Shirakawa-Go Village

If you are travelling to Nagoya, Osaka or Tokyo, Shirakawa-go is one of the must-visit places as this place is one of the most beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Japan to visit any time of the year.

Shirakawa-Go is located in the Gifu Prefecture, and this majestic mountain village with traditional 'Gassho-zukuri' style farmhouses sits in a valley where the unique and high triangle roofs are made entirely without any nails.

Gassho-zukuri also means "constructed like hands in prayer", as the farmhouse's steep thatched roofs resemble the hands of Buddhist monks pressed together in prayer.

Shirakawa-Go is also known as Grassho-zukuri Village, and this place is best visited throughout the year as one can experience the many different seasons here.

Shirakawa-Go Village

Deai Bridge, the main entrance to Shirakawa-Go.

Several traditional homes are located in the village, but only one farmhouse is open to the public, which is called the 'Wada House'.

Inside, you can see how the entire farmhouse is made, the locally homegrown silkworm farming, and the traditional items used there.

Inside the house, there is also a display of historical information and items related to the homes and people of Shirakawa-Go. Some of the things inside date back over 300 years old. 

Other farmhouses are closed to the public, but some have been converted into shops or restaurants where you can buy local produce or try the local Gifu-styled Japanese food.

One of the unique farmhouses in Shirakawa-go.

Higashi-dori Street in Shirakawa Go Village.

There is a main street (Higashi-dori street) where you can explore and see the many other farmhouses from a distance, but remember that you are not allowed to simply go in. 

Below are random photos taken in January 2014 at the Shirakawa Go Village in the Gifu prefecture of central Japan.

Again, this was in the winter, whereas in other seasons, the natural beauty is different and worth visiting.

Shirakawa-go Photos

Directions in Shirakawa-Go.

Wada House Information.

Inside the Grassho-Zukuri Farmhouse.

The first floor of the Wada House.

Japanese Silkworms at Shirakawa Village.

The traditional Gassho Homes of Shirakawa-Go.

Shirakawa Go main street.

View of Shirakawa Go Village.

Grassho Zukuri Style Farmhouses.

Scarecrow art at the village.

For photographers, the Shiroyama Viewpoint is where you can take beautiful scenic photographs of the entire village from a distance. 

You can hike up from the main village or take the shuttle to get up here. In winter, it is not possible to hike up.

This gives you that postcard-perfect photo of the entire village too. You can check out the official Japan National Tourism Organization Website if you need more information on this place or its surroundings.

Shirakawa Go Village during the winter.

How To Go To Shirakawa-go?

A few airlines fly directly to the Centrair Nagoya Airport from Tokyo and Osaka. Alternatively, you can take a train or bus here, but the journey would be quite interesting.

The train stops at various cities, and you must connect to Shirakawa-go. English is not widely spoken in these areas; learning some basic Japanese or carrying a Japanese dictionary is best.

Self-driving can be done with some car rental companies here, but I recommend using a tour company as you need a minimum of half a day to visit this UNESCO world heritage site of Shirakawa-Go.

Conclusion

Shirakawa-go village is truly one of the most amazing places in Japan and is best visited any time of the year. This is because different seasons give the visitor a different kind of experience.

From Malaysia, Batik Air flies direct to Nagoya and from there, you can take a day trip to visit this beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site in Japan.