Shirakawago (also spelled “Shirakawa-go”) is a historic village in Japan known for its thatched-roof farmhouses. The village is located in the mountainous region of Gifu Prefecture and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Why You Need to Visit Shirakawago
Fascinating Architecture
Shirakawago is one of the few places in Japan where you can see traditional farmhouses. They are built in the style of gassho-zukuri, which means “constructed like hands in prayer.” This refers to the triangular shape of the roofs that are designed to shed snow. The way the houses are built in Shirakawago is essential to the people’s survival, as the area experiences harsh winters with heavy snowfall.
Stunning Scenery
Nestled in the Japanese Alps, the farmhouses of Shirakawago create a breathtaking landscape that captivates those who visit. The village looks like a scene out of a fairy tale, with the surrounding mountains and lush forests providing an awe-inspiring backdrop for photos. Fall paints the village in warm hues of red and orange, while winter makes it look like the inside of a snow globe.
Strong Sense of Community
Because of its remote location and the heavy snow that piles up in winter, in the past, Shirakawago was cut off from the rest of Japan for months at a time. There was no way in and out of the village because of the blocked roads and this meant that the villagers only had themselves to rely on for survival. It was out of this intense need that the villagers developed a spirit of helping each other out that they call yui.
The concept of yui is essential to understanding the culture and community of Shirakawago. Yui is the idea of mutual assistance, and it drives members of the local community to collectively work together on activities that benefit everyone in need. One such activity that reflects this is the act of thatching a roof, which usually takes days and around 200 people to finish. Locals take part in these activities not out of obligation, but out of a desire to help one another.
The spirit of yui is still strong in Shirakawago, and it has played an important role in preserving the village’s culture and traditions for centuries. The community spirit that yui embodies allows locals to build a tight-knit bond that helps everyone work together for the common good, no matter how difficult the task may be.
Living History
While some farmhouses in Shirakawago have been transformed into museums for public education, most still function as residential houses. The residents have all agreed not to rent, sell, or destroy their houses, in order to preserve the village’s culture and traditions.
Must-See Attractions
Ogimachi Observation Area
The site where Ogimachi Castle once stood, the observation area overlooks the village of Shirakawago. It’s a popular photography spot and there’s also an area where you can get your picture taken and printed on photo paper for a small fee. The observation area is accessible on foot, although many people take the shuttle bus on the way up and then walk on the way down.
Wada House
The Wada House is one of the thatched-roof farmhouses in Shirakawago that has been transformed into a museum. Built late in the Edo period, it is the largest farmhouse in Shirakawago and reflects centuries-old family legacy and influence. Members of the Wada family were often appointed village headmen and were responsible for ensuring that government regulations were followed as people and goods traveled in or out of Shirakawago. They gained their wealth by producing saltpeter, a key ingredient used to make gunpowder, as well as silk a little later on. It’s said that the level of comfort and upkeep of this traditional gassho-style house reflects the success of the Wada family during their tenure. Visitors today that come to Shirakawa-go are able to see centuries of history gathered within its walls – a majestically preserved reminder of not only typical village life but also a tangible piece of Japanese history.
Minkaen Museum
This beautiful open-air museum showcases preserved gassho-zukuri houses, along with a watermill, a shrine, and a temple’s main hall. You can freely explore the homes’ interior, some of which include an irori, a traditional sunken hearth. If you’re not staying at a gassho-zukuri guesthouse, the houses at Minkaen provide the closest experience.
Staying at a Gassho-Zukuri Farmhouse
If you want to stay in Shirakawa longer and gain a deeper understanding of the local culture, you can opt to stay at a gassho-zukuri farmhouse within the village. There are more than 40 options available, although you can only stay a maximum of one night per house. If you want to stay longer, you’ll have to book a different farmhouse for each night.
Many of these lodgings offer a meal plan along with the stay. You’ll be served two meals—dinner and breakfast. Some of the farmhouses also offer traditional irori-style dining where the meal is cooked in a sunken hearth on the floor.
Rooms may vary, but expect to stay in a tatami room where a futon will be laid at night. As is the case in many traditional lodgings, the bathroom and toilet may be communal. Some of these houses are over 200 years old but rest assured that they’ve been furnished to suit modern life.
