Recommended Photo Spots in Shirakawa-go

Located in front of Restaurant Tenshukaku, the Tenshukaku Observatory offers a view overlooking the village of Ogimachi. The stunning scenery is on display for every season, and it is often a featured location in tourist pamphlets.
There is also a shuttle bus that goes to the observatory. On foot, the observatory is about 20 minutes from the village.

The so-called “gassho-zukuri triplets” are a line of three gassho-zukuri houses. If you snap a picture from the paddy field in front of the homes, you can capture the stunning view of the three buildings along with the mountains in the background. These buildings include the restaurant “Oshokujidokoro Chubee,” where you can enjoy a good meal,” and “Omiyage-dokoro Kikori,” where you can pick up souvenirs.

Wada House is the largest gassho-zukuri structure in the Ogimachi gassho village, and it has been designated as a National Important Cultural Property. The building is about 300 years old. It is still used as a residence, but portions of the first and second floors are open to the public. As photos are allowed inside of the building, you can take plenty of pictures of parts that give a feeling of the structure’s age and time, such as the hearth.

An event where the village is illuminated at night is held for a short period of 6 days during the winter. As the snow falls, warm light spills forth from the gassho-zukuri buildings, giving up a wonderful opportunity for photos of classic winter scenery.
Due to the illumination’s popularity every year, entry is restricted and reservations are required, so be sure to check in advance before your visit!