land tour shirakawa go

Private Tour

Shirakawa-go 1 day tour (8 hours).

A deep mountain village, Shirakawago is a Japanese tourist attraction that has also been registered as a World Heritage Site. It is much easier to visit by renting one of our charter vehicles or charter buses as the journey includes many mountain roads. A must see in Shirakawago are the Gassho-style houses, build using a Japanese architectural method characterized by steeply slanting roof. You will be overwhelmed by the beautiful scenery, reminiscent of a painting. Many tourists also visit this village in winter, as the snow-covered houses and landscape make up a magical atmosphere. It is also a great spot for photography. While at Shirakawago, you can visit the Wada family home where you can see the interior of a Gassho-style house, an observatory that overlook the settlement, or take a dip in an outdoor hot spring facility in between the sightseeing.

For lunch, we recommend Japanese cuisine such as famous soba noodles, local cuisine using irori (Japanese sunken hearth), or Hida beef. In the afternoon, we’ll get up close and personal with Japanese festival culture, when we visit in Art and Festa Forest in Takayama. Hida region’s grand and luxurious “Festival stalls”, decorated with sculpture and karakuri (wind-up) dolls, and the world’s biggest drum are a must see. A cute little karakuri doll will play their drums for you. The most popular souvenir in this area are the cute Sarubobo dolls. You can stay at a Japanese-style Ryokan accommodation with a hot spring to refresh yourself after a long day of sightseeing.

■Above price includes toll fee, parking fee, fuel and tax. It excludes tour guide service, meal and entrance fee.

■Please let us know your rough plan as we can create a package tour based on your request in Japan.

■Please send your request to [email protected] as our staff will reply you within 24 hours.

■Interpreter-guide in this area is very rare so price will be more expensive than other major city such as Tokyo or Osaka.

■To find more fleet lineup and tour information please check our company official Facebook page and Instagram page:

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/JLS718/

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/japanlandservice/?hl=ja

Related article

Comfort & Security: Benefits of using Package Tours on your trip to Japan

Credit card.

We accept VISA、MasterCard、JCB、Diners Card & American Express. Once you decided to make a reservation, we will send a secure link to you to connect our online payment form. Please fill your creidt information to complete your payment.

Bank Wire Transfer

If you choose to pay by bank wire transfer, we will issue invoice to you and please complete the transfer before the due day indicated.

Cancellation Policy

For further information, please contact to japan land service by.

For a limited time, book your 2020, 2021 & 2022 group tour packages with no deposit required!!!

• Custom Groups Custom Groups Overview Student Groups MICE Special Interest Groups
• About Japan About Japan Destinations Attractions Must See & Do
• About Us About Us Contact us Testimonials Terms & Conditions Travel Agent Services Disclaimer Site Map
• News Press Releases Blog Media
• Your Trip Get Started How to make a reservation Travel Tip FAQs Inquiries

Last Name *

Shirakawago     View Tours

Shirakawago

The village in Shirakawago is known for the traditional Gassho-style that looks like two hands are praying, which is why they are called the "gassho- zukuri”. This means that it looks like the structure is made of two hands praying. After generations, the villagers in this snow-prone area have developed protection against heavy snowfall with the “gassho- zukuri”. Now, visitors come from within the nation and from abroad to see the admirable structures. In 1995, the Historic Village of Shirakawa-Go was inscribed in the World Heritage as a cultural site in Japan. Located in the mountainous regions of the Gifu and Toyama prefectures resides this village with Gassho-styled houses. The best examples of these houses are in Ogimachi. Some of the farmhouses that reside in this area are over 250 years old. In the winter time these farmhouses are illuminated on certain weekends. The best spot to view the village is from the Shiroyama viewpoint near the Shogawa River. The Gassho architectural design refers to the way a person puts their hands together with the palms facing inward almost like a prayer. The thatched roofs, made without nails, were meant to survive heavy snow fall and provide enough space to work through the winter. The abundant attic space allowed the villagers to cultivate silkworms. Shirakawago represents a traditional way of life that has adapted to their area. Shirakawago illustrate the traditional ways of human settlement and how these complex farmhouses attested to time. Even though there were drastic changes from 1950, the area around the Gassho-style farmhouses made no significant change to the structure of roads, canals, and land use. To this day visitors have the opportunity to stay overnight in one of the Gassho styled farmhouses. Please see below for tours that include Shirakawago:

Spring (Mar - May)   (119)

Summer (Jun - Aug)   (48)

Autumn (Sep - Nov)   (95)

Winter (Dec - Feb)   (21)

April 2024   (9)

May 2024   (9)

September 2024   (8)

October 2024   (10)

November 2024   (10)

December 2024   (2)

January 2025   (5)

February 2025   (3)

March 2025   (15)

April 2025   (17)

May 2025   (12)

June 2025   (2)

September 2025   (4)

October 2025   (7)

November 2025   (15)

December 2025   (2)

January 2026   (4)

February 2026   (3)

March 2026   (18)

April 2026   (13)

May 2026   (9)

June 2026   (2)

July 2026   (2)

September 2026   (5)

October 2026   (10)

November 2026   (12)

December 2026   (2)

Deluxe   (222)

Deluxe-Plus   (21)

Ultra-Deluxe   (9)

Classic Tour   (31)

Cherry Blossoms   (73)

Autumn Leaves   (41)

Festival   (69)

Special Interest   (94)

less than 9 nights   (100)

9-14 nights   (158)

15 nights +   (25)

Hokkaido   (49)

Tohoku   (26)

Kanto   (238)

Chubu   (237)

Kansai   (238)

Chugoku   (110)

Shikoku   (96)

Kyushu   (32)

Okinawa   (0)

Kyoto Aoi Festival   (9)

Kawazu Cherry Blossoms   (4)

Lavenders   (11)

Snow Monkeys   (52)

Shirakawago   (85)

Gion Summer Festival   (4)

Awa Odori Dance Festival   (4)

Sapporo Snow Festival   (5)

Otaru Snow Light Path   (1)

Ice Breaker Cruise   (5)

Wakasagi Smelt Fishing   (5)

Shiretoko Nature Cruise   (8)

Blue Pond   (14)

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest   (197)

Miho Museum   (109)

Ise Grand Shrine   (4)

Kumano   (6)

Koyasan   (20)

Himeji Castle   (98)

Kurashiki Canal Area   (99)

Miyajima Island   (106)

Shimanami Kaido   (88)

Takeda Castle   (2)

Motonosumi-Inari Shrine   (2)

Adachi Museum of Art   (6)

Naoshima Island   (12)

Tottori Sand Dunes   (2)

Kyoto Cuisine with Maiko   (35)

Shikoku Pilgrimage Route   (4)

Takachiho   (28)

Baby Blue Eyes Flowers   (7)

Wisteria   (11)

Takayama Festivals   (16)

Shibazakura Festivals   (10)

Tohoku 3 Great Summer Festivals   (3)

Green Tea Ceremony with Maiko   (163)

Sushi-Making   (196)

Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route   (6)

Japan Deluxe Tours

Visit the must see sites of japan with group sizes ranging from 12 to 35 people..

These tours are great for first time visitors to Japan looking for comfortable accommodation with all entrance fees and most meals included. Our Japan Deluxe Tours are accomodated with professional tour guides, fluent in both Japanese and English, to ensure an educational and valuable visit. Air-conditoned, private coaches are also included, so you can enjoy a comfortable and hassle-free time in Japan. Our tours range from 7 to 21 days, to various regions of Japan.

Deluxe-Plus Small Group Tours

Experience the culture of japan at a slower pace with groups of 10 to 18 people. (smaller group departure available).

These tours combine enrichment, enjoyment, and education with time to truly absorb and appreciate your surroundings. Our Deluxe-Plus small group tours are created to cater to those who are interested in having a deeper understanding of Japan's culture. You will have the opportunity to participate in culturally rich activities and visit destinations only locals may know. Experience luxurious hotels and travel at a leisurely pace when you book a Deluxe-Plus small group tour.

Budget Group Tours

Our budget tours are designed for our guests who are on a limited budget..

Explore the must-see sights and enjoy the hassle-free trip to Japan at an affordable price. Our most cost-effective way to see the highlights of Japan while staying in budget-friendly accommodations. If you would like to have a quick stop to sample the must-see sights of Japan, or plan to explore Japan on your own but would like to take a short trip to learn about Japan before your self-guided journeys. These are the tours for you.

Active Small Group Tours

Travel japan more flexibly in groups of 6 to 13 people using public transportation..

Explore Japan off the beaten path via Japanese public transportation, walking, hiking, cycling and more. Take more time to enjoy local experiences and picturesque landscape. Our Active Small Group Tours combine the best of cultural destinations with off-the-beaten-path via Japanese public transportation, Discover the country of Japan the way the locals do and see Japan from a different angle. A focus on getting away from the crowds and into the real Japan, see the diversity of Japan’s countryside unfold before your eyes.

Group Tour | Deluxe           Book Now & Save $100

Group Tour | Deluxe     Book Now & Save $100

6 Days 5 Nights | from US $2498.00

Tokyo / Takasaki / Karuizawa / Yudanaka / Matsumoto / Takayama / Shirakawago / Kanazawa / Osaka

Explore the best destinations between tokyo and osaka, including takasaki, yudanaka onsen, karuizawa, takayama, shirakawa-go, and kanazawa, on this 6-day journey during the lush spring season..

Explore the best destinations Between Tokyo and Osaka, including Takasaki, Yudanaka Onsen, Karuizawa, Takayama, Shirakawa-go, and Kanazawa, during the delightful summer season.

Explore the best destinations Between Tokyo and Osaka, including Takasaki, Yudanaka Onsen, Karuizawa, Takayama, Shirakawa-go, and Kanazawa, on this 6-day journey during the autumn season.

6 Days 5 Nights | from US $2598.00

Explore the best destinations Between Tokyo and Osaka, including Takasaki, Yudanaka Onsen, Karuizawa, Takayama, Shirakawa-go, and Kanazawa, during the lovely cherry blossom season.

Explore the best destinations Between Tokyo and Osaka, including Takasaki, Yudanaka Onsen, Karuizawa, Takayama, Shirakawa-go, and Kanazawa, on this 6-day journey during the captivating autumn leaves season.

8 Days 7 Nights | from US $3198.00

Tokyo / Lake Kawaguchi / Matsumoto / Yudanaka / Takayama / Shirakawa-go / Kanazawa / Kyoto / Nara / Osaka

The must see sights of tokyo, takayama & kyoto... plus the snow monkeys..

8 Days 7 Nights | from US $3298.00

Nara / Kyoto / Kanazawa / Shirakawa-go / Takayama / Matsumoto / Mt Fuji / Hakone / Tokyo

The must see sights of tokyo, mt fuji, takayama, shirakawa-go, kanazawa & kyoto..

Tokyo / Hakone / Mt Fuji / Matsumoto / Takayama / Shirakawa-go / Kanazawa / Kyoto / Nara / Osaka

Experience both modern and traditional culture in Tokyo, Kyoto, Shirakawa-go, Takayama & Kanazawa.

8 Days 7 Nights | from US $3398.00

The must see sights of Tokyo, Takayama & Kyoto... plus the beautiful autumn leaves.

Spring Tours (Mar - May)

Summer Tours (Jun - Aug)

Autumn Tours (Sep - Nov)

Winter Tours (Dec - Feb)

Travel Styles

Deluxe-Plus

Ultra-Deluxe

Walking Tour

Cherry Blossom Tours

Autumn Leaves Tours

Festival Tours

Special Interest Tours

Seasonal Attractions

Cherry Blossoms

Takayama Spring Festival

Kyoto Aoi Festival

Shibazakura Festivals

Baby Blue Eyes Flowers

Lavenders in Hokkaido

Gion Summer Festival

Tohoku 3 Great Summer Festivals

Awa Odori Dance Festival

Autumn Leaves

Takayama Autumn Festival

Snow Monkeys

Sapporo Snow Festival

Ice Breaker Cruise

Wakasagi Smelt Fishing

Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival

Things Not to Miss

Miho Museum

Naoshima Island

Himeji Castle

Shiretoko Nature Cruise

Sushi-Making Experience

Kyoto Cuisine with Maiko

Green Tea Ceremony with Maiko

Ise Grand Shrine

Most Beautiful Places in Japan

Otaru Snow Light Path

Tottori Sand Dunes

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

Miyajima Island

Motonosumi-Inari Shrine

Adachi Museum of Art

Shimanami Kaido

Takeda Castle Ruin

Kurashiki Canal Area

Takachiho Gorge

• Shirakawago ›

Shirakawago Tours

Book a private shirakawago tour with a local tour guide.

View all 11 reviews

Shirakawago Day Trip Tours

Shirakawago half day tour from Kanazawa

Shirakawago village was designated as unesco world heritage site in 1995. there are 60 gassho-zukuri farmhouses and about 40 gassho-style storages. the shape of big slanted roofs resembles in the gesture of bringing arms and hands together in prayer. this gesture is called gassho in japanese. we visit observation point, a typical gassho farmhouse inside, and stroll the village..

Kanazawa( old Samurai town ) & Shirakawago (World Heritage site) tour from Kanazawa

Kanazawa flourished as a castle town for the kaga clan during the edo period ( 1603ad - 1867ad ). kenrokuen garden was constructed as a strolling style landscape garden by the feudal lord maedas of the kaga clan. this garden is one of the three most famous gardens in japan. shirakawago villages was designated as a unesco world heritage site in 1995. a gassho farmhouse is difined as a thatched farmhouse with big slanted roofs. the name gassho means the gesture when people bring their hands together in prayer. the shape of the roof resembles the gassho style. most gassho farmhouses were over 200 years old. there are 60 gassho farmhouses in shirakawago village. these houses are still used by families for their daily living. in the morning, we visit shirakawago. in the afternoon, we visit kanazawa..

Shirakawago half day tour

We are going to explore the world heritage site- shirakawago together. with my detailed explanation of the history, culture and fun facts about the village, you can understand more about shirakawago and also in love with this little village..

Shirakawago Highlights Tours

One-day-tour of Shirakawa-go

Shirakawa-go is a mountain settlement that is famous for uniquely designed gassyo-style buildings and registered as one of the world cultural heritage sites. in ogi-machi, over sixty gassyo-style buildings will welcome visitors. enjoying the whole landscape of the village from the hill, you will stroll around the village visiting some traditional gasho-style buildings such as wada house, nagase house and myozenji temple museum..

Day Trips from Shirakawago

Shirakawago Tour Reviews

R. michael A.

Fullday Bus Tour to Shirakawa-go from Kanazawa

“ Excellent day in Shirakawago with Yoji K. ”

Yoji K. was an excellent guide for us in Shirakawago. For a place like Shirakawago, where there is a well-trod tourist path, one looks for a guide to enhance the experience you might otherwise have on your own. Yoji did all of that and more. He met us at our hotel in Kanazawa and visited with us on the bus about our day ahead. We communicated easily because of his command of English and US educational background. In Shirakawago, he guided us along paths less traveled and less crowded, to quietly enjoy the beauty of the town. He selected an excellent small family restaurant outside the tourist-heavy area, with seemingly only locals having lunch. Yoji made sure we saw one of the well-preserved gassho house museums that was uncrowded. We also went to visit the viewpoint before we left, and Yoji kept us on a good pace to see the high points of Shirakawago. He even made sure that on the trip back we had some recommendations for our next day in Kanazawa, all of which proved excellent. I would highly recommend Yoji as a guide

Dear MIcheal san, Thank you very much for your review. I truly enjoyed walking Shirakawago with both of you. It was such a beautiful and sunny day. I was very glad that you liked the lunch at the very local restaurant. It worths going and seeing the restaurant in advance. I wish I can travel with my wife like two of you in the future. It was great time for me to walk with such a lovely couple. Please have a safe trip in the rest of your journey in Japan. Yoji

¡Combo! Takayama & Shirakawa-go en español

“ D?a fantastico en Shirakawago! ”

Guía muy profesional con muy buen nivel de español. Muchas gracias Matilde!

Me alegro de que le haya gustado el tour. En Japón hay más lugares muy bonitos, le quisiera guiar en otra ocasión. Muchas gracias!

One-Day Shirakawago Wonderful Tour

“ Wonderful and pleasant day in shirakawa-go ”

We are group of 4 friends travelling together, and we book a day tour with Yuriko in Shirakawa-go, and it was a lovely one! From the first moment we met her at the bus stop, Her kindness, her knowledge and the pleasant way she shared it with us was exactly what you would expected from a tour guide. Also her flexibility when it started to rain was well appreciated. We learned a lot about village life and Japan’s culture and history. Yuriko is a special person and she made our day unforgettable. RECOMMENDED!

Thank you for your heartwarming message. Thanks to you and your group members, I had a wonderful time in Shirakawago Village. I also felt happy to share the history and villagers' wisdom with you. Actually, I love rain. I appreciated the rainy weather because we could talk much with a nice soft drink at a cozy coffee shop. Yuriko(Lily)

The best tours and activities

With a real local of your choice

The option to personalize your tour

Just contact your favorite local

Only private tours!

So no group tours with strangers

Related Shirakawago Tour Guide Pages

Private tours in shirakawago.

SHIRAKAWA-GO ON A BUDGET: Travel Guide & Itinerary

Last updated: March 27, 2020

When I think of Japan, my mind automatically conjures up images of these attractions: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Mt. Fuji, anime, and cherry blossoms. But there’s one image that is forever etched in my memory from now on — Shirakawa-go.

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?

Understanding Shirakawa-go

With hundreds of years of history, Shirakawa-go is one of Japan’s cultural treasures. In fact, in 1995, this majestic, picture-perfect village was recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage Site.

Nestled in the mountainous Gifu Prefecture in the central region, the surrounding peaks add to its irresistibly rustic charm, which draws in tourists, mostly on Central Japan packaged tours or a day trip from Nagoya.

It’s one of those places that you would think only exists in fantasy films or your wildest dreams. Every angle of this little hamlet looks like it jumped out straight from a fancy holiday greeting card, especially in winter when the thick snow blankets transform the site into a winter wonderland. In fact, the technique and construction style of the houses combined with the region’s colder climate gave birth to a tradition that has equally become one of the defining characteristics of this cultural heritage treasure — yui .

The iconic Gassho -style thatched roof houses can withstand the heavy snowfall during winter. Gassho means “hands in prayer.” The long-standing architectural design brought the villagers together, helping each other in re-thatching the roofs. It’s astonishing how these roofs, constructed sans nails, bound the people of Shirakawa-go together through religiously carrying out the yui tradition.

There are still about a hundred of these century-old houses, especially in Ogimachi. Some of them function as museums, inns, or guesthouses. All the traditional houses in Shirakawa-go share these common features — irori (sunken hearth) placed in the center of the living room, 60-degree angle roof inclination, the absence of nails in the construction, and they face the same direction (gable ends facing north and south).

Other info you need to know:

• Language: Japanese (Nihongo). The majority of the locals seldom speak English, but most of the signs and other tourist promotional materials have English translations.
• Currency: Japanese Yen (JPY, ¥). JPY 1000 is around USD 9, EUR 8, PHP 465 (as of March 2020).
• Modes of payment: Most establishments prefer cash payment, but many of them also accept credit card transactions.
• Electricity Info : 100V. Type A sockets. Plugs have two flat pins. Type B is sometimes used but not that common.

Best Time To Visit Shirakawa-go

Situated high in the Japanese Alps, Shirakawa-go is one of Japan’s incredibly scenic destinations, with its traditional farmhouses dotting the landscape and lush forest surrounding the town. The historic site radiates different charm for each season. Depending on what you want to see and do, any season is the best time to visit Shirakawa-go.

• SUMMER (June – August) . Vibrant green vegetation covers the fields and the surrounding mountains. Don’t forget to check the weather forecast as there’s a high chance of rainfall during the first half of the season (June to early July). Don’t Miss: Hike/Trek Mount Haku if you are into mountains and peaks.
• AUTUMN (September – November) . Most people go to Shirakawa-go during autumn to take photos of the landscape’s lovely mixture of red, yellow, and orange hues. Don’t Miss: Doburoku Festival celebration in mid-October.

