2026 Moriya Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in September)

When talking about places that make people look at a photo and ask, "Is this really in Japan?", Shirakawa-go is undoubtedly one of the answers. This World Heritage village is tucked away in Gifu Prefecture, surrounded by mountains and breathtaking nature that transforms with the seasons. What truly makes this place iconic are the ancient Gassho-zukuri houses. Featuring steep, thatched roofs resembling hands clasped in prayer, these structures were ingeniously designed to withstand heavy winter snowfall. Some of these historic houses are over 250 years old, and people still live in them today! While many travelers opt for a day trip from Takayama or Kanazawa, staying overnight offers a completely different vibe. Once the crowds leave, you'll get to experience the serene, tranquil atmosphere of the village at its best. If this is your first time visiting Shirakawa-go, start with this checklist. You'll quickly see why this tiny village is a place so many people dream of returning to. 🇯🇵❄️ ⸻ 🏡 Must See The Landmarks You Can't Miss 🏠 Ogimachi Village The main village of Shirakawa-go, where Gassho-zukuri houses are beautifully scattered among rice paddies and mountainous backdrops. It's the kind of place where you can wander all day without getting bored. 📸 Shiroyama Observatory The ultimate viewpoint! It offers a stunning panoramic view of the village’s rooftops. It's especially magical in winter when everything is blanketed in snow—straight out of a postcard. 🌉 Deai Bridge The suspension bridge leading into the village. It serves as the starting point for your walking tour, complete with gorgeous views of the crystal-clear turquoise waters of the Shogawa River. 🏛 Wada House The largest Gassho-zukuri house in the village, open to the public. Step inside to learn about traditional Japanese architecture and rural lifestyles. 🛖 Kanda House Another remarkably preserved traditional home. Here, you can actually climb up and examine the intricate structure of the thatched roof from the inside. 🌾 Shirakawa Hachiman Shrine A quiet, peaceful shrine hidden among the trees. It’s famously known as the venue for the lively Doburoku Festival. ⸻ 🍡 Must Eat Delicious Local Treats to Try 🥩 Hida Beef Premium Hida beef that is unbelievably tender and melts in your mouth. Try it grilled, as sushi, or on skewers! 🍡 Gohei Mochi Grilled sticky rice on a stick, coated with a sweet, savory, and aromatic miso glaze. A staple street food you'll spot all over the village. 🍜 Hida Ramen A comforting bowl of ramen with a mellow soy sauce (shoyu) broth and thin, curly noodles. The perfect dish to warm you up on a chilly day. 🍮 Local Purin (Pudding) Silky smooth milk pudding from charming little local shops. Just the right touch of sweetness. 🍦 Hida Milk Ice Cream Rich, creamy, and refreshing ice cream made from fresh Hida milk—an absolute treat, especially in the summer. 🍵 Matcha and Wagashi Take a break at a small tea house. Sipping matcha paired with traditional Japanese sweets (wagashi) is the perfect way to slow down and savor the moment. ⸻ ✨ Must Do Unforgettable Experiences 📸 Head up to the Shiroyama Observatory for a breathtaking bird's-eye view of the village. 🚶 Take a leisurely stroll through the village's narrow, winding alleys, soaking in the rustic charm of the ancient wooden homes. 🏡 Step inside a Gassho-zukuri house to see how the locals lived centuries ago. 🌙 If you can, book a stay at a traditional Minshuku (guesthouse) in a Gassho-zukuri home to enjoy the peaceful silence after the day-trippers leave. ❄️ Visiting in winter? Don't miss the magical Shirakawa-go Winter Light-Up, where the entire village is beautifully illuminated (advance reservations required!). 🛍 Shop for unique souvenirs like local woodwork, textiles, and traditional snacks at the village's quaint shops. ⸻ ❤️ Shirakawa-go… A Village Where Time Slows Down You won't find massive shopping malls or flashy tourist traps in Shirakawa-go. Its true charm lies in its simplicity—the meticulously preserved wooden houses, the ever-changing seasonal landscapes, and a relaxing atmosphere that feels like the ultimate escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Whether you visit in the spring when the trees begin to bud, the vibrant green summer, the fiery orange and red autumn, or the snow-covered winter, Shirakawa-go offers a distinctly beautiful charm year-round. If you're planning your first trip to Japan and want to experience a village that has beautifully preserved its traditional way of life, Shirakawa-go is a must-visit. It just might become one of your favorite memories from your Japan trip! 🇯🇵🏡❄️ ⸻

A fine, gentle drizzle began to fall. Walking along the wet path under an oil-paper umbrella, the bluestone slabs beneath my feet reflected the sky, shimmering with a soft, warm luster. Suddenly, I recalled the poetic line, "A light rain hides the mountains, and the guest lingers long." I realized that when the atmosphere of the night rain in Mount Ba, as depicted by ancient poets, unfolds right before your eyes, it is profoundly more moving than any written words. Wandering through winding corridors, I saw the broad banana leaves laden with heavy raindrops. With a gentle breeze, they rolled off into the moss at my feet. The climbing vines on the walls were dotted with tender green sprouts, and the very air was steeped in the damp, earthy scent of flora. I casually took a seat at a riverside teahouse and ordered a cup of the local new tea. I watched the distant mist softly embrace the faraway peaks, while the curling steam from my tea intertwined with the hazy rain. Boats gently glided across the water by the shore, their ripples scattering the reflections of clouds like shattered jade. The entire world fell silent, save for the soft patter of rain on lotus leaves and the faint, distant hum of chanting. It felt as if all my worries were completely washed away by the drizzle, leaving me completely refreshed and at peace. When I finally left, my sleeves still carried the faint aroma of tea, and even the memory of that day retained a moist, gentle warmth.

