traditional houses
- Panoramic view of the village from the observation deck
- Winter light-up event
access
It takes about 50 minutes to an hour by highway bus from JR Takayama Station or Kanazawa Station. Direct buses also operate from Nagoya and Toyama. If you are traveling by car, it is about 5 minutes from Shirakawa-go IC on the Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway.
Estimated stay
It takes about 2-3 hours to walk around the village and visit the museum. If you also want to explore the surrounding area, a half-day to a full day is appropriate.
Nearby spots
- Takayama Old Town (Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture) - A merchant town that retains the atmosphere of the Edo period
- Gokayama Gassho-style Village (Nanto City, Toyama Prefecture) — also a World Heritage Site
- Hida Hakusan (Gifu Prefecture and Ishikawa Prefecture) — A natural area where you can enjoy hiking and hot springs
Points to note
In winter, there is a lot of snow and road conditions are poor, so it is recommended to use buses and studless tires. The Gassho-style houses are also the living spaces of the residents, so visitors are asked to respect privacy and observe good manners. Opening hours and event information are subject to change, so please check in advance.