How to Get to Shirakawa-go

The nearest airport is the Chubu Centrair International Airport. It serves Central Japan area, including its principal city and international hub, Nagoya.

From Manila

Direct flights to Chubu Airport are offered by several airline companies. Travel time is 4 hours and 15 minutes.

As the capital of Aichi Prefecture, Nagoya is also the usual jump-off point to different destinations in Central Japan, so it has a good number of transportation terminals.

From Chubu Airport

• From the airport, walk to Chubu Centrair International Airport Station of Meitetsu Line.
• Board the Meitetsu-Limited Express train bound for Meitetsu Nagoya Station. Travel Time: Approx. 30 minutes. Fare: ¥890 + seat fee.
• Alight at Nagoya Station.
• Go to Meitetsu Bus Center
• Take the Gifu Bus on the Shirakawa-go Express Line. Travel Time: Approx. 3 hours, 30 minutes. Fare: ¥4,000. Note: Reserved seating only. Prior reservation is highly advised.
• Alight at Shirakawa-go bus stop at Ogimachi.

From Nagoya

• Take the Gifu Bus on the Shirakawa-go Express Line.

Travel Time : 3 hours. Fare : ¥4,000 Note: Prior reservation is highly advised.

From Takayama

• Go to Takayama Nohi Bus Center
• Take the Nohi Bus on the Shirakawa-go/Kanazawa Line.
• Alight at Shirakawa-go or Ogimachi Bus stop.

Travel Time: Approx. 50 minutes Fare: ¥2,600

From Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka

If you are coming from Tokyo, Osaka, or Kyoto, you can check our previous post: How to Get to Shirakawa-go

Getting Around Shirakawa-go

Shirakawa Highway (also called High Street) is not accessible to buses and tourists’ private cars from 9 AM to 4 PM, but that won’t be a problem because the best way to explore the UNESCO-recognized heritage site is on foot. You also have the option to rent a bicycle if you want to maximize your time.

Seseragi Park, located near Deai-bashi Suspension Bridge and the Main Information Center, is the designated parking area for private cars and tour buses. There are other temporary parking areas, especially during peak season.

Travel Time on Foot from Seseragi Parking Lot to:

• Suspension Bridge (which connects the parking lot to Ogimachi Village): 1 minute
• Shirakawa Hachiman Shrine: 8-10 minutes
• Myozen-ji Museum: 8-10 minutes
• Wada House: 15-20 minutes
• Shiroyama Observation Deck: 30-35 minutes

Travel Time on Foot from Shirakawa-go Bus Stop to:

• Suspension Bridge (which connects the parking lot to Ogimachi Village): 18-20 minutes
• Shirakawa Hachiman Shrine: 12-15 minutes
• Myozen-ji Museum: 12-15 minutes
• Wada House: Five to 10 minutes
• Shiroyama Observation Deck: 20-25 minutes

Things to Do in Shirakawa-go

Recognized as an Important Cultural Property by the Japanese Government, Wada House perfectly embodies the traditional Gassho -style house, which has secured Shirakawa-go’s reputation as UNESCO World Heritage Site and secured its position as one of the most popular destinations in Central Japan, if not the entire country. For over three centuries, the prominent Wada family, whose members had become the village heads and officials, has resided in here. It is the largest and also one of the oldest among the Gassho -zukuri houses in Shirakawa-go.

Entrance Fee: ¥300 (Regular); ¥150 (Elementary School Students) Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Location: 997, Ogimachi , Shirakawa-mura,Ono-gun, Gifu, Japan

Shiroyama Viewpoint

For more idyllic (and dramatic) photos, Shiroyama Viewpoint is an excellent vantage point. Take in the breathtaking beauty of Ogimachi village, clothed in different colors depending on the season. It is located high on a hill, which you can reach either by trekking or by riding a vehicle.

Entrance Fee: FREE Opening Hours: 24 hours Location: 889, Ogimachi, Shirakawa-mura, Ono-gun, Gifu, Japan

Winter Illumination/Light-Up Event

One of the most anticipated events in Shirakawa-go during the winter season is the light-up event which takes place in January and February. There are only seven illumination events in total and schedules vary each year, so it’s important to check first before going. The best spot to witness the illumination is from Shiroyama Viewpoint.

Entrance Fee: FREE Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM (Winter Season only) Location: Ogimachi, Shirakawa-mura, Ono-gun, Gifu, Japan Note: Book your accommodation in or near Shirakawa-go in advance as there will be no available public transportation out of the village after the illumination event. You can also hire a taxi or rent a private vehicle if you already booked your hotel outside Shirakawa-go.

Kanda House

Another cultural gem in Ogimachi, like the Wada House, Kada house was converted into a museum that lets you picture how the farm villagers used to go about their day-to-day activities and how some of these are still carried out up to this day.

Entrance Fee: ¥300 Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Location: 796 Ogimachi, Shirakawa, Ono District, Gifu 501-5627, Japan

Doburoku Festival (Fall)

Doburoku Festival takes place at any of these shrines: Shirakawa Hachiman Shrine, Hatogaya Hachiman Shrine, and Ii Jima Hachiman Shrine. It is held in mid-October where visitors get to see the lion dance performance, hear the folktales, and try Shirakawa-go’s specialty product from which the festival got its name, the doburoku . Doburoku is unrefined sake which undergoes fermentation in the breweries of shrines. You can also get this specialty product at Kondo Market in Ogimachi village.

Museum Hopping

• Jin Homura Museum of Art exhibits the paintings of the famous painter Jin Homura Entrance Fee: ¥300 (Adult); ¥100-200 (Student) Opening Hours: 9 AM – 4 PM
• Myozen-ji Museum . Located near the Buddhist temple houses antique furniture, traditional farming tools, and old kitchenware. Entrance Fee: ¥300 (Adult); ¥100 (Student) Opening Hours: 9 AM – 4 PM (December-March) / 8:30 AM – 5 PM (April-November)
• Gassho-zukuri Open Air Museum gives you an idea of how the people of Shirakawa-go lived in the past. Entrance Fee: ¥600 (Adult); ¥400 (Student) Opening Hours: 9 AM – 4 PM (December-February) / 8:40 AM – 5 PM (March-November) Note: From December to March, the museum is closed every Thursday.

Where to Stay

In shirakawa-go.

If you want to level up your Shirakawa-go experience, you can stay in one of the Gassho -style houses. Most of these traditional structures have been opened to the public by the owners as guesthouses. One of most interesting place offering rooms for lodging is Shirakawa-go no Yu , which is also the only hot spring facility within Ogimachi. It has open-air onsen baths, as well as indoor baths and sauna.

Travelers can have a taste of home-cooked meals or can even experience eating around an irori sunken hearth with the host family or other guests. Used for cooking food and keeping the house warm, irori hearth is a crucial element in traditional Japanese houses.

There are quite a number of guesthouses in Shirakawa-go, but travelers who want to spend the night must book in advance, especially during peak season. For the list, rates, and availability of guesthouses in Shirakawa-go, you may check Japanese Guest Houses .

There are also interesting accommodations near Shirakawa-go like Tosuke no Yu Fujiya and Toyota Shirakawa-go Eco-Institute.

Because lodging options in Shirakawa-go are limited, many choose to visit the site on a day tour. Because Nagoya is the urban hub closest to the airport, it often serves as the base for many travelers.

Hotel prices may vary on the season. For backpackers, there are hostel dormitories that can give you a bed for as low as ¥2,000.

If you’re not a dorm guy and you have a bit more dough, here are the top budget hotels under $60/night as ranked by Agoda users as of March 2020.

• First Cabin TKP Nagoya Station. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Vessel Inn Sakae Ekimae. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• APA Hotel Nagoya Sakae Kita. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Leo Star Hostel. Check Rates & Availability! ✅

Search for more: Nagoya Hotels

Where to eat in shirakawa-go.

The first order of business when we arrived in Shirakawa-go was to fill our stomachs with Japanese food, and boy was I floored! We had our reservation at Kita no Sho (also Kita no Syo), a 250-year old Gassho -style restaurant with irori hearth and tatami-covered floor. The restaurant also has a souvenir shop fronting the entrance to the dining area.

The restaurant offers set meals, but it can also customize its menu according to your preference and budget. You can request to swap your meat for fish and vice versa, or you can have meals without meat or fish. Request for special menus requires prior reservation.

Our group had Hida beef miso baked meal from the group meal set menu. At ¥1,620 (tax included), we thoroughly enjoyed our sweetened rainbow trout, Hida beef cooked with miso paste on Hoba leaf, rice, miso soup, tofu, pickled vegetables, and dessert.

There are plenty of restaurants in Shirakawa-go; some of the most recommended, aside from Kita no Sho, are Bunsuke, Nomura, Ochudo, Irori, Soba Wakimoto, and Hina. Most of the restaurants and cafes also double as souvenir shops, while some of them offer rooms for lodging as well.

Attractions Near Shirakawa-go

Here are some tourist spots easily accessible from Shirakawa-go. We included directions to each site below for those who want it DIY-style.

We’re also providing links to Klook for those staying in Nagoya and considering joining a guided tour.

Takayama Old Town

Located in the mountainous region of Gifu Prefecture, the city is aptly named Takayama, which literally means “tall mountain”. To differentiate it from other places in Japan with the same name, this one in Gifu is also called Hida-Takayama, referring to the old Hida Province.

Getting There: Take the Shirakawa-go/Kanazawa Line of Nohi Bus going to Shirakawa-go from Takayama and vice versa. Travel time is 50 minutes. A one-way ticket is worth ¥2,600 while roundtrip is ¥4,600.

If you want a hassle-free trip, Klook is offering a day tour package in Shirakawa-go and Takayama.

Hida Furukawa Old Castle Town

Hida Furukawa is located north of Takayama, which can be reached in about 15 minutes by train. This small town in Hida, Gifu is reminiscent of the 15th-century old castle town with its canal-lined streets that feature traditional wooden storehouses.

Getting There: From Takayama Train Station, take the JR Takayama Main Line. Alight at Hida Furukawa Station. Travel time is about 15 minutes. The fare is ¥240.

Gokayama, like the nearby Shirakawa-go, is also recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site for its Gassho-style houses. The village is located in Toyama Prefecture.

Getting There : Take the Kaetsuno Bus from Shirakawa-go bus stop going to Suganuma or Ainokura (the popular Gassho-style villages in Gokayama) and vice versa. Suganuma bus stop is located along the main road near the entrance to the village, while Ainokura village entrance is five minutes on foot from the bus stop. A one-way ticket is worth ¥870 for the Shirakawago-Suganuma route and ¥1,300 for the Shirakawago-Ainokura route.

If you are traveling with kids and elders and you’re staying in Nagoya, consider joining a tour. Klook is offering Gokayama Ainokura & Shirakawago Bus Tour.

Shinhotaka Ropeway

Enjoy the view of the Japanese Alps and the surrounding areas any season of the year on a double-decker gondola that can ascend up to a thousand meters! Each season provides a different picturesque scenery.

Ride Fee: ¥1,600 (one-way); ¥2,900 (RT) Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM (may vary depending on the season) Location: Shinhotaka Onsen, Okuhida Onsen-go, Takayama City Getting There: From Takayama City, go to Takayama Nohi Bus Center. Take the bus via Hirayu/Shinhotaka Line. Alight at Shinhotaka Ropeway bus stop. Travel time is one hour and 30 minutes.

Sample Itinerary

Here’s a sample 4-day 3-night itinerary that covers Nagoya, Takayama, and Shirakawa-go. As always, make the necessary adjustments to match your preferences. This itinerary assumes that:

• You are a party of two and will be splitting expenses like the hotel.
• Your accommodation budget is ¥7,000 per night. You will be splitting it in half, so each will only pay ¥3,500 per night.
• You will use the Meguru Tourist Loop Bus for the Nagoya City Tour.

Note that this is only a sample itinerary. You may tweak the details to match your preferences and flight schedule.

DAY 1: ARRIVAL + TAKAYAMA 05:30 AM – Arrival at Chubu Centrair Airport 06:00 AM – Travel to Nagoya City Center via Meitetsu Railway: ¥1,250 (fare + seat fee) 06:30 AM – Arrival at Meitetsu Bus Center in Nagoya 06:45 AM – Quick Breakfast: ¥500 07:30 AM – Travel to Takayama: ¥3,100 (bus fare) 10:15 AM – Arrival at Takayama Nohi Bus Center + Walk to Hotel 10:45 AM – Hotel Check-in 11:30 AM – Early lunch: ¥1,000 12:30 PM – Takayama Jinya: ¥430 02:00 PM – Takayama Old Town exploration 05:00 PM – Early dinner: ¥1,000 07:00 PM – Early lights out

DAY 2: SHIRAKAWA-GO 07:00 AM – Miyagawa Morning Market 08:00 AM – Check out + Walk to Takayama Nohi Bus Center 08:30 AM – Store big luggage in a locker at the bus center: ¥700 08:50 AM – Travel to Shirakawa-go: ¥4,600 (roundtrip bus fare) 09:40 AM – Arrival at Ogimachi, Shirakawa-go + Start exploring 12:30 PM – Lunch at Irori: ¥2,000 (traditional Japanese meal) 01:30 PM – Wada House: ¥300 (entrance fee) 03:00 PM – Travel back to Takayama: PAID already 03:50 PM – Retrieve luggage from the locker + snack 05:00 PM – Travel to Nagoya: ¥3,100 (bus fare) 07:45 PM – Arrival in Nagoya + Hotel check-in 08:30 PM – Dinner: ¥1,000 09:30 PM – Lights out

DAY 3: NAGOYA CITY TOUR Note: For this tour, you might want to consider getting the 1-Day Meguru Tourist Loop Bus. For the price of ¥500 , you will have unlimited access to most of the attractions in Nagoya. But if you are using this, make sure the schedule will not fall on a Monday as the loop bus is not available. 09:00 AM – Wake up 09:40 AM – Toyota Museum: ¥500 (entrance fee) 11:00 AM – Nagoya Castle: ¥500 (entrance fee) 01:00 PM – Lunch: ¥1,000 02:00 PM – Explore Sakae District + Shopping 07:00 PM – Dinner: ¥1,000 08:00 PM – Walk to hotel 09:30 PM – Lights out

DAY 4: DEPARTURE Train to Chubu Centrair Airport: ¥1,250 (fare + seat fee)

This itinerary will set you back around ¥24,000 (USD 220, SGD 317, PHP 11,300) per person, not including the hotel accommodations, airfares, and taxes. If you will include the hotel at ¥3,500 per person per night, this will cost you ¥34,500 (USD 317, SGD 455, PHP 16,200) per person, excluding airfare, taxes, and other miscellaneous expenses like shopping budget.

Remember that the actual prices and schedules may vary. These are only estimates. You can modify and adjust according to your preferences.

Other Tips for the Poor Traveler

• Wear comfortable shoes. Walking around the village is the best way to explore this world heritage site. You also need to take off your shoes before entering the traditional houses.
• All houses are private properties. Some are open to the public, but you must keep in mind that the owners still reside in them. Always ask for permission before entering.
• Don’t smoke just anywhere . There are designated smoking areas.
• Do not litter. Be responsible, and observe proper garbage disposal.
• Try doburoku . If you are visiting during Doburoku Festival in autumn, you must at least try it. The people of Shirakawa-go have special permission from the Japanese government to produce home-brewed unrefined sake; elsewhere in Japan. Finding home-brewed alcohol elsewhere in Japan is not easy because the government banned the practice.
• Be mindful of others. During peak season, Shirakawa-go can get crowded. Don’t take too much time posing for photos to give others a chance to enjoy the views and attractions also.
• Be polite. If you are using Nihongo to say thank you, don’t just say arigatou , but rather arigatou gozaimasu . The latter is more formal and polite. Sumimasen can mean excuse me or sorry .

If you’re planning a multi-city tour of Japan, check out our guide for that here :

This post is brought to you by the Chubu Transport Bureau .

2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣0️⃣ • 3️⃣ • 2️⃣7️⃣

More Tips on YouTube ⬇️⬇️⬇️

Is this post helpful to you?

Related Posts:

• OSAKA AND KYOTO: Budget Travel Guide
• JAPAN MULTI-CITY TOUR: How to Plan a Budget Trip
• TOKYO TRAVEL GUIDE with Sample Itinerary & Budget
• TOTTORI TRAVEL GUIDE with Budget Itinerary, Things to Do
• YONAGO & DAISEN Travel Guide & Budget Itinerary
• ONOMICHI TRAVEL GUIDE with Budget Itinerary
• CENTRAL JAPAN: 25 Best Things to Do & Places to Visit
• CENTRAL JAPAN ITINERARY: 5 Days in Nagoya, Shirakawago, Kanazawa & More!

• Recent Posts

• 2024 STILTS CALATAGAN Beach Resort Travel Guide with Itinerary & Budget - 7 April 2024
• TOKYO SKYTREE TRAVEL GUIDE: Know Before You Visit! - 30 March 2024
• 37 BORACAY TOURIST SPOTS & Things to Do (with Prices!) - 6 November 2023

Hi. May i know how much you spent for this Shirakawa-go trip? I just want to have an idea. Tnx!

Hi, how long do you recommend us to stay at Shirakawa-go because I am booking our bus tickets so I know the time to book for our return bus. Would 2 hours be enough to satisfy exploring everything Shirakawa-go has to offer?

i think 2 hours is way too short…. unless you are saying 2 hours at the place. Maybe barely enough… but you will be very rush

Parang too short, sabi ni Asta (author).

Hello! Just wanted to ask if we need to book reservation for Nohi Bus from Takayama?

Hello Kabayan! May sked kami March 18, 2020 from Takayama to Shinnhotaka Ropeway at gusto namin malaman kung ok lang ba and DIY (kasi 7 kmi) o mas maganda ang package tour? Ano ba ang adv and disadv ng dalawa? Pakibigyan mo naman kami ng tips at kung paano pupunta doon. Salamat

Yung base nyo ay Takayama?

Hindi ako familiar sa mga packaged tours from Takayama so hindi ko macompare. Pero if i-DIY mo, medyo mahal so make sure meron kayo nung highway bus pass.

More info about Takayama Travel here: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2018/03/hida-takayama-japan/

Hello. Can you give a rough idea about the accommodation cost inside the Shirakawa go village? I’m thinking of going there during winter illumination so wanted to make a budget. Thanks ❤️

Hello i just wanted to know if they have a wheel chair going to the village or how can a senior citezen go inside the village. is there a place near the village where can they stop.

Featured On

We heard you!

Your comment is now queued for moderation! We’ll try to get back to you soonest. While waiting, follow us on these channels.

Subscribe on Youtube! Follow us on Instagram!

Home » Travel » Destinations » Shirakawa-go Day Trip Itinerary: A Scenic Guide

Shirakawa-go Day Trip Itinerary: A Scenic Guide

After numerous trips across the Land of the Rising Sun, I can safely say that this Shirakawa-go day trip itinerary was the best travel experience I’ve had in Japan. From the scenic bus ride through the mountains to the steaming bowl of miso ramen that chased the chill from our bones, every moment of our Shirakawa-go journey was pure magic.

I hope this guide makes it easy for you plan your own enchanting escape!

Why is Shirakawa-go worth visiting?

Shirakawa-go is a 1,000-year-old village nestled in a moutain valley of Gifu Prefecture. Thanks to its remote location, the area remained relatively undisturbed during Japan’s long and occasionally destructive history, leaving its beautiful and unique Gassho-style farmhouses preserved to this day.

Along with its neighbor, Gokayama, it was placed on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1995.

While the thatched-roof A-frame buildings are the stars of the show, it’s the stunning landscape as a whole that makes Shirakawa-go worth visiting. Between the towering pine trees, rice paddies, undulating streams, and snowy mountain backdrop, there are few places in the world that rival the village’s “stuck out of time” appearance.

