Surrounded by beautiful mountains, Shirakawago is a famous place to go in Japan. This sightseeing place located in Gifu prefecture in central Japan. This historical village is a must go place if you want to enjoy one of the beautiful yet traditional landscape.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site which is famous for its “gassho” style traditional houses with thatched roof, will give you a unique experience while you are at the spot. Those houses built with wood and straws collected around the area.
There are about 114 “gassho” houses in the village. The oldest house is believed to be 250 years old. You can visit museums and shrines in the village to learn about life style and culture of the people who lived at the village. It is also possible to stay at on of this thatched house but advance booking is required.
If you go in Summer / Autumn you can enjoy the village and its surroundings on a nice sunny day. If you visit the place in Winter then you can enjoy the village in a totally different landscape.
In the Winter there are illuminations that occurs on first six Sundays from January to February. In Winter the village lit up for two hours in the evening.
How to visit this village?
From Nagoya it takes about 3 and half hours by Car. From Takayama it is about 1 and half hour.
It is possible to visit the place by Bus from Takayama. Bus “Nohi” fare is about 4000 yen per person on way. From Tokyo the best option is via Hokuriku Shinkansen and then Bus from Toyama. The fare from Tokyo to Shirakawago by Shinkansen and Bus is about 15000 yen one way.
Shirakawago – Entry Fee and Address
Visitors can visit this village free of charge. However if you are going there by Car, parking fee is between 500 yen and 1000 yen.
Address: Ogimachi, Shirakawa, Ono District, Gifu 501-5627
Website: https://www.vill.shirakawa.lg.jp/en/
When to visit Shirakawago?
While in Winter you can enjoy the place that turns into a fairy tale land and illumination during January and February, to enjoy the beautiful landscape of the village, Autumn may be the best time to visit. April and May is good for visiting Shirakawago with family that has children. For Winter, the time should be between December and March.
Look at the beauty in Autumn, you can enjoy the place with Cherry blossom…
Some Handy Tips
Some good tips for visiting this village are – for Summer try to visit in the first week of May. Check the weather beforehand, a sunny day is recommended. Go there around 12:00 ~ 14:00. For Winter perhaps first week of February is ideal because there will be less people around and the weather is normally good enough.
Shirakawago village in Gifu prefecture is a perfect place to go in Japan for travelers who likes to explore and enjoy historical spots. So now that you know about this popular sightseeing place, why not visit this traditional village when you get a chance? If you have a travel itinerary for central Japan, keep this beautiful village in your bucket list.
