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Shirakawa-go (Historic Village)

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Shirakawa-go (Historic Village)

A World Heritage Site that Offers Views of Japan’s Historic Scenery.

4.71 24

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Shirakawa-go, a beautiful area where traditional Japanese scenery still exists, is home to the largest number of still-standing traditional “gassho-zukuri” Japanese homes. As of 2016, there are around 100 buildings still standing, both large and small. It is the largest remaining historic settlement in Japan, and it is preserved as a Group of Traditional Buildings in the register of Cultural Properties of Japan.

In 1995, Shirakawa-go was registered as a World Cultural Heritage Site, under the classification of “outstanding examples of traditional human settlements that are perfectly adapted to their environment and their social and economic raison d’être,” that “…preserves both the spiritual and the material evidence of [its] long history.”

The heart of Shirakawa-go is Ogimachi, located to the north of the village. There visitors can experience “gassho-zukuri folk living” and feel what it was like to live in tandem with nature, through hands-on activities like dyeing cloth with plant dyes, making straw zori (Japanese sandals), making soba noodles, and visiting historical museums.

Shirakawa-go also has many attractions that make use of its place in nature, such as hot springs, camping sites, and lodging facilities.
People still inhabit and they make their lives in Shirakawa-go, unlike other similar historic settlements.

Visitors can take in a lovely panoramic view of Ogimachi from the restaurant Shiroyama Tenshukaku’s “Tenshukaku Observatory Deck.”
※Private gassho-zukuri folk living experiences available from mid-April through October. Advance reservation required.

Highlights

  • As locals still inhabit and make their lives in Shirakawa-go, be sure to visit between the hours of 8:00am and 5:00pm. (Excludes event dates, such as illuminations)
  • Take in a view overlooking the village of Ogimachi from the “Tenshukaku Observatory Deck.”
  • Gassho-zukuri style buildings are available as lodging.

Photos

  • Early summer

    Early summer

  • Autumn leaves and gassho-zukuri buildings

    Autumn leaves and gassho-zukuri buildings

  • Winter illumination

    Winter illumination

  • Shirakawa-go in the snow

    Shirakawa-go in the snow

  • Shirakawa-go

    Shirakawa-go

  • Scarecrows

    Scarecrows

Official FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.

Q

Do you have signs or pamphlets in foreign languages? (If you do, which languages are available?)
A

Yes.

Q

Is there free Wi-Fi available in the area?
A

Free Wi-Fi availability varies by individual store.

Q

Are coin lockers available?
A

Coin lockers are available inside the Shirakawa-go Bus Terminal.

Q

Are there restrooms nearby?
A

There is a public restroom.

Reviews

24

Some reviews are AI-translated.

  • 小宇宙

    The gassho-zukuri village in Shirakawa-go feels like stepping back in time, as if you've entered ancient Japan. The unique houses, with their thick thatched roofs and sturdy structures, really show the wisdom and adaptability of people in the past facing nature's challenges.

  • 曾文

    You can really feel how much the locals care about preserving the environment and scenery here. That's why everything is so well maintained.
    Also, no matter where you take a photo, the view is stunning. It's no wonder this place is a World Heritage Site.

  • 張志祥

    Shirakawa-go in winter is just magical. The heavy snow covering the gassho-style houses gives the whole village a unique and beautiful vibe.

  • 邱㴓人

    Rihei is the only guesthouse in Shirakawa-go built in the tsuma-iri gassho-zukuri style. If you want to really experience and learn about traditional gassho-zukuri living, this is the place to stay!

  • mizuiro_lawson

    I visited during the May holidays. Walking among the gassho-zukuri houses felt like stepping back in time. There are guesthouses in the village, so staying overnight would be a unique experience.
    This time, I just took a stroll, bought some souvenirs, and tried the local gohei-mochi. The sweet and savory miso with a hint of sansho was a perfect match—highly recommended for a quick snack!
    During holidays, the area gets really crowded and it takes a long time to get into the parking lot, so next time I'll visit on a weekday.

Learn More

Details

Name in Japanese
白川郷
Postal Code
501-5627
Address
Ogimachi, Shirakawa Village, Onogun, Gifu
Tel
05769-6-1311 (Shirakawa Village Office)
Access
About 50 minutes by the Nohi Bus’s Shirakawa/Kanazawa Line from JR Takayama Line’s Takayama Station (get off at Shirakawa-go bus stop)
Official Website
Official Website (English)

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