The tricky thing about visiting Shirakawa-go is that there are no nearby train stations. Instead, visitors need to travel by highway bus or drive themselves, which means advanced planning and a bit of courage are required to get here. But I promise–the extra steps are absolutely worth it.

If you want to travel Japan off the beaten path , this is the destination for you!

When is the best time to take a Shirakawa-go day trip?

The village looks lovely in every season, but I’d argue that winter is the best time to visit Shirakawa-go. Receiving over 30 feet of snow annually, it’s the ideal spot to go walking in a winter wonderland.

That being said, plan your Shirakawa-go day trip for early December or late February/very early March to boost your chances of seeing snow AND not getting delayed (or cancelled) due to inclement weather.

We visited the first week of March, and as luck would have it, there was a pristine blanket of snow covering the entire village when we arrived. It was mesmerizing to watch the steam rise from the thatched roofs and see sparkling flakes drift down from the trees whenever a slight breeze blew.

If a winter trip isn’t in the cards, my second choice would be early summer when the rice paddies turn vibrant green and puffy hydrangeas burst into bloom. Thanks to its valley location, it’s the perfect spot to escape the heat that plagues places like Tokyo and Osaka that time of year.

Despite its off-the-beaten-track location, Shirakawa-go village is one of the most famous things in Japan and sees an influx of visitors in late summer and early autumn. Keep that in mind if your goal is to avoid the crowds.

How much time do you need in Shirakawa-go?

You can thoroughly explore the sights of Shirakawa-go in around 5 hours thanks to its compact size. A day trip to Shirakawa-go is enough time to walk the main village, enter multiple Gassho house museums, and get away from the crowds on some of the side roads and overlook spots.

We spent close to 6 hours here because of the out-of-the-way (and totally worth it) trek to the village outskirts for a bowl of ramen. It was one of the best bowls of ramen I’ve had in my life, but you can cut that bit from the Shirakawa-go itinerary below to save time.

Regardless of where you’re traveling from, I highly recommend taking the first bus available . The village fills up with tourists as the day goes on, and it can quickly lose its charm if you’re stuck behind the crowds piling out of tour buses near midday.

Getting to Shirakawa-go from Kanazawa

Taking a day trip to Shirakawa-go from Kanazawa is easy thanks to the express bus, which takes about 1 hour 25 minutes minutes each way.

Nohi Bus operates about 9 buses between Kanazawa and Shirakawa-go. You must have an advanced reservation to ride the bus , and I highly encourage you consult the timetable and make your reservation online .

Tickets can be booked up to a month in advance, and if you’re traveling on the weekend or during the busy season, I would buy your tickets as early as possible. When we visited on a Friday in early March, and the attendant said every bus returning to Kanazawa that afternoon and evening was fully booked!

Once you’ve paid the fare, you’ll receive a confirmation email that includes a reservation number and your seat assignments. Make sure you save a copy of this either as a screenshot, PDF, or even print it out, as you cannot board without it.

Kanazawa Bus Terminal is located just outside the station, and all of the stops are signposted in both English and Japanese. The bus for Shirakawago departs from the Number 4 bus stop.

If you’re worried you’re in the wrong place, there will also be a digital display on the side of bus that says “This bus is for Shirakawago”, and it will be announced in Japanese. It’s hard to miss!

If for some reason you’re bringing luggage on your Shirakawa-go day trip, there is room to store it below the bus. However, there is very limited luggage storage once you’re in Shirakawa-go, so avoid it if possible.

Be ready to show your email confirmation to the attendant before boarding, and then head to your reserved seat to enjoy the scenic ride.

Getting to Shirakawa-go from Takayama

Nohi Bus also operates the bus route between Shirakawa-go and Takayama Bus Terminal, which takes about 50 minutes each way.

Because of the short journey time and additional buses that run this section of the route–some of which don’t require an advanced reservation–it’s slightly easier to take a day trip from Takayama to Shirakawa-go vs. the other popular jumping-off points. That being said, it’s the most traveled route to the UNESCO site, so reservations are strongly encouraged!

Check the timetables and fares and make your seat reservations on their official site . Remember to save a copy of your emailed confirmation to your phone or print it out prior to the journey.

The Takayama Bus Terminal is just outside the train station. The signs for each bus stop are labeled in Japanese and English, so look for the sign that says “Shirakawago” (it should be Number 4 but it may change in the future).

Pro tip: If you’re based in/near Takayama, I highly recommend a day trip to Kamikochi for some gorgeous and accessible hiking in the Japanese Alps.

Getting to Shirakawa-go from Nagoya

There are a few different operators that run buses between Nagoya and Shirakawa-go. However, you can use the Gifu Bus website to view all of the timetimes and fares and make the mandatory reservations.

Of the three popular Shirakawago day trip routes, Nagoya has the fewest buses and the longest journey time. It takes around 3 hours each way, and you’re more likely to encounter delays and detours during the snowy season.

Buses depart from Meitetsu Bus Center, which is just outside Nagoya Station.

Can I drive to Shirakawa-go?

Yes, you can drive to Shirakawa-go and park at the Seseragi Park Parking Area . It’s conveniently located next to the Shirakawa-go Gassho-zukuri Minkaen (open air museum).

The fee is 1000 yen for cars (I believe card and cash are both accepted but bring cash just in case). There’s also a tourist information center adjacent to the parking area where you can use the toilet and get English travel info and pamphlets.

What to know before your Shirakawa-go day trip

Before you set off for this remote village, read over these tips to maximize your Shirakawa-go day trip itinerary.

• Total Itinerary Cost: 2000 yen (excluding food and transit).
• Business hours for all the spots on this itinerary are 9am to 4pm or 5pm, which works perfectly if you’re taking public transit.
• Bring pleny of cash with you, as most places don’t take card payment.
• While I always recommend learning a bit of Japanese, nearly every place you’ll visit in Shirakawa-go has English signage, pamphlets, menus, and/or an English-speaking staff member. However, there are a couple smaller (and optional) spots on this itinerary where you’ll need to read or speak some basic Japanese.
• If you’re visiting in winter, bring a pair of boots or waterproof shoes to trek through snowy pathways.
• You’ll need to remove your shoes when entering the Gassho houses, so wear good socks or bring a pair to change into.
• Mountain weather is unpredictable and temperatures change a lot during the course of the day, so bring a rain jacket/umbrella and dress in layers.
• There’s a small building behind the bus information center where you can pay to store luggage. Space is limited and there is a list of loose items they will not accept (ex. bottles of liquid), so it’s best to keep your luggage in a coin locker at the station you’re traveling from or at your hotel or have it forwarded to your next accommodation.
• When leaving Shirakawa-go, you need to go through the bus information center building to line up for departure. There are signs above each exit for different stations/cities. A staff member will point out when it’s time to leave and where to line up your luggage to be loaded.

RELATED: Comprehensive Japan Travel Checklist for First-Time Visitors

Save me for later!

Shirakawa-go Day Trip Itinerary

Note that this itinerary is optimized for travelers arriving by bus. If you’re self-driving to Shirakawago, you could follow this guide in reverse as the last destination is adjacent to the car park. Or, you could follow it as written and conclude your Shirakawa-go day trip with a super short walk back to your vehicle.

Ogimachi Castle Observation Deck

You’ll begin your day of Shirakawa-go sightseeing with a truly spectacular view over the village–and a chance to stretch your legs after the long journey.

Built on top of the former site of Ogimachi Castle, this observation area is a great place to take panoramic pictures of Shirakawa-go against the mountain backdrop. It’s completely free to access and very spacious, so no need to jostle with other visitors to get the best vantage point.

Getting here is easy if you can manage a mild 15-20 minute hike up the well-beaten path. Simply head south from the bus terminal until you reach the fork in the road, where there will be a wooden signpost with directions to turn left to reach the start of the pathway towards the observation areas.

Shiroyama Tenshukaku Observation Deck

Before heading back down the mountainside, it’s worth walking a few more minutes up to the Shiroyama Tenshukaku Observation Deck. You’ll have a slightly different perspective over the village along with an assortment of vending machines and a small shop/cafe (which may not be open depending on how early you arrive).

After you’ve soaked up the views, head back down the trail and make your way into the village.

Your first stop in the village proper is Wada House, the largest gassho-zukuri style house in Shirakawa-go. This impeccably-preserved home is estimated to be around 200-400 years old, and the interiors offer a glimpse into what life was like in the village during the Edo period.

Visitors can explore the first and second floors where the Wada family’s antiques and silk-making equipment are on display. I especially enjoyed the shoji screens and the views from the upper floor windows.

There are also informational placards in both Japanese and English, so you can get even more details about the history of the place and the local culture.

On your way out, you can buy a lovely set of postcards that feature Shirakawa-go across the four seasons.

Admisison costs 400 yen, and you will need to remove your shoes to enter the house.

Kanda House and/or Nagase House

Like Wada House, both Kanda House and Nagase House are wonderfully preserved Gassho houses from the Edo period. Each building showcases a different trade that the generations of families practiced–gunpowder production for Kanda and doctoring for Nagase.

If you have the time and money, both places are worth a visit. However, you could skip Nagase House and spend more time in Kanda, which is quite large and offers great views from its upper floors. Note that Kanda House is closed on Wednesdays, so plan accordingly.

Entry is 400 yen for Kanda House and 300 yen for Nagase house. There are no shoes allowed inside either homes.

Free Exploring

One of the best things to do in Shirakawa-go is break away from the busy attractions and meander around the little side roads. Some of my fondest memories of our trip were the tranquil walks through the tree-lined pathways leading to old residences and tiny shrines.

While the major show-stoppers are located on the main roads, there are plenty of charming Gassho houses and cozy scenes to enjoy off the signposted tourist track. The narrow forest trail that runs along the village’s eastern edge is a particular favorite, especially on a snowy day.

Despite its remote location, there’s no shortage of places to eat in Shirakawa-go. Whether you’re after a light snack or a more substantial meal, you’ll find restaurants, cafes, and window service stalls along all of the main roads.

As mentioned earlier, many places still operate as cash-only, so be sure to bring yen with you. There are a couple of ATMs along the main road but they may not work with all foreign banking cards.

Luckily, Shirakawa-go’s popularity with international travelers means most places have multi-lingual menus or at least pictures of the food so that you can point to what you’d like to order.

One spot you cannot miss is the small window stall selling mitarashi dango. It’s located on the eastern side of the long central road, not far from Kanda House and the public restroom building. The eldery husband and wife working there are so kind, and the sweet-and-salty taste of the grilled mochi is heavenly.

We chose to make the long trek north of the village center to eat at Zundou, a tiny and traditional ramen shop.

While I had the best bowl of miso ramen of my life here, it’s about a 30 minute walk each way, and according to the reviews, the shop may be closed despite the posted business hours. Also, the menu is written in stylized Japanese and I don’t believe the staff speak English, so you’ll need some basic skill with the language to successfully order.

Shirakawa-go Main Street

You’ll be criss-crossing Shirakawa-go’s main street in the course of this day trip itinerary. However, you’d be remiss if you breezed past the Ghibli-esque treasures that line the village’s thoroughfare.

From water wheels to tanuki statues to bright red postboxes, this road is brimming with charm. And there’s no shortage of places to grab some Japanese souvenirs along the way. Popular souvenirs from Shirakawa-go include wooden owls, wind chimes, and silk-related handicrafts like small purses.

Resume your exploration at Myozenji, the largest shrine in Shirakawa-go village. Established in 1748, Myozenji’s main buildings–the hall, monk’s residence, and iconic bell tower with thatched roof–were constructed around 1800.

The shrine is one of those spots in Shirakawago that exemplifies the Japan’s natural beauty. There’s a massive yew and a cherry blossom tree, and the stone torii gates surrounded by foliage are picture perfect.

It’s free to wander the small grounds outside, and 300 yen to enter the museum and main hall.

Shirakawa-go Three Houses

The group of Gassho-zukuri known as the Shirakawago Three Houses are perhaps the most iconic symbol of the village, appearing in loads of promotional materials and postcards. Unlike Wada or Kanda House, this location is a scenic point only, not a museum.

Although you’ll find images online that show the three house facades perfectly grouped and facing the camera, it’s no longer possible to walk deep enough into the surrounding field to get this vantage point.

There’s a small path that you can follow up to the point where I took the above picture, but the owner of the field has placed a small rope and sign stopping people from walking further. Please be a responsible traveler and respect the sign!

Gassho-zukuri Minkaen

No Shirakawa-go day trip itinerary is complete without a trip through the Gassho-zukuri Minkaen. Situated on the western side of the Shō River that divides the village in half, this large open air museum is a piece of Japanese history frozen in time.

To reach the museum from the Three Houses, head back towards the center of town and turn left at the first intersection. You’ll soon reach the Ogimachi Suspension Bridge that leads you over the river. Follow the walking path and posted signs for the museum entrance.

Within the open air museum, there are numerous Gassho houses, storerooms, water mills, and other buildings essential to village life scattered across a beautiful landscape of greenery and water. And you can enter pretty much every single one to learn about how the people of Shirakawago lived, ate, worked, and celebrated hundreds of years ago.

Admission is 600 yen and comes with an informational pamphlet and map. You’ll need to remove your shoes to enter some of the buildings.

That concludes this Shirakawago itinerary! I hope it gives you the confidence to make the journey to this amazing gem in Japan.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Shirakawa-Go Guide: Things To Do And How To Get There

• Gifu , World Heritage

Stepping into the village of Shirakawa-go is akin to stepping back in time. Nestled in the remote mountains of Gifu Prefecture, Japan, this rustic village beckons travelers with its charming landscape and unique Gassho-style architecture .

Its fairy-tale allure, untouched by the rapid modernization of the world outside, has rightfully earned it a spot as a UNESCO World Heritage site .

Shirakawa-go’s cultural richness, quaint beauty, and historical significance make it a must-visit for anyone seeking to explore Japan beyond its bustling cities. If you’re yearning for the authentic Japanese rural experience, look no further. This comprehensive guide aims to equip you with all the knowledge you need to plan a memorable trip to this timeless gem.

Why Visit Shirakawa-Go

Shirakawa-go isn’t just a destination; it’s an experience. With its traditional Gassho-style houses, picturesque scenery, and warm, inviting locals, the village offers a peek into a way of life that has stood still amid the passing centuries.

The Gassho-style houses, with their steep thatched roofs resembling hands in prayer, stand as living testimonials to a unique architectural style adapted to the harsh winters of the region. These structures, some of which are over 250 years old, transport you back to Japan’s bygone eras.

A trip to Shirakawa-go offers not only a break from urban life but also a meaningful immersion into a culture and history often overlooked by typical tourist itineraries. Here, you can step away from the fast-paced life and explore Japan at a pace that respects the timeless rhythm of nature and humanity.

When to Visit Shirakawa-Go

The appeal of Shirakawa-go changes with the seasons, offering a unique charm all year round. The village dazzles under the winter snow, with its thatched-roof houses appearing like intricate snow sculptures under the soft, warm glow of lights. This is the time when the village’s annual illumination event takes place, attracting photographers and travelers from around the world.

Come spring, the snow melts away to reveal a lush green landscape, with cherry blossoms adding a blush of pink. Summer brings with it a vibrant green hue as the rice fields come to life. In autumn, the village basks in the glow of fall foliage, presenting yet another mesmerizing sight.

While each season brings its charm, the quiet beauty of winter snow and the riot of colors in fall make these periods particularly appealing for a visit.

What to Do in Shirakawa-Go

Once you’re in Shirakawa-go, the real adventure begins. Below are some must-see and do’s in the village:

Explore the Gassho-style Houses: No visit to Shirakawa-go is complete without exploring the iconic Gassho-style houses . Some of the most famous ones are the Wada House and Nagase House , offering insights into the local lifestyle and history.

Visit the Shirakawa-go Gassho-zukuri Minkaen: This open-air museum located on the outskirts of the village showcases 25 relocated and preserved Gassho-zukuri houses. It’s an ideal place to learn more about the traditional lifestyle of the region.

Discover the Shiroyama Viewpoint: For a panoramic view of the village and its beautiful surroundings, head to the Shiroyama Viewpoint. It’s a paradise for photographers, especially during the winter illumination event and the autumn color season.

Experience local cuisine: Enjoy a meal at one of the local restaurants serving regional specialties. Don’t miss the Hoba Miso, a dish where vegetables and miso paste are grilled on a magnolia leaf.

Participate in local traditions and seasonal events: If you time your visit right, you can participate in local festivals like the Doburoku Festival , where the village’s unique sake is shared among the locals and visitors. The winter light-up event is another spectacular experience, where the snow-covered village is illuminated to create a magical landscape.

Where to Stay in Shirakawa-Go

To make the most out of your Shirakawa-go experience, consider spending a night in the village. A variety of traditional Gassho-style guesthouses, known as minshuku, offer overnight stays.

Staying in a minshuku lets you experience the village’s charm after the day-trippers have left and the quiet of the night takes over. It’s an immersive experience where you can enjoy local hospitality, taste home-cooked meals, and even help out with some farm tasks, depending on the season.

The guesthouses can get booked up quickly, especially during popular times like the winter illumination event, so it’s recommended to book well in advance. It’s important to note that most guesthouses do not accept credit cards and require cash payments.

Getting to Shirakawa-Go

Shirakawa-go is well connected to some of Japan’s major cities. Here is a detailed breakdown of how to reach this beautiful village from Takayama, Kanazawa, Tokyo, and Toyama.

From Takayama

Takayama and Shirakawa-go are connected by the Nouhi Bus service. The journey takes about 50 minutes to an hour. Buses depart from Takayama Bus Terminal, which is located right next to JR Takayama Station. It’s a good idea to buy your bus ticket at least a day in advance, especially during peak tourist season.

From Kanazawa

Kanazawa is another city with direct bus connections to Shirakawa-go, provided by the Hokutetsu Bus service. The journey takes approximately 75 minutes. Buses leave from the East Gate of Kanazawa Station. Similar to Takayama, you are advised to buy your tickets a day in advance, especially during peak seasons.

To get to Shirakawa-go from Tokyo, you have a few options:

• Train to Toyama then bus to Shirakawa-go: Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo to Toyama, which takes about 2 to 2.5 hours. From Toyama Station, head to the bus terminal and take a bus to Shirakawa-go. This bus journey takes about 1.5 hours.
• Train to Takayama then bus to Shirakawa-go: Take the Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo to Nagoya, then transfer to the Hida Wide View Express for Takayama. This journey takes approximately 4.5 hours in total. From Takayama, you can take the Nouhi Bus to Shirakawa-go, which takes about an hour.

From Toyama

From Toyama, you can take a bus directly to Shirakawa-go. The bus terminal is just outside Toyama Station. Buses are operated by the Kaetsuno Bus company, and the journey takes about 1.5 hours. As with other routes, it’s recommended to purchase your tickets a day in advance during peak seasons.

Remember, whether you’re travelling from Tokyo, Toyama, Takayama, or Kanazawa, the key to a smooth journey to Shirakawa-go is planning ahead and booking your bus tickets in advance. This is especially important during popular seasons such as the winter illumination event or the autumn leaf viewing season when many travelers flock to see the beauty of this historic village.

Day Trips to and from Shirakawa-Go

While Shirakawa-go doesn’t really serve as a base (more of a day trip destination for most) There are some recommended places nearby or places to base yourself for a day trip here.

Gokayama: Just like Shirakawa-go, Gokayama is known for its traditional Gassho-style houses but is less crowded. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage site and is only a short bus ride away.

Takayama: Known as ‘Little Kyoto’, Takayama offers beautifully preserved streets lined with old merchant houses, sake breweries, and craft shops. It also hosts the famous Takayama Festival twice a year.

Kanazawa: Famous for the beautifully landscaped Kenrokuen Garden , one of Japan’s top three gardens, Kanazawa also offers a thriving contemporary art scene, historic districts, and excellent local cuisine.

Gokayama: The Less Explored Gem near Shirakawa-Go

Gokayama, often overshadowed by its more famous neighbor, Shirakawa-go, is a picturesque historic village that offers a quieter, yet equally captivating experience. Like Shirakawa-go, Gokayama is also a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its traditional Gassho-style houses. Here’s everything you need to know about this serene village.