I went to the Asahi Super Dry Museum (Asahi Beer Ibaraki Factory) in Moriya City, Ibaraki Prefecture. Step into the sophisticated building surrounded by nature and the world of Asahi Super Dry unfolds before your eyes. The tour combines video and exhibits to create a immersive experience, allowing you to learn how beer is made in a fun way. It's also impressive to be able to see the huge tanks and the latest automated production line up close. After the tour, you can enjoy a luxurious time tasting freshly brewed Super Dry. The mellow and sharp taste of the beer delivered directly from the factory was in a different league, and I couldn't help but exclaim, "It's delicious!" Soft drinks are also available for drivers and minors, so you can rest assured. It's easily accessible from the city center and is a great place to enjoy a day trip. It's recommended not only for beer lovers, but also for those who want to enjoy both learning and experiencing! [Access] Asahi Beer Ibaraki Factory (Super Dry Museum) 1-1-1 Midori, Moriya City, Ibaraki Prefecture, 302-0106 · Access: ・Approx. 10 minutes by taxi from the west exit of Moriya Station on the Tsukuba Express ・Approx. 15 minutes by car from Yawara IC on the Joban Expressway · Tours require reservations. Don't forget to make a reservation in advance on the official website! #IbarakiPrefecture #MoriyaCity #SuperDryMuseum #AsahiBeer #BeerFactoryTour #SocialStudyTourForAdults #FreshBeer

#0円旅秋 Ramen Shop Fureai Dori is a popular ramen shop located in Keyakidai, Moriya City, Ibaraki Prefecture. It features a rich pork bone soy sauce soup that is unique to ramen shops, and the green onion ramen and miso ramen are especially popular. Inside the shop The shop has a traditional atmosphere that is typical of a ramen shop, with counter seats and table seats. At lunchtime and dinner, it is crowded with local people, making it a lively space. Menu The menu offers a variety of ramen, including standard ramen, miso ramen, green onion ramen, and char siu noodles. There are also plenty of toppings, so you can customize your ramen to your liking. Access Ramen Shop Fureai Dori is located along Fureai Road. It is a little far from the nearest station, but it is convenient to access by car. There is also a parking lot in front of the shop, so you can use it with peace of mind.

Have personally been a fan of Asahi beer so when I heard about the free tour to their brewery, I had to jump at the opportunity. I reserved my slot by calling the hotline. Address - 1 Chome-1-1 Midori, Moriya, Ibaraki 302-0106, Japan Ambiance/Facilities - The entire gallery was super nice and comfortable, and atmosphere was chill. Facilities are top notch including the bar area where you get your free pints to sample. Highlights - This entire brewery tour was so well put together. The galleries go through the entire process of how Asahi beer is produced. It uses different multimedia elements including VR and digital media. The tour guide was also very engaging and explained about the brewery and Asahi beer thoroughly. Of course, another highlight will be getting two free fresh Asahi pints based on your preference to end the tour. Iced cold beer on the tap just hits different. You can also buy some beer and merchandise from the souvenir shop. Avg. Price per Person - Free. The entire tour is free with 2 free pints of beers and some snacks to go together. Rating - 10/10. This entire experience was awesome. #japantrip #100waysoftravel #tokyo #beer #pint #happyhour

#Japan must-visit check-in spots When I stepped into this courtyard, I was overwhelmed by the tranquil atmosphere and beautiful scenery. 🏯☁️ Yuntian Temple is famous for its exquisite Japanese garden and peaceful atmosphere. I walked through the courtyard, feeling the fusion of nature and humanity. Graceful trees and blooming flowers add a touch of life to this courtyard. 🌸🌿 The silence and calm in the courtyard made me feel peaceful. Listening to the sound of wind blowing through the leaves, I felt as if I could have a conversation with nature. It’s a beautiful moment of being in harmony with yourself and your environment. 🌬️🌳 Yuntian Temple is a journey to a lively and quiet Japanese garden, where the courtyards and buildings seem to have a kind of spirituality! If you also long for a journey in harmony with nature, why not find a suitable time to take a spiritual and quiet journey to Yuntian Temple! 🏯🌸🌿

Pasar Moriya (Pasar Moriya) Outbound 97-3 Nogizaki, Moriya City, Ibaraki Prefecture TEL 0297-38-8133 Parking lot: 102 large cars, 230 small cars Toilets: 56 for men (including large and small), 72 for women It is about 15km from Misato Junction, the starting point of the Joban Expressway, and is the closest service area to Tokyo. The service concierge is open from 8:00 to 18:00 on weekdays and 7:00 to 19:00 on holidays. Most restaurants are open from 11:00. If you are coming early in the morning or late at night, it is best to use the Lawson or Starbucks inside the facility. There is also a dog run on the premises, so if you have a dog, you can take it for a walk. The building is beautiful and the food court is well-stocked, so I recommend it. #Joban Expressway #Moriya Service Area

#awesomepic #awesomepic #couplestrip #deliciousfood #onsitetravel #foodie Ibaraki Ushiku Daibitsu Departing from Kawaguchi, it takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes to get there. Open from 9 AM. You have to buy tickets to enter. Fresh air.