Shirakawago– UNESCO World Heritage site –

Shirakawa-go (白川郷) is a UNESCO World Heritage site in Gifu Prefecture, Japan, renowned for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses. These unique structures feature steep, thatched roofs resembling hands in prayer, a design that allows them to withstand the heavy snowfall common to the mountainous regions of central Japan. Inside, a large open hearth in the living area provides warmth and a place for cooking during the cold winter months. Some of these historic houses, primarily built between the Edo period and the early Showa period, have been transformed into charming inns and restaurants, welcoming visitors to experience the traditional way of life.

While Shirakawa-go is beautiful year-round, the winter months offer a particularly enchanting sight when the area is blanketed in snow. During this time, there are occasional illuminations of the farmhouses at night, creating a magical atmosphere.

Visitors can access Shirakawa-go by bus or car from major cities. However, it is crucial to check the weather and road conditions beforehand, especially in winter, as heavy snowfall may lead to traffic restrictions.

Within Shirakawa-go, visitors can explore various attractions. The Wada House, the largest gassho-zukuri house in the village and a designated Important Cultural Property, offers a glimpse into the traditional lifestyle. Myozen-ji Temple, with its thatched-roof bell tower, is another notable site. The Shiroyama Viewpoint provides a panoramic view of the gassho-zukuri village, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the unique landscape.

In September and October, the Doburoku Festival takes place, celebrating the harvest and offering a vibrant cultural experience.

Shirakawa-go, along with Gokayama, was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995, acknowledging the exceptional value of these well-preserved traditional settlements.

Getting there

By Train and Bus

• From Tokyo:

1. Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Toyama (130-170 minutes)
2. Transfer to a bus to Shirakawago (90 minutes)
   Total journey time: About 4 hours

• From Osaka/Kyoto:

1. Take the Limited Express Thunderbird to Kanazawa (2.5-3 hours)
2. Transfer to a bus to Shirakawago (75 minutes)

By Direct Bus

• From Takayama: 50-65 minutes
• From Kanazawa: About 75 minutes
• From Toyama: About 80 minutes
• From Nagoya: About 2.5 hours

By Car

• From Kanazawa: About 1 hour 10 minutes
• From Nagoya: About 2 hours 15 minutes
• From Tokyo: About 5 hours 15 minutes

Details (SHIRAKAWA-GO. TOURIST ASSOCIATION)

Hours	9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Phone	+81 5769-6-1013
Address	1086 Ogimachi Shirakawa-mura Ono-gun, Gifu Prefecture
Official Website	https://shirakawa-go.gr.jp/