Comparing Gokayama with Shirakawa-Go

While both Shirakawa-go and Gokayama share the same traditional Gassho-style architecture, their visitor experiences can be quite different.

Crowd Levels: One of the main differences between the two is the level of tourism. Shirakawa-go tends to be more crowded due to its larger size and popularity, especially during the illumination event in winter and the cherry blossom season in spring. On the other hand, Gokayama, being less known, provides a more tranquil atmosphere, allowing visitors to leisurely explore the village without the throng of crowds.

Preservation: Gokayama is said to have a higher level of preservation and authenticity compared to Shirakawa-go, mainly due to lesser commercialization.

Size & Attractions: Shirakawa-go, being larger, has more attractions such as the open-air museum, multiple observation points, and more Gassho-style houses to explore. Gokayama, though smaller, offers its own charm with its tranquil surroundings, fewer houses, and the opportunity for hands-on experiences such as washi paper making.

Getting to Gokayama

Gokayama can be accessed from both Shirakawa-go and major cities like Kanazawa and Takayama.

From Shirakawa-go: The easiest way to get to Gokayama from Shirakawa-go is by bus. The journey takes approximately 30-40 minutes. The Nouhi Bus operates services between these two villages, and the schedule can be found on their official website.

From Kanazawa: Direct buses run from Kanazawa to Gokayama and take around 1.5 hours. The buses depart from Kanazawa station’s east exit.

From Takayama: From Takayama, you will first need to take a bus to Shirakawa-go (approximately 50 minutes to 1 hour) and then another bus from Shirakawa-go to Gokayama (around 30-40 minutes).

Tips for Traveling in Shirakawa-Go

Respect the local etiquette: Remember that many of the houses in the village are private residences. Respect the locals’ privacy and do not enter any houses unless they are open to the public.

Be prepared for the weather: The village experiences heavy snowfall in winter. Bring suitable clothing and footwear to enjoy your visit comfortably.

Language tips: While some locals speak basic English, knowing a few phrases in Japanese can be handy and is always appreciated.

Bring Cash: Not all shops or accommodations accept credit cards, so it’s wise to bring enough cash for your needs.

Shirakawa-go is a true gem that offers visitors a unique chance to experience a traditional Japanese village firsthand. From the charm of its Gassho-style houses to the beauty of its changing seasons, the hospitality of its people, and the richness of its history and culture, this village is more than just a destination – it’s a step back in time, a peaceful respite, and an enriching journey all rolled into one.

Related Posts

Private Afternoon Cycling Tour In Hida-Furukawa

• November 24, 2023

Private Afternoon Cycling Tour in Hida-Furukawa

• November 18, 2023

Ghost Stories And Nightlife Private Tour Of Takayama

• July 31, 2023

Trending now

Gifu Prefecture. Shirakawago sightseeing. Event information

• Briefly about Shirakawa-go
• Shirakawa-go weather
• Announcements&Events

Tours&Activities

Find attractions spot

• Koshirakawa
• Tour・Activity

Show 5 All result Show 1 to 5 result

Shirakawa-go village Guide tour

Detailed explanations of history and culture,enjoy the traditional local cuisine and walking around the Shirakawa-go Gassho-Zukuri village with our local guide.

Toyama-ke Lunch project

Why dont you enjoy your lunch in the Gasso house! About 15 km from the World Heritage Village, there is Toyama House (tour facility), which is designated as nationally important cultural property. At the house, you can have lunches with local style meals which is made from local ingredients. Of course, you can spend a relaxing time visiting the house before and after the lunch. "

Toyota Shirakawago Eco-Institute Outdoor activity program

While having fun with a variety of seasonal outdoor activity programs,  enjoy our accommodation, natural hot spring, taste french cuisine that mainly uses local ingredients, we will fill up full of joey and relaxtion during your stay in Shirakawago.

Shirakawago Activity CenterーO８

"Shirakawa-go(village)" is well known as a World Heritage Site. The living culture of the village with the symbol of Gassho-house has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage. Behind the creation of this unique living culture is the rich and harsh natural environment of Shirakawago. At Shirakawago 08 Outdoor Activity Center, we provide outdoor activity that allow you to experience the natural scenery of Shirakawago. Please come and enjoy the rich and harsh natural environment of Shirakawago.

Sauna experience in Salugabamba

Welcome to SALUGABAMBA, opening in 2023 in Hirase Onsen! Experience the ultimate sauna experience. Bring your own swimming costume.

Search facilities at once!

Room reservation in Shirakawago

Check-in date

Number of people per room

Number of nights

Number of rooms

• Documents request
• Download documents
• Notation based on Specified Commercial Transaction Law
• Privacy policy
• Download Shirakawago photos
• Live camera

Ploy's Little Atlas

Just another world from Ploy's view

The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Shirakawa-go During New Year

Shirakawa-go, without a doubt, stands as a captivating destination with its traditional Japanese charm. Countless articles, pictures, and online tales attest to the greatness of this village, capturing the hearts of people worldwide. Although numerous guides exist for this UNESCO World Heritage Site, our focus lies on providing comprehensive insights into visiting Shirakawa-go during a specific time: the enchanting New Year holiday season. If you’re planning your trip for this extraordinary period, consider this article your ultimate cheat sheet to make the most of your experience!

Japanese New Year Season:

If you plan to visit Shirakawa-go during the Japanese New Year, it’s essential to give it careful thought, as this holiday holds great importance in the country. From January 1 to January 3, or sometimes extending beyond, most businesses undergo a shutdown. Consequently, there are several crucial factors to keep in mind for your visit during this time of year:

Getting to Shirakawa-go During New Year Holiday Season:

Traveling to Shirakawago by bus offers various options depending on your location in Japan, with several bus companies providing convenient services. 

If you are coming from nearby cities like Takayama, Kanazawa, or Toyama, Nohi Bus is the recommended choice for commuting to and from these destinations. 

Alternatively, if you are arriving from Toyama city, Kaetsunō Bus operates buses to Shirakawago. 

Visitors coming from Nagoya can rely on Gifu Bus for accessible transportation to Shirakawa-go.

However, it’s crucial to be aware of the specific bus schedules for each company during the New Year holiday season:

• Nohi Bus: There will be no buses operating from Dec. 29 to Jan. 3 (check this “ website ” for more details).
• Kaetsunō Bus: Buses will be available but limited (check this “ website ” for more details).
• Gifu Bus: Buses may be available (check this “ website ” for more details).

Driving to Shirakawa-go by car is the most viable option during the national holiday, and renting a car in Japan is relatively straightforward. Here are some essential points to consider if you plan to drive yourself:

• Driving in Winter: To access Shirakawago by car during the winter, it is essential to have winter tires and possess proper winter driving skills.
• Tollway Fee: Be sure to have cash on hand for the tollway fee.
• Restricted Access: Direct access to the village by car is prohibited. Set the village’s parking lot as your destination on your navigator.
• Parking Fee: Expect a parking fee of around 1,000 yen (8:00AM~5:00PM).
• Early Arrival: The village experiences significant crowds during the New Year break. Aim to arrive early, preferably before 9 o’clock, to secure a smooth parking experience.

Book a Tour:

For added convenience, consider booking a tour package, which remains available during the holiday season and offers a hassle-free experience. Here are some suggested tours to Shirakawa-go that you might find appealing:

• The Historic Villages of Shirakawa-gō and Takayama Jinya Day Trip
• Takayama & Shirakawa-go Day Tour with Hida Beef Lunch from Nagoya
• Shared Bus Transfer Between Nagoya, Hida-Takayama and Shirakawa-go

What to Expect When Visiting Shirakawa-go During New Year Season:

Winter wonderland:.

If you yearn to witness the enchanting winter vistas of the thatched-roof houses blanketed in a thick layer of snow, visiting during the New Year season is the ideal time. The entire village transforms into a picturesque wonderland, evoking the feeling of stepping into a marvelous marshmallow land.

Limited Dining & Shopping Options:

As mentioned earlier, many businesses shut down during the New Year, resulting in fewer places to eat and shop at Shirakawa-go. To avoid any inconvenience, it’s advisable to prepare for these limitations by bringing some food or snacks with you to sustain yourself while exploring the village. However, there’s good news—the gift shop located at the village’s observatory remains operational during the holiday, offering a chance to find unique souvenirs and keepsakes amidst the tranquil winter setting.

Can the Shirakawago Winter Light-Up be Seen during the New Year?

The highly anticipated Shirakawago Winter Light-Up Event, where the village’s gassho-zukuri farmhouses are illuminated after dark, creates a truly magical scene. However, it’s important to note that this event does not take place during the new year holiday. In 2024, the scheduled dates for the Winter Light-Up are as follows:

• January 14, 2024 (Sunday)
• January 21, 2024 (Sunday)
• January 28, 2024 (Sunday)
• February 4, 2024 (Sunday)
• February 12, 2024 (Monday, a national holiday)
• February 18, 2024 (Sunday)

More information about the event: visit this site . 

Dress Accordingly:

With fewer shops and restaurants open during the holiday, you’ll have limited options to take refuge from the cold. It becomes crucial to dress in layers and wear winter gloves to stay warm and comfortable while navigating the snowy terrain.

Access to Shiroyama Viewpoint:

The best panoramic view of the village can be admired from the Shiroyama Observatory, and the good news is that it remains accessible even during the New Year holiday. Don’t miss this opportunity to capture the stunning beauty of Shirakawa-go from this vantage point.

How to Reach the Village’s Viewpoint (Shiroyama Viewpoint):

To access the Shiroyama Viewpoint, there is a convenient shuttle bus service available for tourists. For a reasonable fare of 200 yen per person for a one-way trip, you can be transported from the main street to the observatory. Opting for the shuttle bus is highly recommended, as walking to the viewpoint could take at least 30-40 minutes, and during this time of year, the path might be slippery and challenging to navigate.

Location of the Bus to Observatory:

Other q&a about visiting shirakawago:, how much time should i spend exploring the village.

The duration of your visit to Shirakawago can vary depending on your preferences. You can opt for a short two-hour visit or extend it to a full day, with some travelers choosing to stay overnight to relish the serene countryside beyond daylight hours. Keep in mind that even on regular days, most shops and restaurants close around 4 p.m. For a well-rounded experience, we recommend allocating three to four hours to explore the village, allowing ample time to immerse yourself in the charm of this unique destination.

Is it Worth to Stay Overnight?

Staying overnight in Shirakawa-go offers a truly exceptional experience, making it well worth considering if you desire the following:

• Immersing yourself in the charm of Minshuku, the traditional family-operated Japanese-style bed and breakfasts.
• Witnessing the mesmerizing Winter Light-Up event, as overnight guests receive the privilege of accessing the parking lot and enjoying the Shiroyama Viewpoint during the event.
• Having the village almost entirely to yourself, as most tourists visit on day trips. After the last buses depart Shirakawa-go, you’ll have the entire place as your photography haven.

However, it’s essential to note that securing a reservation in one of these amazing farmhouses can be exceedingly challenging, especially during the peak winter season. To book your stay, check out this website .

Are There Any Hot Spring Baths (Onsen) in Shirakawago?

Indeed, there is an onsen available at Shirakawa-go No Yu ryokan. Guests staying at any of the inns in Shirakawa-go can enjoy a discounted rate when using the hot spring, paying only 600 yen instead of the regular 700 yen fee.

There you have it—everything you need to know to make the most of your visit to the enchanting village of Shirakawa-go during the New Year break. We hope this guide assists you in planning a smooth and enjoyable vacation! Have a fantastic time exploring the winter wonderland of Shirakawa-go and creating cherished memories during this special time of year. Safe travels and happy holidays!

Gallery: Pictures Shot at Shirakawa-go on New Year’s Eve

Access Map to Shirakawa-go :

Quick info about shirakawa-go:.

Did this entry help you? Or Did you enjoy my photos? Help support my small blog by giving a little cup of joe. I am always grateful when readers reach out wanting to support 🙂

p.s. This post is independently created. However, when you book or purchase something through the retail links, I may earn an affiliate commission to help keep Ploy’s Little Atlas running. Thank you very much for your support!

p.p.s All images used (unless specified) are owned by the author of the blog and permission is required for a repost. Please, reach out via social media channels to ask beforehand if you’d like to use them.

Shirakawa-go: A lesson on true human connection and ideology referred as Yui

• Shirakawa-go
• Sustainable Gifu
• Living Culture

Nestled in a remote valley and flanked by the mountains of Gifu, Shirakawa-go is the type of place where it’s very easy to forget the rest of the world exists. Mountainous forests occupy almost 96% of the village’s area, and while it’s a stunning place to be, it’s easy to imagine that life here—especially generations ago—would be difficult. But it’s a life I’m soon to discover was made possible by a powerful philosophy which the locals call ‘yui’.

This pocket of the nation is recognized as one of the snowiest places in Japan, each year an average of 10 meters of snowfall coat the village and it’s not uncommon for snowbanks to hit the two-meter mark. The combination of isolation and harsh climate means it takes a certain type of person to call Shirakawa-go their home.

Shirakawa-go people need to be resilient and resourceful but also active community members, team players with an innate understanding of their land, and a passion for educating others. While this land was once considered part of the Hida Province, following the post-Meiji restoration (1868), the area became part of Gifu’s Ōno District. Not long after, in 1897, Shirakawa-go was formed.

While the exact origins of the gassho-zukuri are shrouded in a little mystery, historians estimate these thatched-roof homes were constructed around 250 to 300 years ago. Cut off from the rest of the world for long periods, the people of Shirakawa-go managed to survive by cultivating mulberry trees and constructing the now iconic houses’ gassho-zukuri roofs, which served multiple economic purposes.

‘What does gassho-zukuri mean?’ You may wonder, well in Japanese, the term ‘gassho’ (合掌) translates to ‘praying hands,’ while ‘-zukuri’ (-造り) is a suffix taken from the verb ‘tsukuru’ (-造る) which means to build or manufacture. Essentially, if you put them together, the name is a reference to the houses’ steep roofs that resemble a Buddhist monk’s hands in prayer.

While thousands of guests visit throughout the year, drawn by the houses, as I was, many are surprised to learn that Shirakawa-go isn’t just some outdoor, open-air museum. It’s not just a relic of the past, but a fully functioning village, where locals continue to live just as their parents did and their parent’s parents before them.

Exploring the interior of one of the houses in Shirakawa-Go that’s open to the public, the architectural ingenuity of the building blows me away. As well as being visually impressive, the angle of the roofs was built just so to ensure that during winter, the heavy snow wouldn’t pile up and jeopardize the structural integrity of the house.

The top loft-like section of the home was used—and still is occasionally—mainly for display purposes or for the rearing of silkworms, an agricultural technique known as ‘sericulture.’ Because the surrounding climate was less than conducive for crop production, locals had to create new sources of income for the village.

These wriggly house guests were especially valuable pre-World War II, in the 1920s to 1930s, before the invention of nylon, when the country produced a large supply of silk stockings. Silkworm dealers would make the arduous journey to supply Shirakawa-go with the worms which would then be cared for and cultivated by the owners of the house, where they flourished as little squirming symbols of the Shirakawa-go’s ingenuity.

Some of the houses are museums open to the public but many others are private residences, meaning they’re still lived in, just as they have been for generations, seemingly unphased by the outside world. Arguably the most famous house in the area is Wada House, which is both. One of the biggest houses in the Shirakawa-go and the most visited, this home is presided over by Mr. Masahito Wada, who inherited the house from his parents.

Mr. Wada is a man with an infectious—and seemingly permanent—smile, warm and welcoming, and so well versed in the history of the village, he’s the perfect ambassador for Shirakawa-go. Born in 1960, Mr. Wada was born locally and was raised in Wada House, but spent a large portion of his younger life working as a teacher, away from his beloved home village. Clearly a born educator, he now also participates as a lecturer as well as local historian.

“When I was a teacher, I worked outside Shirakawa-go. I transferred to a lot of different places,” he explained to me as we sat by the irori, an indoor fire pit used in traditional Japanese houses. But after traveling and working across the map, ultimately, there was only one destiny for him: “In the end I wanted to move closer to my parents, raise children here, and focus on village and house matters.”

Wada’s role as one of the village’s most famous faces can be traced back to a pivotal moment in 1995. It was this year that the village of Shirakawa-go was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a location of great importance to the culture of Japan. During this time, the board responsible for the recognition requested the Wada family to open their family house to the public as it’s an excellent representation of the culture. “Two years after the request,” Mr. Wada said, “in 1997, my parents opened it to the public.”

Turning your house, one that’s been in your family for countless generations—for context, Mr. Wada estimates that he’s the 20th-generation homeowner—into a display for the public, one where strangers can wander through day in and day out would be unfathomable to most. But for the Wada family, this act of generosity was a no-brainer. It was an act for the village’s common good and an action motivated by an ideology referred to as ‘yui.’

‘Yui’ is as synonymous with Shirakawa-go as ‘wabi-sabi’ is to the tea ceremony. It’s the local’s raison d’etre and, explained in the most basic of ways, it’s the spirit of community, closeness, and supporting one another. When asked about his theories of the local evolution of ‘yui’, Mr Wada, with a smile, explained matter of factly, “the harsh natural environment of Shirakawa-go means that without embracing the ethos of ‘yui’, it would be difficult to survive.”

Mr. Wada relays his experience of moving to Tokyo as a university student and how it put his home village into perspective. “I was living in an apartment, not knowing the people around me was a very different experience. Having to only worry about yourself was easy. But if something were to happen, where would I be? That weighed on my mind. That kind of living would be unthinkable here.” You could say in many ways that while Shirakawa-go is isolated in terms of geography, it’s far less isolating than Tokyo, one of the most well-connected cities in the world.

Everything in Shirakawa-go is a team effort, from educating the children about the history of the area to refurbishing and reconstructing the roofs of the gassho-zukuri houses and protecting their homeland from disaster including fire. Since they also learn disaster prevention, it’s one of the reasons why the village is still able to exist the way it does. The homes here are still proudly family-owned. When it comes to the future of these priceless homes, there’s a local motto “don’t sell, don’t lend, don’t destroy,” and as Mr. Wada tells me, outsiders have to marry into the family or become a son or daughter of a gassho-zukuri homeowner to have the honor of one day owning such a home.

“There’s a Shirakawa-go and Ogimachi Natural Environmental Preservation Committee,” Mr. Wada explained “all the people who live here are members of that committee. The committee meets every month to discuss changes to the area.” The preservation of Shirakawa-go is as rooted in the future as much as its past. “We realized that if we work hard to preserve the natural environment, it will continue to be a place where people would continue to come,” Mr. Wada believes.

There’s no arguing that in recent times it’s become a popular tourism destination. The local passion for cultivating and maintaining the authenticity of the culture meant that it’s been relatively immune to quick-money making and mass-market tourism. As a result, those who visit are gifted with a deeper experience, just as I was. Shirakawa-go is more than a beautiful backdrop for some travel selfies.

While many just visit for the day and leave before late afternoon, locals are encouraging guests to stay in one of the authentic gassho-zukuri houses, as not only does it help fund the village directly, but also offers real insight into how the locals live and how Shirakawa-go functions.

I was lucky enough to spend the night in a gassho-zukuri minshiku (guest house), and while the novelty of spending the night in such a meticulously maintained traditional home was exciting, it was the little details that really made it a simply unforgettable experience. From the incredible homestyle dinner spread to the piping hot private bath and kind, almost motherly hospitality, staying the night in one of these local accommodations is far more than just having a place to rest, it’s a lesson in classic Japanese omotenashi kindness.

When asked about the best and most challenging aspects of his work, Mr. Wada—who may I add still lives in the Wada House himself—ponders for a while. “I think preserving the houses and scenery of the traditional countryside is the biggest challenge,” he says, “a lot of hard work goes into the preservation.”

And the best part? That’s easy. “Being able to show guests about the local culture and lives of those who live in the village.” Explaining further, he says, “when people come here, not just to look but to learn about the village, its history and culture; it’s my job to showcase that.” He’s a man who loves to give: a true Shirakawa-go local, “I guess ‘yui’ is part of my DNA,” he says with a smile.

