A Guide To Visiting Shirakawa-go Japan

An Overview of Shirakawa-go

Surrounded by stunning mountains in the Chubu Region of Central Japan, the traditional village of Shirakawa-gō is a profound UNESCO World Heritage Site. The village demonstrates a unique building style known as gasshō-zukuri, which uses traditional wooden structures, thick-thatched roofs, steep building angles and small windows. The village is one of the most gorgeous locations in Japan, giving visitors forest scenery, river-accented fields, beautiful farmhouses and small-town vibes.

Getting to Shirakawa-go

Aside from agency tour buses, there are numerous methods for reaching Shirakawa-go.

Toyama

From Toyama, visitors can leave from Toyama Station, taking the Hokuriku-Shinkansen to
Shin-Takaoka Station before catching a bus from the Shintakaoka Eki Bus Terminal to the Shirakawago Bus Terminal. Alternatively, there are direct Nohi Buses from Toyama to Shirakawa-go.

Kanazawa

Shirakawa-go can be directly accessed from Kanazawa by bus. Simply take the Nohi Bus Takayama-Shirakawa-go/Kanazawa Route by starting from Kanazawa Station. Afterwards hop off at the Shirakawa-go Bus Terminal.

Nagoya

There are also nonstop buses to Shirakawa-go from Nagoya. Hop aboard the Gifu Bus on the Express Shirakawa-go Route starting at the Meitetsu Bus Stop near Nagoya Station. Once again, hop off at the Shirakawa-go Bus Terminal.

Tokyo

People traveling from Tokyo have no direct bus options, so at least one transfer is necessary. The most efficient route uses the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station. Travelers can than transfer at either Toyama or Kanazawa Station and take the Nohi Bus from there.

Advice When Visiting Shirakawa-go

Shirakawa-go is a small community. Visitors can walk through most of the area within three or four hours, getting a chance to see everything.

Though Shirakawa-go is a major tourism destination, it’s also an actual community. Bear in mind that the houses and buildings around here are actual residences.

If one drives towards Shirakawa-go, know that personal vehicles are largely prohibited in the village to preserve the roads and buildings.

Shirakawa-go is beautiful to visit throughout the year. Cherry blossoms & rice paddies are bright and colorful in the Spring, Lush green trees and strong rivers are aspects of Summer. Autumn sees festivals and vivid color changes in the foliage. And Winter boasts stunning, pristine snow laying softly across the valley.

Activities in Shirakawa-go

Nighttime Illuminations

In January and February, the village is covered in deep sheets of snow. Guests are able to see the houses lit up by soft, white lights at night, giving the village an ethereal beauty. Keep in mind that this activity is by reservation only.

Gassho-zukuri Style Farmhouses

In terms of architectural history, gasshō-zukuri homes are one of the most important rural designs in Japan. This unique method of construction uses tall, steeply-sloped thatched gable roof, which looks almost like palms being pressed together, Indeed, “Gassho”, means to join one’s hands in prayer. The best place to see all the buildings of the region at once is the observation deck, which can be reached after a 20-minute walk along the promenade.

Kanda House

This is an open-air, tourism building built in the Gassho-zukuri Style. The heritage building is open for public tours. Other such heritage buildings nearby include Wada House and the Myozenji Museum, which showcases the local history of the region.

Shirakawago Three Houses

These are three, traditional, clustered buildings in excellent preserved condition. They’re somewhat removed from the crowds and a very popular photo spot.

Gassho-zukuri Minkaen

This is an open-air museum site with a small temple, watermill and exhibits.

Hachiman Shrine Shirakawa

This is a small and beautifully preserved Shinto Shrine found within the town.

Myozenji

This is an entirely wooden Buddhist tower with a locally famous bell installed within.

Wakimoto

This is an enormously popular (though slightly expensive) restaurant in Shirakawa-go recommended to diners who wish to enjoy Hida beef and soba noodles.

Shirakawa-go no Yu

This is a popular and wonderfully relaxing natural hot spring with open air baths that offer views of the river flower below.

Ogimachi Village

Ogimachi Village is the largest community and the central attraction of Shirakawa-go. It preserves the majority of the buildings and has the most infrastructure set up to handle tourists.

Ainokura Village

Hidden far back at the end of the valley Ainokura Village is the most remote village in this region. It’s also one of the larger villages, with roughly 20 farmhouses. Most of these are private residences. This area is somewhat difficult to reach.

Suganuma Village

Further down the valley, this is a somewhat smaller version of the Ainokura village experience.

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