To the world heritage site! We will introduce recommended spots in Shirakawa-go and nearby tourist spots!

★We accept bus reservations to Shirakawa-go★

Click here to make a reservation!

1. What is the charm of the World Heritage Site “Shirakawa-go”?

1-1 Why is the village designated as a World Heritage Site?

Shirakawa-go, located in Shirakawa Village, Gifu Prefecture, was registered as a World Cultural Heritage Site along with Gokayama Village in Toyama Prefecture in 1995 as the "Shirakawa-go/Gokayama Gassho-zukuri Village." Although it is a popular tourist destination that attracts tourists from all over the world, people actually live in the village of Shirakawa-go. Why was a village that is not even a ruin registered as a World Heritage Site?

In fact, it can be said that it became a World Heritage Site precisely because ``people actually live here.'' While many villages have lost their landscapes due to the waves of economic growth and urbanization, it is a very valuable area with many gassho-zukuri houses. Furthermore, the efforts of the residents who are still living without changing their lifestyles and helping each other. These were the deciding factors for my registration.

【basic information】

Name: Shirakawa-go Gassho-zukuri village

Address Ogimachi, Shirakawa Village, Ono District, Gifu Prefecture

Contact 05769-6-1013

WEB Shirakawago official website

1-2 “Gassho-zukuri” continued to be preserved by residents

Shirakawa-go, lined with steeply sloping thatched roof houses known as Gassho-zukuri, retains a uniquely Japanese landscape. Shirakawa Village is in a heavy snowfall area. It is a clever and rational building, with a steeply sloped roof to shed snow and a spacious attic that allows for sericulture.

More than 100 gassho-zukuri structures of various sizes still remain in Shirakawa-go. Despite the trend of modernization, the reason why so many buildings remained is that in 1971 the residents decided not to sell, rent, or destroy them, and they all worked together to protect them. Approximately 1,600 people currently live in Shirakawa Village, and they continue to support each other by working together to re-thatch the roofs.

Gassho style

1-3 Enjoy the beautiful expressions of each season

Speaking of the scenery of Shirakawa-go, winter is the best. The Gassho-zukuri structure covered in thick snow is a sight to behold. Night illumination events are also held during the snowy period from January to February. However, Shirakawa-go's charm is not only in winter. In spring, the cherry blossoms are at their best from around mid-April, and you can also enjoy the Shibazakura that blooms all over the ground. In summer, the view of lush rice fields and gassho-zukuri buildings is the best match. A good old Japanese landscape. Shirakawa-go is a village surrounded by mountains, so in autumn it is surrounded by 360 degrees of autumn leaves, a beauty that will take your breath away.

Shirakawago illuminated

2. Recommended spots you can't miss when visiting Shirakawa-go

2-1 Visit the important cultural property “Wada Family Residence”

The Wada Family Residence, which is one of the largest gassho-zukuri houses in Shirakawa-go, has been designated as a national important cultural property. Although people still live there, part of the first floor and the second floor are open to the public during the day, making it a building where you can feel close to life in Shirakawa-go. There are guides inside the museum, and while you listen to explanations, you can see exhibits such as the folk and agricultural tools that were actually used, as well as the Gassho-zukuri structure from inside.

You can also tour the Nagase family residence, which served as a doctor for the Maeda family, the lords of the Kaga domain during the Edo period. It is a large 5-story Gassho-zukuri building, and you can see the roof being supported by a single pillar about 11 meters long.

Wada family residence

【basic information】

Name: Wada Family Residence

Address: 997 Ogimachi, Shirakawa Village, Ono District, Gifu Prefecture

Contact 05769-6-1058

WEB Shirakawago official website

2-2 View of the gassho village! "Ogimachi Castle Ruins Observation Deck"

Ogimachi Castle Ruins is a medieval mountain castle ruins, and the northwest part of the castle ruins is a steep cliff. You can see a panoramic view of Shirakawa-go from the Ogimachi Castle Ruins Observation Deck, which was built on the castle ruins. Shirakawa-go seen from a hill is like a world straight out of a folk tale. The view of the gassho-style village spreading out below is exceptional, and it's a great photo spot, especially in the winter.

There are two routes to the observation deck: a 20-minute course up a gentle slope, and a 10-minute shuttle bus ride. There is also an observation deck overlooking Shirakawa-go at Shiroyama Castle Tower, and you can enjoy different views from both.

From the Ogimachi Castle Ruins Observation Deck

【basic information】

Name: Ogimachi Castle Ruins Observation Deck

Address Ogimachi, Shirakawa Village, Ono District, Gifu Prefecture

Contact: 05769-6-1311 (Shirakawa Village Tourism Promotion Division)

WEB Shirakawa Village official website

2-3 Shirakawa Hachiman Shrine, a famous anime sacred place

Shirakawa Hachiman Shrine, located in the village, is a historic shrine that is said to have been built during the Wado era (708-714). The large cedar tree in the temple grounds is estimated to be 300 years old, and is approximately 30m tall and has a circumference of 5.6m, and has been designated as a natural monument of the village. There is no doubt that you will receive great power from a large tree that has endured the wind and snow.

In recent years, it has become a model for popular anime works, and many fans come to make pilgrimages to the sacred place, and its masterpiece ema has become a hot topic. The Doburoku Festival, a ritual to pray for a rich harvest, is held in October every year, and doburoku is sometimes served to worshipers.