The next day I meet up with a man by the name of Yuta Kuroki. Mr. Kuroki is one of the people responsible for keeping the village’s stunning houses in perfect condition; he’s a roof thatcher.

“Until I was 30 I was working in construction,” he explains, he switched professions after feeling inspired to help restore the legacy of his home. For five years now, he’s been working to repair the gassho-zukuri, as well as spearheading a word-of-mouth initiative to encourage the area to start growing and cultivating the grass used to create the roofs.

“Most of the grass we use now is from Shizuoka,” Mr. Kuroki explains, “but it was once all grown on the mountains that surround us.” Members of the village once each owned a portion of the mountains that surround Shirakawa-go. On those pieces of land, traditionally, the homeowners would grow and harvest the grass, which was later used to repair the roof of their home. It was the ultimate in self-sufficiency. With modern times, as transport became more convenient, it was easier to ship in the grass from areas with less harsh climates. Today many of the mountains are now home to kaya tree plantations.

“Currently, about 90% of the grass we use is from outside the prefecture and 10% is from here,” Mr. Kuroki estimates. Today some of the roofing in Shirakawa-Go houses is made from the locally grown grass, but it is more challenging to grow, you also can’t just use any grass. It has to be specially groomed. That said, if they were to use local grass, Mr. Kuroki thinks it would be “more affordable,” “but,” he clarifies, “that’s not the point, the reasoning for my push, I want to keep true to the spirit of the village.” “It’s still a dream,” he says, “but something I hope to achieve.”

Being a roof thatcher isn’t an easy job. For one roof, it takes about a month to complete, and most houses require a roof restoration every 20 years or so. To do this job, you’ve got to be fit, not afraid of heights, willing to work in harsher climates, well trained, and knowledgeable about the biggest threats to the straw that’s woven to create the roof—which, according to the local builders, is snow (thanks to weight and the potential for rot).

Across the nation, temples, shrines, and other construction-style jobs are facing a shortage of younger, able workers. So, I was stunned to notice that most of the men working on the roof repair site were relatively young, especially by modern Japanese standards. According to Mr. Kuroki, “there are a lot of people from the village that want to become thatchers, but surprisingly there are not enough homes in Shirakawa-go to fill the job demand.” So how does someone make the cut to become a thatcher? “Well, everyone who works here has their own thatched roof, so they have some background,” he explains.

I asked Mr. Kuroki why he thinks it’s a popular job, his answer connects back to yesterday’s ‘yui’ discussions with Mr. Wada; “we teach the local children about their village’s history. We visit the schools and try to inspire the students. As a result, many of the kids think what we do is pretty cool.”

After speaking with Mr. Wada and Mr. Kuroki about Shirakawa-go’s driving force of ‘yui’, I feel like I’ve been handed a new perspective on how to view my relationship with the world. It’s fascinating how ancient philosophies, ones built on the human instinct for survival in a time of great isolation, still carry so much weight today.

While we may think that our present world is more ‘connected’ than it’s ever been—both physically via roads and infrastructure and in communication through technical advances—there’s a lot we can still learn about the true human connection from a place like Shirakawa-go.

Takayama & Shirakawago 3 days tour

• Nature & Activities
• Life & Culture

Multi-Day Tour from Osaka, Kyoto to Shirakawago, Hida Takayama, Kenrokuen

Private 2Days Takayama & Shirakawago Tour

• Tradition & History

Shirakawago & Gokayama Charter Car Tour (Takayama departure) with Private Driver

How to Make Rice Ball “Onigiri” 1H class in Shirakawa-gō

• Food & Drink

Half-day Afternoon Bus Tour to Shirakawa-go from Takayama

Shirakawago Ogimachi Village Half Day Tour from Takayama

Takayama & Shirakawago 2 days tour

Shirakawa-go Half day tour (UNESCO World Heritage near Takayama)

Related see & do pages.

Gero Onsen Gassho Village

Takayama Historical District

• Southeast Gifu

Gero Hot Spring Festival (Fireworks in Gifu)

Hida Takayama Miyagawa Morning Market

Watanabe Sake Brewery

Norikura Skyline

Furukawa Festival

Shinhotaka Ropeway

Plan your trip.

Gifu 3-Day Itinerary: A Classic Trip

The Hidden Gems of Gifu

• Central Gifu

Gifu Travel Guide: All-in-One Package

• Southwest Gifu

Gifu Itinerary: A Trip to Feel Nostalgia of Japan

Discover Gifu

Traditional villages in japan: embracing living culture.

Other Specials Of Gifu

Gifu, Japan – A Leader in Sustainable Tourism

• The Grand Outdoors

Relax your Mind, Body and Soul in the Hot springs of Gifu, Japan

Timeless Japan Craft Tradition Top 5

This website uses cookies to improve convenience. By continuing to browse this site, you agree to our use of cookies. You can also disable cookies by configuring your browser. Please see our cookie policy for more details.

Shirakawa-go: What To Do, When To Visit? Complete Guide

Shirakawa-go, meaning White River Old District is a popular village set in the Gifu prefecture of Central Japan. It features traditional thatched houses called the Gassho-Zukuri that are believed to have been built in the late 17th century.

Inspired by the build of the steep roofs, Gassho-Zukuri means “constructed like hands in prayer” as the locals believe that these homes resemble how Buddhist monks put their hands together when praying. In 1995, the Gassho-Zukuri houses were officially added to the UNESCO World Heritage list for their history and uniqueness.

The best time to visit Shirakawa-go is in autumn. This time of year is perfect as the temperature isn’t hot and the village isn’t too busy. The locals also hold festivals during fall so there are always activities to do for people of all ages.

Of late, Shirakawa-go earned a name for itself thanks to its picturesque sights with lush greenery and mountains surrounding the narrow streets of the village. They’re also famously known for their acres of rice paddy fields, all of which fully grow in between spring and summer.

At Shirakawa-go, the locals lead a quaint and quiet lifestyle, creating a relaxing atmosphere for the tourists who visit.

It’s the ideal vacation spot if you’re looking to escape the regular hustle and bustle of city life and perhaps stay for a few days to recharge your soul before heading out again.

How do I get to Shirakawa-go?

Despite its countryside location, making your way to Shirakawa-go isn’t too difficult.

Depending on where you’re coming from, a trip to Shirakawa-go would typically take between 1 to 3 hours. This makes the village an ideal stop to visit even if you’re just looking for a day trip, although there are plenty of guesthouses and inns that would welcome you for a night’s stay.

If you’re heading to Shirakawa-go from Tokyo, the easiest way is to hop on the Hokuriku Shinkansen that takes you to Toyama for ¥13,000 per way. This journey will take approximately 150 minutes.

Once you’ve arrived at the Toyama station, you can then transfer to a bus that will take you to Shirakawa-go for ¥1,730 per way. This ride will take approximately 90 minutes and stops in the heart of the village.

From Kanazawa

A journey from Kanazawa to Shirakawa-go only takes 75 minutes via the hourly highway buses from the Nohi and Hokutetsu Bus operators.

Each of these rides would cost ¥2,000 for a one-way ticket, or a round trip ticket for ¥3,600. You may however have to pre-book your tickets as seats are numbered and limited.

To make your way to Shirakawa-go from Kyoto, you will have to first make your way to Kanazawa. The JR Thunderbird takes you from Kyoto to Kanazawa in 2 hours and costs between ¥6,490 to ¥7,000 per way.

However, if you have a Japan Rail Pass, these costs are fully covered by the pass. From there, you’ll just have to hop on the highway buses and be whisked away to Shirakawa-go in 75 minutes.

While there are no direct ways for you to reach Shirakawa-go from Osaka, a quick transfer at Kanazawa will take you there. To kick-start this journey, you’ll just have to take the JR Thunderbird for approximately 2.5 hours from Osaka to Kanazawa.

This ride will cost between ¥7,260 to ¥7,500 but is completely covered by the Japan Rail Pass if you are a pass holder. Once you have arrived Kanazawa, simply take the highway buses that leave every hour and you’ll be in Shirakawa-go in the next 75 minutes.

What’s the best time to visit Shirakawa-go?

With Shirakawa-go, there isn’t a specific “best time” to visit as it’s beautiful year-round. Instead, you might want to plan your vacation around what you would most like to see when visiting. Here’s what you can expect to see across the seasons in Shirakawa-go:

• Spring: Spring in Japan typically stretches across March to May. It is one of Japan’s most popular seasons as you’ll be able to catch the cherry blossoms in full bloom. Pack up for a picnic and enjoy a session of “hanami” or flower viewing as the locals do at the local park. You’ll also be able to visit the rice paddy fields in full growth and watch as rice harvesting takes place.
• Summer: Come summer in June to August, you’ll be welcomed to Shirakawa-go through its lusciously green trees that line the streets. With warmer temperatures and blooming flowers, a summer in Shirakawa-go is ideal for anyone looking to spend their days in the sun.
• Fall: Between September to November, you’ll get to watch as the leaves turn into a bright golden-yellow. Streets will be lined with fallen leaves, and festivals crowd the public parks around. In my opinion, you’ll get to experience Shirakawa-go at its best as it isn’t too hot or too cold for a town walkabout.
• Winter: In the winter, snow blankets the villages and sights of Shirakawa-go, turning the village into an unforgettable winter wonderland. As temperatures dip between December to February, you’ll also see rivers freeze so it’s best to tread the streets with care.

If you’re looking to explore the village with other tourists, the months of May, August, September, and October are the most popular.

The village is however open year-round, so if you’re looking to avoid the crowd, you should make your plans away from those months.

What to wear when visiting Shirakawa-go?

As the seasons change, so does the fashion in Shirakawa-go.

Typically, I would always encourage you to dress comfortably and bring along a light jacket in case of rain.

The only exception to Shirakawa-go’s fashion happens in winter when the temperature can dip below zero. I recommend that you bring along a thick, wind, and rainproof jacket if you’re visiting between the months of December to February.

Snowfall is also expected across the village in winter, and this could cause slippery road conditions for first-time visitors. To avoid any unwanted accidents, it’s best to bring along shoes or boots with good grip that could keep your feet warm.

Where do I stay in Shirakawa-go?

Thanks to its fame as a tourist attraction, more and more homes at Shirakawa-go have since been transformed into places you can stay at. One of the best experiences that I can recommend is to book a night (or two!) at any of the Gassho-Zukuri homes in the village.

Gassho-Zukuri

Many of the Gassho-Zukuri houses around Shirakawa-go are now family-run minshukus or hostels. Through a night’s stay, you’ll get to experience life as the locals do such as sleeping on futons at night and sitting on tatami mats in the day.

You may have to share the bathrooms and toilets with the other guests or even the hosts, but the experience is as authentic as it gets.

Most stays would also include a specially prepared Japanese dinner and breakfast, made with locally sourced ingredients according to what’s fresh for the season. Prices are usually charged per person and can start from $75 and up, depending on your host for the night.

Tousukenoyu Fujiya

Tousukenoyu Fujiya is a traditional guesthouse located in the heart of the village.

There are 3 different room types to pick from including a large room to accommodate family stays.

Down by the bath, you’ll be pampered by the natural sulfurous hot springs that flow into a Japanese cypress tub.

If you prefer something a little more private, a personal open air-bath area can be arranged with the guesthouse staff.

With room rates starting from $180 a night, Tousukenoyu Fujiya is a guesthouse that promises a peaceful stay with an unforgettable Japanese atmosphere.

Shirakawa-go no Yu

If you’re looking to further relax and unwind during your visit to Shirakawa-go, why not book yourself a stay at the local hot spring inn?

Shirakawa-go no Yu is a bathhouse and inn that’s located in the world heritage area for your convenience. Featuring tastefully designed rooms, Shirakawa-go no Yu dons heaps of cypress wood for a relaxing atmosphere inside and out of the inn.

Day visits are also available at Shirakawa-go no Yu, so you may occasionally bump into non-residents while you’re out and about.

A stay at Shirakawa-go no yu starts from $100, although you may have to pre-book your stay months ahead as they have limited rooms available.

Shiroyamakan

Established in 1884, Shiroyamakan is slated as one of Japan’s most important historical buildings.

Owned by locals of Shirakawa-go, there is a limit of 4 groups per night at the Shiroyamakan Inn so you can rest easy with little disturbance.

Down by the basement, guests would also be pampered by the naturally clear spring water accessible through the year.

A night’s stay at Shiroyamakan typically starts from $180.

Ant Hut is the perfect spot if you’re looking to travel on a budget. With rooms starting from $36 a night, you’ll be provided with necessities such as complimentary toiletries and WiFi across the whole guesthouse.

Do note however that you may have to share the bathrooms and toilets with the other guests who are staying the night.

If you need any tips on making the most out of your trip to Shirakawa-go, feel free to ask the friendly staff.

What is there to see or do in Shirakawa-go?

Although it is located far out from the bustling cities such as Tokyo or Osaka, Shirakawa-go still features an abundance of places to see and things to do.

With its laid-back vibes and old-time charm, Shirakawa-go is one village in Japan you need to have on your list of the next place to visit in Japan.

Tourist Information Center

For first-time visitors, you’ll want to visit the Shirakawa-go Tourist Information Center for insider tips on the village.

Finding it is easy, as you’ll simply have to spot the Gassho-Zukuri house that’s located beyond the river past Shirakawa Kaido Street.

Here, you’ll be able to learn more about the history of Shirakawa-go and seek help if you need any.

Shirakawa Kaido Street

The Shirakawa Kaido Street is a tourist haven with souvenir shops aplenty.

If you’re feeling hungry, there are also make-shift stalls along the street offering local snacks prepared fresh daily. I especially recommend the Hida beef skewer if you come across it, as you’ll be treated to a melt-in-your-mouth beef skewer for approximately ¥500. This is thanks to Hida beef’s naturally high-fat content, allowing for an unforgettable meal when you arrive at Shirakawa-go.

The Shirakawa Kaido Street is also known as the main street, making it a good meet up point for visitors in case anyone is lost. At the end of the street, you’ll find the public hot spring in the Shirakawago no Yu.

Gassho-zukuri Minkaen

The Gassho-zukuri Minkaen is an open-air museum capturing the life and times of locals who lived in Shirakawa-go in the past. It features a total of 26 buildings within the space, with 9 of the buildings being listed as an important cultural asset to the Gifu prefecture.

Here, visitors would be taken through a historic journey of ancient Japan while being cradled in a relaxing natural environment.

A watermill, shrine, and temple hall can also be found nestled within the Gassho-zukuri Minkaen. If you’re feeling tired, then be sure to drop by the soba restaurant offering hand-made soba within the museum or pop into any of the shops within the open-air museum to bring home a souvenir or 2.

A small fee is required per entry, with discounted tickets available for children.

Shiroyama Viewpoint

Located north of the village center, the Shiroyama Viewpoint offers a bird’s eye view of the Shirakawa-go village and its farmhouses.

The entrance to the viewpoint on a regular day is free. During the special Shirakawa-go Winter Light-Up event, however, visitors will have to pay ¥1,000 per person and pre-book their spot at the Shiroyama Viewpoint.

This is to prevent overcrowding and to provide visitors with the best experience possible.

The Shiroyama Viewpoint is reachable on foot via a trail up 15 to 20 minutes from the village center.

Subsequently, you may hop on a shuttle bus that stops by the Wada-ke House, although you’ll be expected to pay a small fee to do so.

Wada-ke House

The Wada-ke House is the largest Gassho-Zukuri there is in Shirakawa-go and once belonged to the Wada family .

Inside, you’ll be able to see the life that the Wada family had once led, with the original fittings of this Japanese home still in one piece.

There is a ¥300 entrance fee per person and the house is reachable through a shuttle bus that starts from the village center.

Myozenji Temple and House

If you’re interested in immersing yourself in the culture of Shirakawa-go, then the Myozenji Temple and House is a spot you can’t miss .

Unlike regular temples with tiled roofs, the Myozenji Temple features a thatched roof, much like the Gassho-Zukuri around the village.

Next to the temple, you’ll also find the Myozenji-ke farmhouse that doubles as the priest’s home.

A small fee is required to enter the temple and farmhouse, with much of the proceeds being used for the upkeep of the establishment.

For anyone feeling particularly adventurous, you could consider a hike up Mount Haku. Also known as Hakusan to the locals, Mount Haku is a volcano offering beautiful views of the region.

Open for hikes year-round except in Winter, a hike up to the summit of Mount Haku regularly takes 7 hours up and down and is a satisfying way to add some extra excitement to your trip in Shirakawa-go.

Hanging out on a volcano is something that freaks me out, but it’s hard to experience for most people outside of Japan so why not give it a shot?

Winter special: Shirakawa-go Winter Light-Up

For visitors dropping by Shirakawa-go in the winter, watching the Shirakawa-go Winter Light-Up is a must-do.

Happening on selected Sunday and Monday evenings, this light-up event sees most of the village’s Gassho-Zukuri lit from 5.30 pm to 7.30 pm.

Amid the snow background, this winter light-up creates a postcard-perfect view for tourists to remember the village by.

As the light-up event has become increasingly popular over the years, it’s recommended that you pre-book your visit to ensure your spot in entering the village. This is as the locals wish to control the number of visitors in the village, allowing for a safer and better experience for everyone.

Top 10 things to buy in Shirakawa-go

Aside from picturesque places to visit, Shirakawa-go is also home to numerous handcrafts that make for a great souvenir.

You can often see them available for sale in gift shops that line the streets of Shirakawa-go’s villages.

In case you need a guide on what’s available to buy however, here are some of my top picks on what to buy in Shirakawa-go:

• Ota-san-chi no Soba: Loosely translated as Mr. Ota’s buckwheat noodles, these noodles are made with buckwheat grown from the village itself. They’re mixed with plain flour sourced from Japan before being packaged beautifully, making them an ideal gift from your time at Shirakawa-go.
• Rice flour waffles: Waffles from Shirakawa-go are made using a type of rice flour called the Koshihikari rice flour and are freshly baked by hand daily. They complement well with a scoop of ice-cream or with a cup of freshly brewed coffee.
• Yuigokoro sake: While there isn’t a sake brewery located in Shirakawa-go itself, the Yuigokoro sake prepared in Hida City is actually made from sake rice and spring water sourced from the village. It’s smooth to taste and easy to drink, making it an ideal starter’s sake for anyone looking to begin their journey of sake enjoyment.
• Shirakawa-go Yamitsuki Noko Cheesecake “Yui”: The cheesecake from Shirakawa-go is truly a community effort as it’s a product created after months of testing and feedback from the locals. The result is a rich and moist cheesecake and the Japanese character “Yui” that brands the product represents the relationship of the locals helping each other.
• Shiso Monaka: The shiso monaka or perilla wafer cake is a dessert that boasts a history of over 50 years. It features rice wafers made locally sandwiching a red bean paste with perilla leave kneaded inside, making it a unique dessert that every tourist should try.
• Onkochishin.com Handicrafts: These handicrafts are said to have been a Shirakawa-go tradition, featuring weaving and handicraft techniques from the Edo era. Items such as flowers recreated from old kimono cloth and other everyday life necessities make these handicrafts worthy of a purchase.
• Tofu: Made by soaking beans and allowing them to harden, there are various popular renditions of tofu that you can bring home from Shirakawa-go. These include the Ishi Tofu that is ideal for soups, Shirakawa Gassho Age or fried tofu that can be eaten as is and the Miyama Komo Tofu that is boiled using an old recipe seasoned with a secret seasoning.
• The Woodwork of Kokichi Hori: Made by a local of Shirakawa-go, these woodwork handicrafts are made with strong woods that are native to the village. Bring home a piece for your display, or if you’d like, they also make for a great souvenir to your family and friends.
• Hida Shirakawa-go Specialty Rice Ramen Noodles: Bring home a taste of Shirakawa-go with you with these locally produced rice ramen noodles. Made with fresh Shirakawa rice from the rice paddies and water sourced from Mt. Hakusan, these rice ramen noodles are gluten-free and chewy to bite when prepared properly.
• Shirakawa-go Emaki: Available across the village, these traditional postcards feature paintings by artists born and raised in Shirakawago. They make great reminders of your escapade at Shirakawago or if you’d like, you can even mail them home from the local post office that’s set in the heart of the village.

