[2024 Shirakawa ] Travel Guide for Shirakawa go no Yu (Updated Dec)

Shirakawa-go Village in Spring

Shirakawa-go Village is one of Japan's famous ancient villages, located in the valley of the Chubu region, Gifu Prefecture. It was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995 due to its unique culture and outstanding architecture. Key Features of Shirakawa-go 1. Gassho-zukuri Architecture • Triangular houses with roofs resembling praying hands (Gassho means praying hands) • Roofs made of thick layers of straw to withstand winter snow • Designed to suit cold climates and agriculture, such as silkworm farming in the past 2. Beautiful Scenery • In autumn, the changing leaves make the village look beautiful • Winter is a favorite time for tourists as the snow-covered village looks like a fairy tale • In spring and summer, the village has a refreshing atmosphere with blooming trees and flowers 3. Important Sites in the Village • Shiroyama Viewpoint for a high-angle view of the village • Folk museums (such as Wada House and Nagase House) where tourists can learn about the traditional lifestyle Interesting Activities • Visit Gassho-zukuri houses: Learn about the traditional way of life • Stroll through the village: Experience the local atmosphere • Attend the Light-Up Festival: In winter, each house is illuminated Getting There • From Takayama: Take a bus for about 50 minutes • From Kanazawa: Take a bus for about 1 hour Shirakawa-go Village is an ideal destination for those who love tranquility and history, and want to experience nature in every season.