Stay in Shirakawa-go in 2024: Starting From Just 3,000 Yen per Night!

World Heritage-Listed Shirakawa-go: 4 Accommodations Types

Picture courtesy of Pixta

Shirakawa-go is a World Heritage Site located in Japan's Gifu Prefecture. The traditional homes feature distinct thatched roofs that are steeply pitched (gassho-zukkuri), creating a beautiful rural landscape.

According to Shirakawa-go Tourist Association's website, this area has 40 accommodation facilities divided into the following four categories:

1. Gassho Minshuku (Family Lodging House)
2. Ryokan (Traditional Inn)
3. Hotels
4. Guesthouses

This article introduces the characteristics of these four accommodation types and our recommended spots.

The room availability of these accommodations can change depending on the season. If you have plans to visit during the popular winter season, we highly recommend making your reservation as early as possible.

The Shirakawa-go region also has many beautiful places to visit. Setting aside some time during your trip to fully enjoy these famous places is a good idea!

Places to Stay in Shirakawa-go

1. Shirakawa-go Gassho Minshuku
2. Shirakawa-go Ryokan
3. Shirakawa-go Hotels
4. Shirakawa-go Guesthouses

1. Gassho Minshuku: Stay at the Thatched Roof House You've Been Dreaming Of!

A key component of Shirakawa-go's scenery is the old homes with their triangular rooftops. They have adopted a traditional architectural style known as "gassho-zukkuri."

The triangle-shaped rooftops―which help snow slide off buildings―look like two hands brought together in prayer. So, the word "gassho" was used because it means bringing one's hands together in prayer in Japanese.

Picture courtesy of Pixta

The Shirakawa-go area is dotted with one hundred of these traditional homes, both large and small. Of these, 20 are known as Gassho Minshuku and offer lodging to visitors.

There are two ways to make a reservation at a Gassho Minshuku: book a room on the Shirakawa-go Tourist Association official website or make a reservation on the minshuku's respective website.

Shimizu

One such minshuku where travelers can spend the night is Shimizu.

This minshuku is a ten-minute walk from the heart of Shirakawa-go. It's also a facility that warmly welcomes international visitors. Shimizu and other Gassho Minshuku are extremely popular, so it's best to book your room as soon as possible!

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2. Ryokan: Enjoy Shirakawa-go's Charming Atmosphere

Shirakawa-go also has ten ryokans with a traditional Japanese atmosphere. The tasty meals use local ingredients, and some ryokan even have open-air baths. Enjoy the highlights of Shirakawa-go with all five senses!

To make a reservation at a ryokan, you can access the Shirakawa-go Tourist Association's official website or visit each ryokan's respective website. Another option is booking a room on a reservation site such as Booking.com, which offers many reservation plans with no cancellation fees.

Shiroyamakan

Picture courtesy of Booking.com

Shiroyamakan, with its cozy atmosphere, is managed by a family who has lived here for many generations.

This ryokan was established about 140 years ago in 1884. The structure has a long history and was designated as an Important Traditional Building.

Moreover, it has garnered a reputation for delicious food. One of the charms of this ryokan is savoring seasonal cuisine that incorporates the food culture of the local region.

Shiroyamakan is only six minutes on foot from Shirakawa-go's central area featuring the unique gassho-zukkuri architecture. Therefore, it's an ideal sightseeing hub.

Although it's a relatively upscale accommodation, we highly recommend Shiroyamakan. It features a beautiful space with a historical ambiance, serves up delicious cuisine that can't be found anywhere else, and offers a high level of warm hospitality.

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3. Hotels: Perfect for Those Who Prioritize Comfort

Hotels offer amenities, bath towels, hair dryers, and other necessities for your stay. So why not book a hotel room if you're seeking convenience and comfort?

To reserve a hotel room, you can access the Shirakawa-go Tourist Association's official website or visit Booking.com where travelers can easily search for a room that best matches their personal needs.

CURIO Shirakawa-go

Picture courtesy of Booking.com

CURIO Shirakawa-go is a new hotel that opened in 2022 in the Shirakawa Village.

Guest rooms are bright and clean, featuring a modern atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy the view of traditional homes with thatched roofs from the comfort of their own rooms.

It takes about 20 minutes on foot to reach the heart of Shirakawa-go from the hotel. This is perfect for those interested in enjoying a leisurely stay in peaceful surroundings.

Toyota Shirakawa-go Eco Institute

Picture courtesy of Booking.com

We recommend Toyota Shirakawa-go Eco Institute for families who'd like to fully enjoy Shirakawa-go's beautiful natural surroundings.

This is an Eco Institute―complete with hot springs―where children and adults can enjoy nature activities. It's located about ten minutes by car from Shirakawa-go's Gassho-Zukuri Village area.

The Eco Institute sits at the foot of Mt. Shiroyama, which has an elevation of 2,700 meters. Forests, rivers, mountains, and other natural landscapes spread out nearby.

Accompanied by a guide, visitors can enjoy strolling through the forest, catching fish in a river, playing in the snow, and experiencing Shirakawa-go's many attractive features that change seasonally.

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4. Guesthouses: Recommended for Visitors on a Budget

When taking a trip, there are many travel expenses including food, transportation, activity fees, and so on. We recommend staying in a guesthouse for travelers interested in saving money on their accommodation costs.

In recent years, the number of guesthouses in the Shirakawa-go area has increased. Visitors can reserve a room on the Shirakawa-go Tourist Association's official website or the online reservation site Booking.com where it's easy to find reasonably priced accommodations.

Shirakawa-go Guesthouse KEI

Picture courtesy of Booking.com

We highly recommend Shirakawa-go Guesthouse KEI for its reasonable prices. A one-night stay for one person starts at just 3,000 yen per night.

This guesthouse is located only 20 minutes on foot from the center of Shirakawa-go. Guests receive a full range of facilities and services, including a shared kitchen, free parking, and free towel rentals.

There are also English-speaking staff, so guests can have a worry-free stay.

WAY SHIRAKAWA GO

Picture courtesy of Booking.com

While keeping accommodation costs down, WAY SHIRAKAWA GO has a limit of one set of guests per night, offering a relaxing overnight stay with total privacy. This single-family house is perfect for families and groups.

This 70-year-old kominka (traditional Japanese country home)―with its rustic exterior charm―was completely renovated and opened as a guesthouse in 2022. The backyard garden has a stream running through it, allowing you to easily feel Shirakawa Village's abundant nature. It's an enjoyable stay that feels like you're relaxing at home.

It's a 15-minute walk from the guesthouse to the main part of Shirakawa-go, and the nearest convenience store is a minute away on foot. The guesthouse owner also speaks English, ensuring that all guests have a smooth, enjoyable experience.

Let's Stay at the World Heritage Site Shirakawa-go!

We introduced four accommodation types alongside our recommended spots in Shirakawa-go, a village that is a famous World Heritage Site.

Many people praise Shirakawa-go as a place you need to visit at least once in your lifetime. It's easy to book a room online at many of these accommodation facilities―both from within and outside Japan.

Please spend the night in one of these spots and experience Japan's culture and climate at an even deeper level!

Main image by Pixta