So, is Shirakawa-go worth visiting?

With lots to do, tons to eat, and much more to see, Shirakawa-go of the Gifu prefecture is definitely a place worth visiting. While the commute into the village may feel long, you’ll be treated to picturesque and unrivaled views along your way.

If you’re not keen to stay the night, Shirakawa-go is also an ideal spot to spend your day although you may have to be extra picky on the attractions you want to see.

If you feel uncomfortable traveling alone into the village, you could always hire a tour guide who could provide you plenty more insider tips to enjoy the legendary Shirakawa-go.

Just your average irresponsible human who spends most of his free time and money traveling Japan. Love the food, culture, and sights but not a huge fan of anime until I used it for studying purposes. Can't decide which is better out of ramen or pizza.

Recent Posts

What Makes Kyoto So Special? A Visitor's Guide To Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan is the last of Japan's original ancient capitals. It's a truly historic place with a rich history of appreciation for the arts and the beauty of its natural assets. Although Kyoto has...

25 Special Things That Make Japan Unique

Sure, we've seen movies with stereotypical Japanese references, but what makes Japan unique? Keep reading because we'll dig deep into the 25 "things that make Japan, Japan." Japan offers its...

VISIT SHIRAKAWA-GO AND GOKAYAMA [ULTIMATE JAPAN GUIDE]

WHAT TO SEE IN SHIRAKAWA-GO? HOW TO GET TO SHIRAKAWA-GO? IS SHIRAKAWA-GO WORTH VISITING?

Shirakawa-go is a picturesque village located in the Gifu Prefecture of central Japan, known for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses. These farmhouses are characterized by their steep thatched roofs, designed to withstand heavy snowfall during winter.

Shirakawa-go is famous for seeing and visiting gasshō-zukuri houses, an architectural style unique to the region listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995.

Shirakawa-go and its neighboring Gokayama region were recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites in 1995, highlighting their cultural significance and the importance of preserving the unique architectural style.

These two villages have the particularity, because of their geographical isolation far in the Japanese Alps , of having preserved a traditional style unique in Japan.

Both villages are beautiful. Our visit to Shirakawa-go and Gokayama was one of the highlights of our road trip through Japan .

Key Takeaways from a visit to Shirakawa-go

– Shirakawa-go and its neighboring Gokayama region were recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites in 1995, highlighting their cultural significance and the importance of preserving the unique architectural style. – Both villages are located near the famous and beautiful town of Takayama , another must-see in Japan. – Apart from the architecture, Shirakawa-go is famous for its beautiful landscapes that change dramatically with the seasons. – It took us almost a full day to visit Shirakawa-Go and Gokayama.

HERE IS A SNEAK PEEK ABOUT SHIRAKAWA-GO:

WHAT TO SEE IN SHIRAKAWA-GO?

1. discover the gassho-zukuri architecture, typical of the japanese alps.

The gassho-zukuri style houses, typical of the Japanese Alps region , are large wooden houses with very steep thatched roofs to withstand the thick layer of snow that falls in winter.

They were inhabited at least until the mid-nineteenth century by artisans specializing in the breeding of silkworms. Most houses were built over 250 years ago.

Today, if the village of Shirakawago is still inhabited, the region lives mainly from tourism. No less than 1.5 million tourists go there every year.

Note: these are the same houses as those presented at the Hida Folk Museum in Takayama or in Gero at the Gassho-Mura , except that in Shirakawa-go, the houses are inhabited (110 gasshō-zukuri houses and about 600 inhabitants).

You will therefore visit a place full of life and will be able to exchange with the inhabitants. It is a magnificent place not to be missed if you plan to visit the Japanese Alps region!

2. Visit the Kanda family house-museum

Some of the houses were transformed into a museum at Shirakawa-go.

We recommend the Kanda family home , where you can discover objects dating from the 15th century and you will learn in particular why the roofs of the houses in the area have gradually taken on this very particular shape

• Admission: ¥300 with a tea.
• Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Location: here

• Website: here

3. Check out the Gasho Folk Museum

Cross the bridge to visit the Gasho Folk Museum, a reconstructed village that includes several Gassho-Zukuri style houses dismantled and rebuilt next to each other.

• Admission: ¥600.
• Open from 8.40 a.m. to 5 p.m. (9 a.m. to 4 p.m. from December to February), closed on Thursdays from December to March.

4. Make sure to go at Shiragawa-go viewpoint!

Reach the Ogimachi Castle Observatory to have the most stunning view of the village.

On foot allow 40 minutes walk uphill.

The best option is to take the shuttle which takes 10 minutes to get you up the viewpoint. It costs 200 yen one way/per person. From there we recommend going back to the village on foot or taking the shuttle bus back.

The shuttle bus departs from here .

• Location of the viewpoint: here

5. Visit Myozenji temple

This unique-looking temple in the historic town of Shirakawa-go is a must-see.

It was built almost similarly to the traditional gassho houses of the town. The temple also has a bell tower/torii gate of the same design.

6. A little further visit Shirakawa Hachiman Shrine

This is a beautiful shrine located towards the edge of the village. Worth a visit if you are visiting this part of Shirakawa-go.

7. Enjoy the local food

There are lots of great local restaurants around the village of Shirakawa-go as well as many stands serving ice creams, coffee and other yummy snacks.

The area where Shirakawa-go is located is famous for its beef, called Hida Beef . Therefore you will find all sorts of restaurant serving the famous beef.

If you don’t eat meat, no worries, there are lots of soba noodle shop as well as udon places.

Gohei mochi is another famous snack from the region. It is made from rice with grilled peanut sauce served on a skewer! A must-try in this part of Japan!

8. Stay overnight in Shirakawa-Go for the ultimate experience!

Staying overnight in Shirakawa-go is a unique experience! Most tourists come for a day trip, so after 5pm you will have pretty much the village to yourself!

A dozen of traditional houses have been transformed into minshuku (Japanese family inn).

However, it gets full very quickly as there aren’t many rooms. So we highly recommend booking as early as possible to enjoy this unique experience in Japan.

How to get to Shirakawa-go?

Getting to Shirakawa-go by bus

From Takayama : Nohi bus company, 1 hour trip, ¥2470 (or ¥4420 round trip). From Kanazawa : Nohi bus company, 75 minutes, ¥3290.

All buses arrive and depart from Shirakawa-gō Bus Station. This is located a few minutes walk from the entrance to the village. We highly recommend booking your bus tour in advance, as Shirakawa-go attracts millions of visitors every year!

Getting to Shirakawa-go by car

Direct access to the village by car is forbidden. However, there are a few car parks around the village. We took our car to get there and it was super crowded to enter the parking! We waited at least 20min before we could park our car. So do come early to avoid the wait!

Private tour

For more convenience, you can also book a full private tour. The tour will take you to Shinakawa-go but also its beautiful surroundings. If you are a group of people, this is one of the best options to visit Shinakawa-go. Check it out here .

Visit Gokayama near Shinakawa-go

Gokayama is a set of rural villages in Japan with preserved ancient architecture, located in the Shokawa Valley in the southwest of Toyama Prefecture.

Ainokura, the largest village in the region, is home to twenty-three traditional houses with gassho-zukuri style thatched roofs, listed as UNESCO heritage sites. On-site, you can taste the daily life of the inhabitants as well as the excellent local food.

It takes 30min by car to reach the Gokayama villages.

1. Start your visit at Ainokura Village

Located far down the valley, Ainokura is the most remote village in the Gokayama region. It is also the largest of the villages with almost 20 gassho-zukuri farms.

Some of them are private residences, while others have been transformed into restaurants, museums and minshuku.

Being less developed and less accessible than Shinakawa-go, Ainokura is quieter and has much fewer tourists.

So if you have enough time during a trip to Japan, you will appreciate the peaceful atmosphere at Ainokura compared to Shinakawa-go.

BOOK: Day trip to Shinakawa-go and Gokayama

2. Suganuma Village

Suganuma is one of the main attractions in Gokayama and it is divided into two areas: Suganuma Village and Gokayama Gassho no Sato.

Pleasant to visit on foot, the two areas are linked together by a tunnel. From here, through an elevator, you can also reach the car park on the hill above the village.

Suganuma Village, and nine of its gassho-zukuri, were designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, along with Ainokura and Ogimachi in 1995.

Several gassho-zukuri have been converted into restaurants, minshuku and museums that depict daily life, paper washi and the gunpowder industries.

How to get from Shinakawa-go to Gokayama

If you have a car, then it will be very easy. It’s a 30min drive up north from Shirakawa-go.

There is also a local bus leaving Shirakaw-go to Gokayama villages. It takes about 1 hour.

However, if you are visiting Gokayama without a car, we rather recommend joining a tour which will make it much easier to visit both places in a day.

You can check different options here.

Best time to visit Shirakawa-go?

Shirakawa-go can be visited all year round. However, the most scenic period to visit the village is during winter when the entire place is covered with a thick layer of snow.

Every season has its particularity when visiting Shirakawa-go. Even in summer, you will be able to see the green rice fields surrounding the village! Absolutely stunning.

Is Shirakawa-go worth visiting?

Although it gets very crowded with too many tourists at time, the village of Shirakawa-go is really beautiful and worth the hype! If you stay after 5pm when most tourists leave, you will actually get the village almost all to yourself.

Hence staying overnight wouldn’t be a bad idea either!

If you prefer to totally escape the crowd, then head to Gokayama first. Ainokura and Suganuma villages are much less touristy and often completely skipped by tourists.

Enjoy your trip!

What else to see near Shirakawa-go?

If you are visiting Shirakawa-go, chances are that you have also inlcuded Takayama in your itinerary! And you did right! Takayama is another great place to visit in Japan, located only 1 hour away from Shirakawa-go.

There are many things to see in Takayama such as the historical center of SANMACHI SUJI , TAKAYAMA JINYA Residence or HIDA KOKUBUN-JI temple.

READ: 15 BEST THINGS TO SEE IN TAKAYAMA

If like us you are planing a road trip through Japan, then Kamikochi should be on your bucket list ! Kamikochi is classified as Natural Heritage of Japan .

Kamikochi is a 15 kilometer forest valley located along the Azusa River in the heart of the Japanese Alps in Nagano Prefecture. The site offers a delightful walk that can be done in one day, embellished with magnificent landscapes in spring and autumn.

The Kamikochi plateau is between 1,400 and 1,600 meters above sea level, with peaks reaching over 3,000 meters for the surrounding massifs.

The view from the valley is absolutely stunning!

From Takayama you can reach Kamikochi by bus or by car (1h).

READ: FULL GUIDE TO TRAVEL TO KAMIKOCHI

Located in the heart of the Chubu region in Gifu prefecture, between Nagoya and Takayama, Gero Onsen has developed on a transparent alkaline hot spring whose properties have been touted for nearly 1000 years.

Gero is located a little over 1000 meters above sea level. Thanks to an ancient volcano, Gero Onsen is gifted with rich water.

Today Gero Onsen is a great place to rest in the Japanese mountains. Make sure to also visit the Gero Onsen Gassho Village !

READ: DISCOVER GERO ONSEN, ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT ONSEN TOWNS IN JAPAN

Related posts

• 15 BEST THINGS TO SEE IN TAKAYAMA
• EXPLORE KAMIKOCHI IN THE JAPANESE ALPS
• BEST THINGS TO SEE IN THE JAPANESE ALPS
• WHAT TO SEE IN GERO ONSEN
• GUIDE FOR A VISIT TO NARAI-JUKU
• HIKE ALONG NAKASENDO [TRAVEL GUIDE]
• GUIDE TO TSUMAGO ALONG NAKASENDO
• 15 BEST THINGS TO SEE IN HAKONE NEAR MT. FUJI
• 15 INCREDIBLE THINGS TO SEE AT LAKE KAWAGUCHI
• OBUSE, A BEAUTIFUL TOWN IN JAPAN WORTH A VISIT
• 10 BEST THINGS TO SEE IN MATSUMOTO
• FULL GUIDE FOR VISITING HAKUBA IN JAPAN

We are Hammer and Guillaume, a fun couple traveling the world. We will take you to some of the most amazing places on earth. Hammer is a yoga instructor and Guillaume a true water baby, enjoying all kinds of water sports. Follow-us to get the latest update about our travels.

Similar Posts

GUIDE TO TAIWAN NATIONAL CENTER FOR TRADITIONAL ARTS

Discover Taiwan’s cultural heritage with our guide to the National Center for Traditional Arts (NCTA) in Yilan County.

99 BEST THINGS TO SEE IN SOUTH KOREA [GUIDE]

South Korea is a fascinating country where modernity blends perfectly with tradition. Here is the list of 99 unmissable things to do in South Korea.

DISCOVER BANGSAR IN KUALA LUMPUR [MALAYSIA]

Known for its amazing culinary scene and lively nightlife, Bangsar has emerged as one of the most sought-after areas in Kuala Lumpur.

LIVING IN SOUTH KOREA [SHARING OUR EXPERIENCE]

Living in South Korea was a fantastic experience for us. In this post we share our views and opinion after living 3 years in this country.

15 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN HARAJUKU [TOKYO GUIDE]

What to do in Harajuku? Harajuku is mainly known for Takeshita-dori, Cosplay Costume but also Yoyogi Park and Meiji shrine. Full guide here!

5 AMAZING PLACES TO SEE IN INDONESIA

Explore the best of Indonesia: Dive into pristine waters in Raja Ampat, trek through lush landscapes in Lombok, and unwind on Bali’s beaches.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Great article! I’ll be planning on going to Kanazawa, Shirakawago and Takayama later this year and this article helped me plan out places to see and work out transportation!

Awesome ! So glad this helps. Enjoy your trip, this part of Japan is stunning!

• CULTURAL EXPERIENCE
• MARTIAL ARTS
• FAMILY FRIENDLY
• WALKING TOUR
• FOR FOODIES
• POP CULTURE
• ANIMAL THEMED
• BUDDHISM & SHINTOISM
• OFF THE BEATEN TRACK
• Guide Arrangement
• Pick up/Drop off
• Customizable Tour

You can book here!

[NEW] Takayama and Shirakawago One day tour from Nagoya

This tour covers two must-go places, Takayama and Shirakawago. In Takayama, you can enjoy its well-preserved traditional streets lined with old merchant shops and sake breweries. You also visit Shirakawago,a UNESCO World Heritage site, is famous for A-shaped traditional farmhouses. You can learn the culture and life of people dating back to more than two hundred years. The beautiful and peaceful scenery of the village gives you a nostalgic feeling.

REGION Map -->

JR Nagoya Station→ Takayama Station → Shirakawago → Takayama station → Nagoya Station

◆Shirakawago The Shirakawa-go regions line the Shogawa River Valley in the remote mountains in Gifu prefecture It is famous for their traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, some of which are more than 250 years old and have been designated as World Heritage. The scene of 114 houses with thatched roofs in the Gassho-style remind us of ancient Japan. Ogimachi-Jyoshi (the observation platform) commands a wonderful panorama of this village.

Wada House： (Important National Cultural Asset) A typical and authentic Gassho-style farm house. People has been living in the building for more than 400 years. Documents and licenses the possession of the family show that the Wada house used to take an important role in the village( mayor, distributor of product made in the village)

Kanda House： A Gassho-style farm house with 4 stories. You can have a tea in the living room on the first floor, listening to the history of the house. On the second and third floor, various tools for sake making and silkworm raising and necessities for living in the heavy snowfall village are displayed.

◆Takayama Takayama is a city in the mountainous Hida region of Gifu Prefecture.the city still retains a traditional atmosphere, especially in its beautifully preserved old town where wooden buildings from the Edo Period are still used as houses and shops as well as the Takayama Festival and its floats. In the“MICHELIN Green Guide Japon”(2009),Takayama was awarded the highest rating of three stars as one of the 17 tourist destinations where it is worth travelling to.

Takayama Yatai Kaikan (Festival Float Exhibition Hall)： The Takayama Festival, held in spring and autumn, is ranked as one of Japan's three most beautiful festivals. Four of the autumn festival's eleven floats are exhibited at at this hall next to Sakurayama Hachiman Shrine. The elaborately decorated floats are several hundred years’ old and beautiful examples of Takayama's legendary craftsmanship.

Takayama Jinya： Because of its valuable timber resources, the Hida Region around Takayama was put under direct control of the Tokugawa Shogunate in 1692.The Takayama Jinya served as the local government office headed by the officials dispatched from Edo (present day Tokyo).The building complex was in official use until 1969, and is now open to the public as a museum. It includes various nicely maintained tatami mat rooms that once served as offices, conference rooms, guest rooms and residential space.

CANCELLATION POLICY

PROGRAM FEE

Total Price = Basic Fee + Fee per Person * Number of Participants + Tax

Shirakawago

・Guiding fee ・Admission fees ・Public Transportation fee (For taxis or hired cars, additional fee will be charged.) *Pick-up service is limited to a place near JR Nagoya Station.

cost of meal and sightseeing activities

◆Please let us know if you have JR Pass. We reduce the price.

◆Please follow the guide's instruction during the program. We shall not be responsible for any accident caused by disregard of the instructions. ◆Please advise us if you have any religious or health restrictions, allergies, or the case where you would like to request a special care for participants, including children. Please email us at [email protected] to check an availability and share the information. Please note that any programs booked without an inquiry will not be guaranteed. ◆Our services are mainly offered in English. In addition, services in other languages, such as Chinese, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Russian are also available. In case you would like services in languages other than English, please inquire us at [email protected] as soon as possible. We will check an availability. ◆Our business hours are from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm on weekdays. For inquiries received outside the business hours, we will look into it and respond on the next business day. ◆Before booking, please email us at [email protected] to check an availability. Please note that any programs booked without an inquiry will not be guaranteed.

This tour saved in Bookmarks.

Travelling to Shirakawago or Takayama

Discover Japan’s most fascinating UNESCO villages. Our award-winning private driving tours include everything you need for an exceptional experience. Our English speaking customer service will assist you from Osaka, Kanazawa, Nagoya & Tokyo. Tours can include Gokayama, Shirakawago, Hida Furukawa, and Takayama. See below options. Please contact us if your option in not available online.

Kanazawa to Shirakawago

We have several tour packages options  from Kanazawa to Shirakawago. Click on the below links to discover rural Japans most inviting villages.

• Shirakawago – Hida Furukawa – Takayama
• Gokayama – Shirakawago – Takayama
• Gokayama and Shirakawago
• Shirakawa Go (4 Hour Tour)
• Shirakawago – Hida Furukawa – Hida no Sato

• Osaka to Shirakawago

Our 10-hour package tour will take you on a return trip from Osaka to Shirakawago with access to a private vehicle exclusively for you and your fellow travellers.

• Nagoya to Shirakawago

Our 9-hour package tour will take you on a return trip from Nagoya to Shirakawago with access to a private vehicle exclusively for you and your fellow travellers.

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar

Travel Blog, Itineraries & Guides, Hotel Reviews

The Perfect Itinerary for Shirakawa-go, Takayama, Kanazawa & Nagoya (2023 Update)

September 24, 2023 by Bino 18 Comments

One of the main touristic regions in Japan covers the central region encompassing Kanazawa down to Nagoya. In between, there are the charming towns such as the UNESCO-listed Shirakawa-go and Takayama. This itinerary provides a guide in how to cover these places in 4 days/3 nights – the minimum duration in my opinion if you are exploring these places. The towns stated here are covered by the JR Takayama-Hokuriku Area Pass .