【basic information】

Name Shirakawa Hachiman Shrine

Address: Shirakawa Village, Ono District, Gifu Prefecture

Contact 05769-6-1655

2-4 Entrance to Gassho Village! Deai Bridge, a suspension bridge that blends into the scenery

Deai Bridge is a large suspension bridge with a total length of 107m. This is the entrance to the village that connects the gassho-zukuri style village to the Seseragi Park parking lot. The bridge spans the wide width of the Shogawa River, so the view of the river flow and nature from the center of the bridge provides an outstanding sense of openness. The bridge is not very high above the river surface, is wide, and is made of concrete, so even those who are afraid of heights can enjoy the scenery with relative peace of mind.

【basic information】

Name Deai Bridge

Address Ogimachi, Shirakawa Village, Ono District, Gifu Prefecture

2-5 Relax at the Oshirakawa Open-air Bath while enjoying the view of Lake Hakusui

Oshirakawa Open-air Bath, located about 30 minutes by car southwest of Shirakawa-go, is a natural open-air bath with free-flowing water. Located in the Oshirakawa Park of Hakusan National Park, the highlight is that you can take a bath while looking out at the emerald green Lake Hakusui. It has a very open feel and is especially recommended during the fall foliage season. Your mind and body will be relaxed and healed from the core.

【basic information】

Name: Oshirakawa open-air bath

Address: Hirase Oshirakawa, Shirakawa Village, Ono District, Gifu Prefecture

Contact 05769-6-1187 (Toyota Shirakawago Nature School)

WEB Shirakawago Tourism Association

I want to go here too! Nearby popular tourist destinations

3-1 Stroll through the old streets of Hida Takayama

The center of Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture, still retains the atmosphere of the Edo period. It is a popular tourist destination in Hida Takayama and is crowded with tourists in all seasons. The combination of the castle town center, Kamimachi, which developed as a merchant town, and the three streets of Shitamachi is called the ``Old Townscape''.

An irrigation canal flows under the eaves with a series of latticework, creating a peaceful atmosphere. It's perfect for a leisurely stroll. Some of the retro houses are now souvenir shops and cafes. The Higashiyama Teramachi area is lined with temples and has a peaceful atmosphere.

【basic information】

Name Hida Takayama old townscape

Address Kamiichinomachi, Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture

Contact: 0577-32-3333 (Takayama City Tourism Division)

WEB Gifu travel guide

3-2 “Takayama Jinya”, a dignified atmosphere from the Edo period

``Takayama Jinya'' was a government office during the Edo period, and it was the place where magistrates from Edo conducted politics in Hida. It is said that at the end of the Edo period, there were about 60 such shrines across the country, but Takayama Jinya is the only one that still has a building from that time. The gate at the entrance to the Jinya, which was originally the lower residence of the Takayama castle lord, is large and impressive. The inside is also spacious, and if you take your time to explore it, it will take about an hour. At Gohakusu, where criminal trials were held, torture instruments from the time are also on display. It is a valuable place where you can feel the vestiges of the Edo period.

【basic information】

Name Takayama Jinya

Address: 1-5 Hachikencho, Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture

Contact 0577-32-0643

WEB Takayama Jinya official website

3-3 “Morning market” where you can buy souvenirs and food

Morning markets are held in two locations every morning in Takayama City. The Jinya-mae Morning Market is held in front of Takayama Jinya, where you can buy fresh produce such as vegetables and fruits grown by local farmers at low prices. ``Miyagawa Morning Market'' is held along the Miyagawa River from Kajibashi Bridge to Yayoi Bridge, and you can enjoy shopping while strolling along the river. It's open from 7 a.m. (8 a.m. in winter) to 12 p.m., so it's a good idea to go early and grab some breakfast while walking around.

Miyagawa morning market

【basic information】

Name: Miyagawa Morning Market

Address: Shimosannomachi, Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture

3-4 Kanazawa Kenrokuen, a garden where the Kaga Hyakumangoku tradition lives on

Kanazawa Kenrokuen, located in Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture, is one of Japan's top three gardens. It has been designated as a special scenic spot by the country, and is also famous for having been awarded three stars in a famous rating guidebook. The beautiful and vast garden allows you to feel the tradition of Kaga Hyakumangoku. The symbol, the ``Kotoji Lantern'', is reflected in the water of Lake Kasumigaike, giving it an elegant and tasteful appearance.

Light-up events are held regularly throughout the year at Kenrokuen. It is a garden that is beautiful in each season, with cherry blossoms in spring, fresh greenery in summer, colored leaves in autumn, and snowdrops in winter, and there is something new to discover every time you visit.

【basic information】

Name: Kenrokuen

Address 1-1 Marunouchi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture

Contact: 076-234-3800 (Ishikawa Prefecture Kanazawa Castle/Kenrokuen Management Office)

WEB Ishikawa Prefecture official website (Kenrokuen)

3-5 Eiheiji, the main temple of the Soto sect, where you can experience zazen meditation

Eiheiji, the main temple of the Soto sect of Buddhism, located in Eiheiji Town, Fukui Prefecture, is a famous Zen temple that is visited by tourists from all over the world. It is a training hall for Zen Buddhism that was founded in 1244, and even today, many monks are still engaged in rigorous training. Here you can experience zazen meditation, calming your mind and getting away from everyday thoughts.

【basic information】

Name: Eiheiji, the head temple of the Soto sect

Address 5-15 Shihi, Eiheiji-cho, Yoshida-gun, Fukui Prefecture

Contact 0776-63-3102

WEBEiheiji official website

4. Let's go to Shirakawa-go, the original scenery that attracts people

The Gassho style village of Shirakawa-go is so beautiful that it can be called the original landscape of Japan. It is a world-class tourist destination with sturdy buildings that can withstand heavy snowfall and a unique culture that has been passed down to this day. There are many tourist spots nearby that give you a sense of history. Let's go to Shirakawa-go.

★We accept bus reservations to Shirakawa-go★

Click here to make a reservation!