An overnight stay at a gassho-zukuri farmhouse in Shirakawago can cost from ¥9,000 to ¥25,000 per person. You can search for rooms in English at Shirakawa-go Tourist Association or Japanese Guest Houses.
Shirakawago and Gokayama
Shirakawago and Gokayama are both villages located in mountainous regions of central Japan. The two share many similarities, as they are both known for their gassho-zukuri style farmhouses constructed with a steep thatched roof. Both settlements were added to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list in 1995.
The major difference between Shirakawago and Gokayama lies in their geographical location. Shirakawago is located in Gifu prefecture while Gokayama belongs to Toyama prefecture. They are both located along the Shogawa River, with around 10 km of distance between them. Both villages are surrounded by lush green forests and offer breathtaking views of Japan’s remote countryside, but Gokayama is often less crowded than Shirakawago and has more of a laid-back atmosphere to it.
Shirakawago is home to several farmhouses, some of which serve as museums and guest houses. On the other hand, Gokayama has a smaller selection of gassho-zukuri houses, but some of its homes are over 300 years old and still in use today.
Both Shirakawago and Gokayama are great destinations to see unique gassho-zukuri architecture and experience the culture of Japan’s remote countryside. Whether you visit one or both, make sure not to miss out on some of the unforgettable experiences these two villages have to offer.
Best Time to Visit
Shirakawago is beautiful all year round, but many tourist sites and associations market it as a winter destination. The combination of rustic farmhouses and the deep snow that blankets them is a unique sight that can only be witnessed in the winter months, from late December to late March.
If you prefer milder weather, it’s best to visit either in spring (March to May) or fall (October and November). You can catch cherry blossoms for a short period during springtime. Fall colors are easier to catch as they tend to last longer.
The summer months of July and August paint the village a brilliant green and while it is a stunning sight to behold, the heat and humidity may prove to be a challenge for some.
June is usually rainy, so planning a visit would be difficult if you prefer seeing the sun.
Shirakawago in Summer Time (Video)
While Shirakawago is a population wintertime destination, it looks just as stunning in summer. Below is a video of my visit to Shirakawago during the summer of 2022.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely. The gassho-zukuri farmhouses are unique to central Japan. As a living piece of history, Shirakawago also offers a distinctive insight into the traditional Japanese way of life.
Yes, Shirakawago has a permanent population of about 1,600. Many villagers work in agriculture and tourism.
No, entry to the village itself is free. However, some attractions like the Wada House and the Minkaen Museum have small admission fees that help with their upkeep.
The village is beautiful all year round. If you want to see the village blanketed in snow, time your visit sometime between late December and early March. If you want to see cherry blossoms, it’s best to visit from mid-April to mid-May. If you want to see the farmhouses among lush green fields, go around July or August. And if you want to see fall colors, you can catch them between late September to October.
Yes. There are several farmhouses in Shirakawago that allow guests to stay for a maximum of one night per person. These overnight stays usually offer traditional cultural experiences like eating meals cooked using a sunken hearth called irori.
You’ll need at least half a day to explore the major attractions within the village. If you want to immerse yourself in local life, an overnight stay at one of the farmhouses is recommended.
How to Get There
The four easiest access points to Shirakawago are Shin-Takaoka Station in Toyama, Kanazawa Station in Ishikawa Prefecture, Takayama Station in Takayama Prefecture, and Nagoya Station in Nagoya. This is because there are direct buses to Shirakawago from these locations. Depending on where you are before your visit, you’ll need to get to these locations first before you can get to Shirakawago.
| Location | Bus Company | Travel Time | Fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shin-Takaoka Station | Nohi Bus Kaetsuno Bus | 1 hr 25 mins | ¥1,730 – ¥1,800 |
| Kanazawa Station | Nohi Bus | 1 hr 15 mins | ¥2,000 |
| Takayama Station | Nohi Bus | 50m mins | ¥2,600 |
| Nagoya Station | Gifu Bus | 2 hrs 50 mins | ¥4,000 |
To buy tickets, you can book directly from the bus companies via their websites or book from the English aggregate website for highway buses, Japan Bus Online.
If you are traveling from Takayama, you can buy the Gassho Zukuri Minkaen Set from Nohi Bus Center near the station. For ¥4,600, you get to have round-trip bus tickets to Shirakawago, free entrance to the Wada House and the Minkaen Museum, plus a meal from one of the three participating restaurants.