For suggested things to do in Tokyo, check out my Tokyo itinerary

Table of Contents

Day 1 – Kanazawa

You can start your trip in either place. In my case, I started in Kanazawa as I took the shinkansen or bullet train from Tokyo. It’s also very much feasible to start the trip in Nagoya.

kanazawa station

If you are starting your trip in Kanazawa, you would probably be entering the city via its train station. The Kanazawa Train Station is an attraction in its own right, incorporating classical elements such as a traditional temple construct but using glass and steel as well as a twirling wooden pattern for a futuristic effect. If you are visiting Shirakawa-go as well, it is worth noting that bus tickets can be purchased here. If you are feeling peckish, check out Morimori from the shopping mall next door for some cheap conveyor belt sushi. Alternatively,  Menyataiga (6-3 Horikawamachi, open 11AM to 2:30PM, 5:30PM to 11PM daily except Monday) which is a few blocks away is well-known for its grilled miso ramen broth. Do come early if you decide to eat here as there are always long queues.

ice cream wrapped in gold foil

Where you go first depends on your time of arrival. If you arrive in the morning or early afternoon, you should start in the Higashi Chaya-gai district since most shops here close by 5pm. This is Kanazawa’s biggest and most famous geisha districts, with houses dating back to ancient times. Nowadays, the area houses a number of traditional teahouses as well as Kanazawa’s famous gold leaf store. Hakuichi (daily 9AM to 6PM) sells all sorts of gold leaf items from skin products down to its star product, the gold leaf ice cream. It is literally soft serve vanilla ice cream wrapped in 24k gold foil. Priced at roughly 900 Yen, it definitely doesn’t come cheap. I tried it myself. My verdict – the gold foil doesn’t add anything to the taste. It’s more for photos really. You’re better off saving 500 Yen and sticking to ordinary vanilla soft serve ice cream.

Another attraction that you should not miss in Kanazawa is the Kenrokuen (7AM to 6PM during spring and summer / 8AM to 5PM during autumn and winter). This is considered to be among Japan’s three most beautiful gardens. Having visited plenty of Japanese gardens myself, I would have to say that Kenrokuen is quite impressive. There is a different scene to be observed with each season, from the plum and cherry blossoms in spring, flowers in summer, autumn colors in fall and the snow-covered foliage in winter.

Heading to the Kansai Region as well? Check out this itinerary for Osaka and Kyoto

Literally translated as the “Garden of Six Sublimities,” Kenrokuen is supposedly at its best during autumn. I visited in summer and found the grounds teeming with flora. Allow for around 1.5 hours to appreciate this must-see attraction.

kanazawa castle

If time still permits, head to Kanazawa Castle . I would not call this a must-see but if you are in Kenrokuen anyway, you can conveniently walk to the castle. Entrance is free though the construct pales in comparison with Japan’s other castles.

You will soon realize that Kanazawa is not all history. The city paints its modern side through the 21st Century Art Museum and the  DT Suzuki Museum . Even those with just a passing interest in the fine arts would find the architecture in these two museums to be quite insta-worthy.

Day 2 – Shirakawa-go

shirakawa-go

Head out early in the morning for a 1 hour bus ride to Shirakawa-go. There are a number of departures from Kanazawa daily but if you want to maximize your time in the village, you might want to take the earliest bus. You can also check HERE for the bus schedules from Kanazawa to Shirakawa-go. In my case, I spent roughly 5 hours in Shirakawa-go before I took a connecting bus to my next destination: Takayama.

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Shirakawa-go does not really have a particular must-see attraction. The attraction is the village itself, replete with thatched roof houses built without using a single nail.

Does Shirakawa-go charge entrance fee?

There is no entrance fee for Shirakawa-go. You are free to visit and explore the village. However, some of the houses and museums may charge an admission fee to enter.

hoba miso at irori

Where to eat in Shirakawa-go: Irori is my restaurant of choice. Located a few steps away from the bus station, you can feast in delicious Hoba Miso which is a specialty within the Gifu Prefecture. Do note that Irori is closed for dinner from Wednesday to Friday.

You can choose to stay overnight in one of those thatched roof houses or take the bus later in the day to your next destination, Takayama.

Tip: If you do not wish to backtrack, you can do the Kanazawa-Shirakwago-Takayama OR Takayama-Shirawakago-Kanazawa route directly without returning to the town you came from. If you wish to do Shirakawa-go as a day trip, you’d be pleased to find left luggage lockers by the bus stop. 

Day 3 – Takayama

Takayama is personally one of my favorite towns in Japan. You can find the second largest old town in the country here (second only to Kyoto) and there are plenty of things to see and do.

sannomachi street in takayama

Start your day at the Miyagawa Morning Market located by the riverside. It’s a slightly touristy affair but you’ll still find locals selling agricultural products alongside snacks and knick-knacks. Alternatively, the Jinya-mae Morning Market nearby is also held every morning and has a similar setup. The latter is also close to the Takayama Jinya , a beautiful building which used to be a government office.

hida beef sushi in takayama

After having your fill exploring the morning market, walk the short distance to the old town. With Sannomachi Street as the main drag, the old town here is markedly larger than the one in Kanazawa and is particularly atmospheric after sunset when most of the crowds have gone and the area evokes samurais and geishas. While here, make sure to try the Hida Beef Sushi from one of the stalls. It’s served on a thin rice cracker and makes for a good introduction to the specialty meat in the region. You will also find plenty of art galleries, shrines, ancestral homes and small museums around the area. You can enter them if you wish to. I did not and enjoyed just strolling down the age-old alleyways. Do note that most establishments in the old town close early at around 5pm.

In case you skipped Shirakawa-go on your way to Takayama, you can also check out the Hida Folk Village which features similar thatched houses. This is a bit out of the way, outside of town. If you have already been to Shirakawa-go, I wouldn’t recommend making your way here.

Day 4 – Takayama to Nagoya

Do the Higashiyama Walking Course in the morning, passing through the many temples and shrines and ending at the castle ruins. The path is around 3.5 kilometers long so allot around 2 to 3 hours – inclusive of stops. One of the notable stops is the former castle ruins located in Shiroyama Park.

After your walk, head back to town for lunch before waiting for your bus to Nagoya. I recommend Heianraku (open daily except Monday and Tuesday) which is conveniently located on the street leading to the train station if you’re coming from the city center. The owners are very friendly and they serve great ramen and curry rice.

Afterwards, head to Nagoya. You have two options from Takayama – either the train or the bus. Unless you have the JR Pass, a single ticket on the train costs around 6,000+ Yen so it’s more worthwhile to take the bus (around 2,980 Yen) which gets you to Nagoya for the same amount of time.

Nagoya does not offer much in the way of tourist attractions and I find that half a day is enough to go through the worthwhile sights there.

view of nagoya tower

Main attractions include the Nagoya Castle and the Nagoya TV Tower . If you have an interest in cars, you can also check out the Toyota Museum . Alternatively, you can go for a walking tour of Nagoya for a quick overview.

For dinner, I heavily recommend trying Nagoya’s local dish – Hitsumabushi – grilled eel which is prepared four ways. There are some notable restaurants where you can have this dish but my pick for quality and convenience is Ibasho  (closed on Sundays and the 1st/3rd Monday of each month) which is located a few minutes walk from Nagoya TV Tower. The restaurant is situated within Nagoya’s red light district. Go early or be prepared to queue. Payment is by cash only.

Getting Around

If you are just traveling within Central Japan, you can buy the JR Takayama-Hokuriku Area Pass which can transport you between Kanazawa, Takayama and Shirakawa-go for 5 days. You can even use the pass to go between these cities and Nagoya or Osaka/Kyoto, depending on your preference.

Tips For Navigating Central Japan

• If you are making multiple intercity trips or if your trip also includes Tokyo, consider buying a JR Hokuriku Arch Pass . A one-way bullet train ride from Tokyo to Kanazawa for example, already costs over 14,000 Yen or more than half the cost of the pass. A round-trip (plus access to the local JR city trains) exceeds the cost of the pass so it would be wise to get one if you are going to a few places around the island, especially if your trip to Central Japan involves starting/ending in cities like Tokyo.
• If you decide to come during winter, do take note that some key areas such as the Ogimachi viewing deck at Shirakawa-go is closed whenever there is heavy snowfall so you may not get the panoramic view you envisioned.
• For a relatively lengthy trip such as one to Central Japan, I personally would buy travel insurance as Japan also has some of the most expensive healthcare in Asia. You can compare for the best travel insurance that suits you and get exclusive discounts and even freebies when you book. If you reside in Singapore, check out Starr Travelead , one of the cheapest travel insurance. They have a promotion that comes with S$10 cash rebate that helps to offset the insurance cost. If you are based elsewhere, you can check out Worldnomads as they have quite an extensive coverage, even including personal accidents into their list of benefits.

Where to Stay in Kanazawa, Takayama and Nagoya

hotel mystays kanazawa castle (source: the hotel)

Kanazawa – I stayed in Hotel MyStays Kanazawa Castle . Despite the name, the hotel is actually not close to Kanazawa Castle although it’s still very convenient as it’s only an 8 minute walk to the train station. Rooms are small but comfortable with full amenities (even comes with a tub!). The hotel was also built relatively recently. Rates are usually well below $100.

Takayama – I stayed at Rickshaw Inn which is located in the city center – in between the train station and the old town. You get tatami style rooms at a very reasonable price and breakfast is optional. Alternatively, check out Hotel Wood Takayama , a traditional-style hotel located in the old town itself or if you prioritize proximity to transport links, you can consider Residence Hotel which is only a short walk from Takayama Station. 

Nagoya – The Crowne Plaza ANA Nagoya is a decently priced 4-star hotel adjacent to Kanayama Station. This is also one of the top-ranked hotels in Nagoya. Otherwise, you can check out Nikko Style Nagoya with its soothing interiors and proximity to Nagoya Station.

If you can choose only one, should you stay in Kanazawa, Takayama or even Shirakawa-go?

I personally would not advise staying in Shirakawa-go as it is a quiet village with barely anything to do beyond a few hours of strolling and observing the cute houses. While it is possible to do home stays, the accommodations can be a bit rustic as well. Do note that Shirakawa-go was primarily an agricultural community before the swarms of tourists came in.  

Between Kanazawa and Takayama, I would personally advise staying at least a night each in both cities but if you are really pressed for time and can choose to stay in only one place, I would advise staying in Takayama instead as there is simply much more to do here. I really can’t imagine squeezing Takayama as a day trip.

You May Also Like

Let me know your thoughts by leaving a comment below. Alternatively, you can also email me at b i n o (at) iwandered.net. You can follow I Wander on Facebook , Telegram , or Instagram . Also, if you liked this article, please feel free to SHARE or RETWEET

More Posts - Website

Reader Interactions

Older posts.

March 9, 2018 at 6:39 am

This was a great blog post!! Very simple and helpful. Planning to head to these cities/towns in May 🙂

May 26, 2018 at 2:37 pm

I came across your post while researching for my trip in Dec 18. Thanks for this detailed blog! : )

Im planning to spend about 5 nights is Osaka visiting the surrounding areas before heading to Takayama and the Nagoya. Im not intending to visit Kanagawa as we usually like to stay at least 2 nights in one place. What do you think of this itinerary (there are 4 of us including my 2 kids who are 9 and 12)

We only have 10 nights so we plan to allocate the time as such:

Arrive Osaka – 5 nights (visit Kyoto, Kobe, Nara) Takayama -3 nights (to visit Shirakawa-go, Hida) Depart from Nagoya – 2 nights

May 27, 2018 at 10:07 pm

Looks good!

August 13, 2018 at 8:25 pm

Hi! what did you do with your luggage as you were traversing through the different towns? thanks

August 14, 2018 at 9:46 am

I stayed overnight in both Kanazawa and Takayama. It was just Shirakawa-go that I did as a day trip. You’ll find a left luggage counter there with a minimal fee for storing your bags.

November 13, 2018 at 1:37 pm

i was just thinking the same thing, left luggage counter at the bus station at shirakawa-go? cos that’s what i was plannning to do, but was wondering about the luggage thanks!

January 5, 2020 at 12:05 am

Thank you for your precise information. I’ll be doing the same exact route except the nagoya. My concern are i am taking a 7 day jr pass coz my starting point is tokyo but i’ve learned that JR does not cover takayama. And i most probably looking into travelling from kanazawa to shirakawago and to takayama by nohi bus as the travel time is shorter. Will it be a great idea and do you also skip the jr ?

January 5, 2020 at 9:22 pm

Yes, because I wanted to do Shirakawa-go as a day trip, I took bus between Kanazawa and Takayama.

August 21, 2018 at 10:39 am

Hi, wanna know if i want to do trip from Tokyo-Shirakawago-Tokyo. Where should i stay overnight? Kanazawa or Takayama? (I mean, which place better in terms of location and sightseeing). and also wanna know if you’re using Jr pass from tokyo to kanazawa by bullet train? thank you

August 21, 2018 at 10:47 am

Hi there, if you’re coming from Tokyo I would assume you’re taking the bullet train from Tokyo to Kanazawa. In this case, I’d recommend you stay in Kanazawa overnight as that is the most practical stop en route to Shirakawa-go from Tokyo. As for the train ticket, I did not get a JR pass as that was the only train ride I took during this trip. The individual train ticket was expensive but it’s still cheaper for me than buying a JR pass.

September 10, 2018 at 1:53 am

Hi there, thank you for the awesome guide! Just wondering–I’m flying into Tokyo and spending four nights there, then heading to the Kanazawa/Takayama area for three nights before going to Osaka/Miyajima/Kyoto. Would you split your time as 2 nights in Kanazawa/1 Takayama, or the other way around? I will have the JR pass, and plan on taking the bus from Kanazawa to Shirakawa to Takayama. Thank you!

October 22, 2018 at 3:31 pm

Hi Bino, is Tateyama Kurobe Alphine Route around the region? We will land in Nagoya, travel to Shiragawa-go to stay over 1 night, to Kanazawa to Takayama. How can we move to Tateyama Kurobe Alphine Route from here?

March 14, 2019 at 10:14 am

This is great information! I plan on going in about a week to Japan for 11-12 days. Based on your information- the best way to get there would be from Tokyo? I was planning on visiting Hakone for a day (maybe one night) then going to Kanazawa but would prefer to go straight to Takayama and take a day trip to Shiragawa-go, is that possible? Or should I drop Hakone and spend one extra night in Takayama as I just love what it offers.

Also, is there a possibilities to go to Kyoto from Takayama or do we have to go from Kanazawa? Thank you for any info you can provide.

August 18, 2019 at 11:33 am

I did a similar trip by car last year. From Nagoya to Shirakawago and Takayama spending a night in Takayama, then to Kanazawa and spending a night there and back again to Nagoya. It is possible but 3 nights are definitely better, especially when traveling by train.

December 28, 2019 at 11:58 pm

Nice review very helpful for my planning! However I just wonder how u brought your luggage along the bus while you travelled from one location to another? Is there always luggage storage compartments in buses?

December 29, 2019 at 2:30 pm

Yes there are baggage storage areas in the intercity buses.

August 9, 2023 at 12:50 am

If I take the bus from Kanazawa to Shirakawago then to Takayama, is there a time limit for me to visit Shirakawago before I continue my journey to Takayama? Do I need to buy the bus ticket in advance ?

August 9, 2023 at 8:57 am

If you want to continue your onward journey for same day, I took a photo of the bus schedule here. However this was from 5 years ago so not sure if the schedule is still the same. https://iwandered.net/shirakawa-go-travel-guide/

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

We use cookies on this site to enhance your user experience. If you continue to browse you accept the use of cookies on our site. See our Cookie Policy for more information.

• Media & PR
• Meetings & Events
• School Groups
• Travel Trade
• Select Language 简体中文 繁體中文（香港） 繁體中文（臺灣） India (English) Bahasa Indonesia 한국어 ภาษาไทย Tiếng Việt Singapore (English) Philippines (English) Malaysia (English) Australia/New Zealand (English) Français Deutsch Italiano Español United Kingdom (English) Nordic countries（English） Canada (English) Canada (Français) United States (English) Mexico (español) Português العربية Japan(日本語) Global (English)
• India (English)
• Bahasa Indonesia
• Singapore (English)
• Philippines (English)
• Malaysia (English)
• Australia/New Zealand (English)
• United Kingdom (English)
• Nordic countries（English）
• Canada (English)
• Canada (Français)
• United States (English)
• Mexico (español)
• Global (English)
• Fujiyoshida
• Shimonoseki
• Ishigaki Island
• Miyako Island
• Kerama Island
• Tokyo Island
• Koka & Shigaraki
• Hida Takayama
• Ginza, Nihonbashi
• Beppu & Yufuin (Onsen)
• Ginzan Onsen
• Nagasaki Islands

• Kumano Kodo
• Shikoku Karst
• Amami Oshima
• Hachimantai
• Omihachiman
• Aizuwakamatsu

• Diving in Japan
• Skiing in Japan
• Seasonal Flowers in Japan
• Sustainable Outdoors
• Off the Beaten Track in Japan
• Scenic Spots
• World Heritage
• Home Stays & Farm Stays

• Japanese Gardens
• Japanese Crafts
• Temple Stays
• Heritage Stays
• Festivals and Events
• Theater in Japan
• Japanese Tea Ceremony
• Cultural Experiences in Japan
• Culture in Japan

• Local Cuisine Eastern Japan
• Local Cuisine Western Japan
• Local Street Food
• Japan's Local Ekiben
• Japanese Whisky
• Vegetarian and Vegan Guide
• Sushi in Japan Guide
• Japanese Sake Breweries

• Art Museums
• Architecture
• Performing Arts
• Art Festivals
• Japanese Anime and Comics
• Japanese Ceramics
• Local Crafts

• Scenic Night Views
• Natural Wonders
• Theme Parks
• Samurai & Ninja
• Iconic Architecture

• Wellness Travel in Japan
• Japanese Ryokan Guide
• A Guide to Stargazing in Japan
• Relaxation in Japan
• Forest Bathing (Shinrin-yoku)

• Experiences in Japan
• Enjoy my Japan
• National Parks
• Japan's Local Treasures
• Japan Heritage
• Snow Like No Other
• Wonder Around Japan

• Visa Information
• Getting to Japan
• Airport Access
• COVID-19 Practical Information
• Anime Tourism
• Countryside Stays
• Sustainable Travel
• Accommodation
• Sample Itineraries
• Travel Agents
• Deals and Tours

• Traveling by Rail
• How to Travel by Train and Bus
• JR Rail Passes
• Train Passes and Discounted Tickets
• Scenic Railways
• Renting a Car
• Yokohama Cruise Port Access
• Travel Brochures
• Useful Apps
• Accommodation Types
• Online Reservation Sites
• Eco-friendly Accommodation
• Luxury Accommodations
• Traveling With a Disability
• Hands-free Travel
• How to Book a Certified Tour Guide
• Volunteer Guides
• Tourist Information Center

• Japanese Manners
• Sustainable Travel in Japan
• Spring in Japan
• Summer in Japan
• Autumn in Japan
• Winter in Japan
• Seasonal Attractions
• Monthly Events Calendar
• Cherry Blossom Forecast
• Autumn Leaves Forecast

• Japan Visitor Hotline
• Travel Insurance in Japan
• Japan Safe Travel Information
• Accessibility in Japan
• Vegetarian Guide
• Muslim Travelers
• Safety Tips

• All News & Blog
• Travellers Blog
• Guides to Japan
• Stories of Japan
• The Other Side of Japan
• Media Releases
• JAPAN Monthly Web Magazine

My Favorites

${v.desc | trunc(25)}

Planning a Trip to Japan?

Share your travel photos with us by hashtagging your images with #visitjapanjp

GUIDE Guide To Takayama, Shirakawa-Go & Kanazawa

Guide to takayama, shirakawa-go & kanazawa.

After doing the Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka route on my first visit to Japan earlier this year, I wanted to try something a bit more off-the-beaten-path for my second trip to the country. I heard great things here and there about Shirakawa-go, Takayama and Kanazawa and was excited to learn that these three places were all in the same region of Japan, along a well serviced route from both Tokyo and Osaka-Kyoto. Takayama, Shirakawa-go and Kanazawa is a great itinerary to consider as it offers a great mix of sights and foods to appeal to a wide audience whilst being undiscovered enough to not feel like everybody’s here during your visit.

How To Get There

• Bullet trains service Takayama from Tokyo via Nagoya, and Kanazawa direct from Tokyo, or via JR Limited Express train from Kyoto/Osaka. Between Takayama, Shirakawa-go and Kanazawa, look into the Nohi Bus, JR Limited Express and bullet train (via Toyama) for service within the area.
• When travelling into Takayama, the train journey offers beautiful views as the tracks snake alongside Hida River and countless mountains, valleys, bridges and more. It’s definitely a good journey to stay awake for, if you can help it!

The small-scale city of Takayama is the gateway to the mountainous Hida region of Japan. Its main attractions can be reached within 30 minutes or less by foot, making it an extremely easy place to explore.

Things to do

Takayama old town.

Takayama’s old town is an area of three streets lined with quaint souvenir shops, food stalls and sake breweries. It’s an easy walk from the station and the perfect place to try local foods or pick up local souvenirs. The sarubobo doll is a popular keepsake.

Try the local specialties

Takayama is home to a host of local delights that are an absolute must-try when visiting. Don’t leave without giving the following a go.

• Hida beef  – try Maruaki – a popular hida beef restaurant where you can cook your own melt-in-your- mouth hida beef yakinuki-style at the table
• Hida beef sushi + Hida beef buns  – both can be found in Takayama’s old town
• Hoba miso  – a beef miso dish served on a dried magnolia leaf sitting atop a charcoal stove. The flavour is unique to the area and deliciously served alongside local vegetables and rice.
• ‘Chuka soba’ (Takayama’s ramen)  – ramen in the area is done differently with wavy noodles in a soy

Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine

Those who love a walk under the crisp morning air should head to Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine (next to the Festival Floats Hall) which is the start of a walking course that winds past small shrines and temples with even a glimpse of the Alps on a clear day.

Shirakawa-Go

The famed thatch-roof village of Shirakawa-go is a UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled amongst the mountains. It is a 50 minute bus ride from Takayama and has plenty of things to see and do to keep you occupied for at least half a day. Depending on your preference, a visit to Shirakawa-go can be done as either a day trip or overnight stay.

• Visit the Ogimachi Castle Ruins Lookout  – the most famous view of Shirakawa-go is the one taken in from this observation platform, where you can see the beautiful village from above. Do make sure you visit the village on a day of good weather, as heavy winter snow can block the view.
• Explore the inside of a thatch-roof house  – a number of these houses are open to tourists (Kanda House, Wada House, to name a few) to explore and it is definitely worth visiting at least one of these. Surprisingly, these houses are multiple storeys high and offer a really intriguing look into the gassho style architecture used in the village.

How long to spend here

There are two options for Shirakawa-go visitors – either take the bus on a day trip or book one of the farmhouses to stay overnight in. Note the maximum time you can stay at any farmhouse in the town is one night.

If you love Kyoto, you’ll love Kanazawa – a city endearingly known as ‘Little Kyoto’ for its abundance of temples, shrines, gardens, preserved Geisha district and amazing seafood. With direct bullet train access from major cities, Kanazawa is now more accessible than ever.

• Kenrokuen Garden  – Considered one of Japan’s top three most beautiful gardens, Kenrokuen Garden is a must visit for anyone who loves autumn chasing. There are heaps of maples within the gardens and if you have time, you should also pop across the footbridge to visit the Kanazawa Castle gardens as well.
• Omicho Market  – Kanazawa is right by the Sea of Japan and hence is well known for its fresh seafood and sushi. Omicho Market is one of the best places to try fresh produce and if you’re here in winter, you should definitely try the Kobako Crab (female snow crab), which is a local specialty here.
• Higashi Chaya district  – Kanazawa’s very own geisha area is a beautifully preserved area similar to that of Kyoto. Visit the Shima Teahouse, a geisha museum and also try the gold leaf ice cream at Hakuichi.
• 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art  – For contemporary art lovers, you’ll definitely want to check this out. There are many exhibitions and installations here, both indoors and outdoors. One of the more popular ones is Leandro Erlich’s ‘Swimming Pool’.

To see the main sights I would recommend at least 1-2 days in the area. To take it easy and explore beyond the tourist choices, consider a little longer.

Connie Cao, www.kisforkani.com

Please Choose Your Language

Browse the JNTO site in one of multiple languages

• Environment
• Road to Net Zero
• Art & Design
• Film & TV
• Music & On-stage
• Pop Culture
• Fashion & Beauty
• Home & Garden
• Things to do
• Combat Sports
• Horse Racing
• Beyond the Headlines
• Trending Middle East
• Business Extra
• Culture Bites
• Year of Elections
• Pocketful of Dirhams
• Books of My Life
• Iraq: 20 Years On

Following in the footsteps of Japan's shoguns and samurai

A 14-day walking tour winds through the land of the rising sun taking in onsens, ryokan and yukatas.

The charms of Kyoto beckon, with its Gion district perfect for a coveted geiko (the regional term for geisha) sighting. Photo: Sorasak / Unsplash

My romantic westernised impressions of Japan began at an early age. I grew up watching movies like Seven Samurai and Ran by director Akira Kurosawa . It took me months – nay, almost a year – to read through 1,312 pages of epic historical fiction in Shogun by James Clavell, but I enjoyed every second of it, and I have since spent many a day dreaming about walking the ancient routes of feudal Japan during the reign of the shogun and samurai.

I was eager to see the real thing so when I spotted a tour called “Shoguns and Samurai”, it sounded like it had been crafted just for me, and I instantly signed up. The 14-day trip would cover all the destinations that I was keen to visit in Central Japan – including Tokyo, Kyoto and Yamanouchi – and also take us hiking through a sector of the Nakasendo Trail, a mountain route that connected Edo (present-day Tokyo) with Kyoto during the Edo period.

A few days in Tokyo sets the tone for my journey, which is operated by Oku Japan – a tour operator that specialises in off-the-beaten-path tours. Known as Edo for more than two centuries during the feudal rule of Japan's shogunate, the city was renamed Tokyo in 1868 when the emperor claimed imperial control.

Exploring by subway, my tour group ventures to parts old and new, led by our knowledgeable guide Yoko. At Hama-riku Gardens, once the former retreat of the shogunate and imperial family, I marvel at traditional gardens, seawater ponds and a lovely traditional teahouse where guests can partake in a delicate tea service in the heart of the city. Surrounded by gleaming skyscrapers, akin to sentries guarding the precious green space, the contrast between past and present is striking.

Very quickly I learn that each day on the tour will be busy and I'm glad I packed my most comfortable walking shoes. Sightseeing includes visits to Nihonbashi (the "Japan Bridge") considered the zero marker point for all of Japan’s main roads since the Edo period, and the impressive Grand Meiji Shrine near the Harajuku district, famed for its quirky fashion and avant-garde architecture.

Public transport is the order of the trip. In addition to the subway, we travel on bullet trains, public buses and even a cable car, which gives me a real sense of seeing the destination as the locals do. There is plenty of hiking and walking too, which gives me good reason to indulge guilt-free in traditional snacks in each village we pass as well as enjoying delicious kaiseki dinners – a centuries-old dining tradition comprising multiple courses and seasonal ingredients.

Sleeping in a ryokan

In the village of Yudanaka in the Nagano prefecture, it is time to experience my first stay in a ryokan, or traditional Japanese inn. During the Edo period, ryokans were frequented by travelling feudal lords and samurais. They feature Japanese-style tatami (straw-mat) floors and, each evening, staff prepare futons for sleeping. I am told only to walk on the tatami floors in socks or with bare feet – a sign of respect for the material's cultural significance. Comfy slippers are provided to use in the rest of the ryokan.

Each room has a yukata (a casual kimono) for guests to wear during their stay. Instead of western clothes, my group is encouraged to wear the ankle-length garment to dinner, and it is fun to see everyone adorned in the colourful robes after we master the art of wearing it.

“You place the left fold of the robe over the right of the chest,” instructs our guide Yoko. As a way to recall the “left over right” technique, she grins and offers the tip, “Just remember this, ‘leftover rice’.” The obi (sash) must then be tied around the waist.

Hot springs and snow monkeys

In Yudanaka, I am also introduced to the Japanese bathing concept of Onsen. Communal bathing is new to me, and soaking in a hot steaming pool of mineral water with naked strangers takes a bit of getting used to. It helps that the Onsen baths are divided into separate male and female sections.

The custom of bathing in hot springs has been part of Japanese culture for centuries, though. With more than 3,000 hot springs across the country, Onsen used to be frequented by samurai and feudal lords to heal wounds and soothe aches and pains or take the chance to relax. After a short talk on bathing etiquette, emboldened, I let go of my shyness determined to benefit from this ancient ritual and sink into the rock pool. The naturally heated waters and peaceful setting is delightful, and it becomes a ritual I look forward to at each destination.

And it’s not only people who enjoy the Yudanaka hot springs.

Japanese macaques, also known as snow monkeys, live in the mountains above the springs and, each year, as the weather gets colder, they venture down to Jigokudani Yaen Koen to bathe in the open-air water. As we hike along a trail leading to the snow monkey park, our guide warns us not to get our hopes up as the primates' schedules aren't always reliable. But when we arrive, we are in luck – there are monkeys everywhere. We see big males, mothers, babies and juveniles bathing in the water, and our group is in awe.

On another day, I step back in time to Japan’s Edo-period via a tour of a stunning 16th-century Matsumoto shogunate castle. Another excursion leads me to discover temples and colourful shrines flanked by towering cedar, maples and golden-leaved ginkgo trees.

Retracing history

One of the great highlights of the trip is hiking a portion of the ancient Nakasendo Trail where our group stays overnight in the historic towns of Narai and Tsumago, two of the Edo-period post towns along the route. As we continue to travel deep into the interior of Central Japan, we visit Unesco World Heritage site Shirakawa-go and stay at a preserved Gassho-zukuri house – a wooden structure with a steep thatched grass roof, which makes for a unique lodging experience.

From there the charms of Kyoto beckon. An evening stroll leads to Sanjo-ohashi Bridge, the western end of the Nakasendo Trail. Afterwards, we venture to the Gion district for a coveted geiko (the regional term for geisha ) sighting. The next day, a stroll through some of the city's famous gardens includes a stop at Kinkaku-ji, a glorious Golden Pavilion built in the 14th century by the Ashikaga Shogun.

Before heading back to Tokyo, there is time for one last experience. At the remote Mount Koya, set high in the mountains of the Kii peninsula, I have the chance to visit Kongobuji Temple, one of the region's most prominent sites.

Our group spends the night here, sleeping in shokubo, or pilgrims lodges, attached to the temple. The following morning, as I attend the Buddhist service at the temple – listening to the harmonious sounds of priests' readings and wind chimes and taking in the heady scent of incense mixed with chilled mountain air – I savour the deep sense of gratitude I feel at experiencing so many of Japan’s unique wonders and having the chance to explore some of this ancient destination's age-old treasures at long last.

Checking In

Travel updates and inspiration from the past week

Little Big Town heading out on tour with Sugarland: Details

The tour kicks off this October in South Carolina.

Little Big Town has announced their headlining Take Me Home Tour.

The fall trek kicks off on Oct. 24 in Greenville, South Carolina, and will hit New York, Michigan, Texas, Oklahoma, Georgia, and more, before wrapping at Nashville's Bridgestone Arena on Dec. 13.

Joining them are Grammy-winning duo Sugarland and up-and-coming trio The Castellows.

MORE: Missy Elliott announces 1st headline tour: 'I am experiencing so many milestone 'firsts''

The news arrives hot on the heels of Little Big Town and Sugarland's joint performance of Phil Collins' "Take Me Home" at the 2024 CMT Music Awards on Sunday.

"Last night felt like a real homecoming for us and a full circle moment. When we toured with Sugarland last, we would all be backstage harmonizing different cover songs to try and surprise the audience every night," Little Big Town said in a statement. "There’s something about this song that feels so nostalgic of that time. It really is like coming home."

Related Stories

Salvador Perez leads Royals past Astros 4-3 for 5th straight win

• Apr 9, 11:01 PM

Toby Keith's kids attend CMT Awards 2024

• Apr 8, 12:24 PM

Julianne Moore shares birthday tribute to daughter

• Apr 9, 3:30 PM

"The Take Me Home tour feels like a celebration of being a band for 25 years and we’re so excited to throw this party with our great friends Sugarland," the statement continued. "We’ll both be playing all our biggest hits and then some. Can’t wait to see everyone!"

MORE: Heart hitting the road for Royal Flush tour

Tickets go on sale Friday, April 12, at 10 a.m. local time.

For a full list of dates, head to littlebigtown.com.

Related Topics

• Country Music

At least 1 injured in explosion at French factory

• Apr 10, 3:23 PM

Shop 'Cowboy Carter'-inspired western wear

• Apr 10, 12:07 PM

ABC News Live

24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events

• Election 2024
• Entertainment
• Newsletters
• Photography
• Personal Finance
• AP Investigations
• AP Buyline Personal Finance
• Press Releases
• Israel-Hamas War
• Russia-Ukraine War
• Global elections
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East
• Election Results
• Delegate Tracker
• AP & Elections
• March Madness
• AP Top 25 Poll
• Movie reviews
• Book reviews
• Personal finance
• Financial Markets
• Business Highlights
• Financial wellness
• Artificial Intelligence
• Social Media

Biden tours collapsed Baltimore bridge as clearing proceeds and declares ‘your nation has your back’

President Joe Biden visited Baltimore Friday to get a firsthand look at efforts to clear away the remains of the Francis Scott Key Bridge which collapsed last week, killing six people. Biden vowed to “move heaven and earth” to rebuild the bridge.

President Joe Biden, aboard Marine One, takes an aerial tour of the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Friday, April 5, 2024, as seen from an accompanying aircraft. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

• Copy Link copied

President Joe Biden waves as he walks to Marine One for departure from the South Lawn of the White House, Friday, April 5, 2024, in Washington. Behind the President from left are Adm. Linda Fagan, Commandant of the United States Coast Guard, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, and Lt. Gen. Scott Spellmon, Chief of Engineers and Commanding General of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. They are headed to Maryland. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

President Joe Biden participates in an operational briefing on the response and recovery efforts of the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge, Friday, April 5, 2024 in Dundalk, Md., from Brigadier General John Lloyd, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, left, as Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, right, looks on. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, with the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge, seen rear, moves to speak, Friday, April 5, 2024 in Dundalk, Md. President Joe Biden is on scene getting a firsthand look at efforts to clear away the hulking remains of the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

An aerial formation including Marine One, carrying President Joe Biden, flies in a formation with a decoy helicopter and a U.S. Marine Corps Osprey aircraft carrying members of the White House press corps, during a tour of the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge, Friday, April 5, 2024, in Dundalk, Md. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson)

DUNDALK, Md. (AP) — President Joe Biden got a firsthand look Friday at efforts to clear away the “mangled mess” of remains of the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore , as cranes, ships and diving crews work to reopen one of the nation’s main shipping lanes.

Aboard Marine One, circling the warped metal remains and the mass of construction and salvage equipment trying to clear the wreckage of last week’s collapse, which killed six workers, Biden got an up close view of the devastation.

On the ground later, he received a briefing from local officials, the U.S. Coast Guard and Army Corps of Engineers on the situation in the water and its impacts on the region. The president also greeted police officers who helped block traffic to the bridge in the moments before it was hit by a ship — which helped avert an even larger loss of life.

“I’m here to say your nation has your back and I mean it,” Biden said from the shoreline overlooking the collapsed bridge in Dundalk, just outside Baltimore. “Your nation has your back.”

Eight workers — immigrants from Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador — were filling potholes on the bridge when it was hit by a huge cargo ship and collapsed in the middle of the night of March 26. Two men were rescued and the bodies of two others were recovered in subsequent days.

Authorities announced Friday evening that salvage divers had recovered, in the hours before Biden arrived, a third body from the water, that of Maynor Yasir Suazo-Sandoval, 38, one of the missing workers. They said the search for the other victims will continue.

The president also met for more than an hour with the families of those killed.

“The damage is devastating and our hearts are still breaking,” Biden said.

Officials have established a temporary, alternate channel for vessels involved in clearing debris. The Army Corps of Engineers hopes to open a limited-access channel for barge container ships and some vessels moving cars and farm equipment by the end of this month, and to restore normal capacity to Baltimore’s port by May 31, the White House says.

That’s important since longer delays in reopening shipping lanes could send shockwaves through the economy . As much as $200 million in cargo normally moves through Baltimore’s port per day, and it is the leading hub for importing and exporting vehicles.

More than 50 salvage divers and 12 cranes are on site to help cut out sections of the bridge and remove them from the key waterway. Officials told Biden they had all the resources they need to meet the targets for opening the channel into the Baltimore port.

The president announced that some of the largest employers affected by the collapse, including Amazon, Home Depot and Domino Sugar, have committed to keeping their employees on payroll until the port is reopened. That followed days of outreach by state and federal officials to try to mitigate the economic impact.

“From the air I saw the bridge that has been ripped apart,” Biden said, “but here on the ground I see a community that’s pulled together.”

It is still unclear, though, how the costs of cleanup and building a new bridge will be covered.

The Federal Highway Administration has provided $60 million in “quick release” emergency relief funds to get started. Exactly how much the collapse will ultimately cost is unclear, though some experts estimate recovery will take at least $400 million and 18 months .

Biden said within hours of the collapse that “the federal government will pay for the entire cost of reconstructing that bridge, and I expect the Congress to support my effort.”

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell likened the bridge collapse to assistance that flows after natural disasters and saying ”the federal government will step up and do the lion’s share” of funding. But authorization could cause some squabbles in Congress.

The White House is asking lawmakers to authorize the federal government to cover 100% of the collapsed bridge cleanup and reconstruction costs, rather than seeking funding through a separate, emergency supplemental funding request.

In a letter to congressional leaders, Office of Management and Budget Director Shalanda Young noted similar techniques were used for recovery and rebuilding efforts that received bipartisan congressional support in 2007, when a highway bridge in downtown Minneapolis collapsed during evening rush hour, killing 13 people.

But some hard-line congressional Republicans are already lining up to demand politically controversial offsets for the funding. The conservative House Freedom Caucus issued a statement saying, “If it proves necessary to appropriate taxpayer money to get one of America’s busiest ports back online, Congress should ensure it is fully offset and that burdensome regulations” are waved. It was referring to potential federal spending cuts elsewhere and to regulations like the Endangered Species Act.

The caucus’s letter also suggested that approval for bridge recovery funds be tied to the Biden administration agreeing to lift a pause it has imposed on exportation of liquified natural gas.

The funding questions only serve to heighten the collapse’s political implications as Biden squares off with former President Donald Trump in November’s election.

It’s the second major disaster along the country’s busy northeastern hub in as many years. Last summer, an overpass along Interstate 95 in Philadelphia caught fire and collapsed after a tanker truck slammed into it. Federal and state officials moved quickly on temporary repairs and ultimately reopened that section of the highway faster than expected.

But the cleanup and repairs in Baltimore will take far longer and be far more costly, making the chances it is a net political positive for Biden — especially in time for Election Day — far murkier. That hasn’t stopped the Biden administration from championing anew a $1 trillion-plus public works package that cleared Congress in 2021.

The bridge collapse also has thrust into the national spotlight Maryland’s Democratic Gov. Wes Moore , 45, a leading voice in Biden’s reelection campaign’s effort to energize young voters on the 81-year-old president’s behalf. The governor accompanied Biden on the helicopter tour and during his briefings.

Biden has traveled the country showcasing construction projects on highways, bridges and tunnels. In 2022, he arrived for an event in Pittsburgh just hours after a bridge nearby collapsed . Promoting the public works package also has allowed the president to lean into his love of train travel and many years commuting to and from Washington on Amtrak as a Delaware senator.

Biden said Friday that he’d been over the bridge “about a thousand times” commuting from Washington to his home in Delaware, prompting the state Department of Transportation chief to quip, “thank you for the tolls, sir.”

Associated Press writer Lea Skene in Baltimore contributed to this report.