What is the best time to visit Shirakawa-go?

The four seasons at Shirakawa-go are; Spring (March – May) – cherry blossoms & rice paddies, Summer (June – August) – lush green trees, Fall sees festivals and vivid colors of the changing leaves, Winter features beautiful snowscapes. The most popular seasons for tourism are May, August, September, and October.

How to get to Shirakawa-go?

The fastest connection between Tokyo and Shirakawa-go is by Hokuriku Shinkansen and bus via Toyama: Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo to Toyama (130-170 minutes, around 13,000 yen one way) and transfer to the bus to Shirakawa-go (1.5 hours, 1730 yen one way, see timetable).

Why visit Shirakawa-go?

One of the top sightseeing destinations in Central Japan, Shirakawa-go is known for its traditional houses with steep, thatched roofs surrounded by lush nature. Breathtaking, serene, and charming, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is worth making a trip there!

When was Shirakawa-go built?

Early prototypes were built from around 1700, as silk and gunpowder production in the village flourished during the Edo era. The design evolved into the form currently seen around the village in around 1800.

What does Shirakawa mean?

Shirakawa (written 白川 or 白河; “white river”) is a Japanese surname.

How do I get from Osaka to shirakawago?

From Osaka

1. At Shin-Osaka Station, take the JR Tokaido Shinkansen to Nagoya Station. Note that there are 3 trains: Hikari, Kodama, and Nozomi.
2. From Nagoya Station, walk to Meitetsu BC Bus Stop and transfer to a Gifu Bus bound for Shirakawa-go. Get off at Shirakawago BT Bus Stop.

Can I use JR pass to shirakawago?

The JR Pass covers the train to each of these cities but the bus to Shirakawa-go is not included in the JR Pass. Since getting to Shirakawa-go takes a good bit of transport, we recommend combining a visit with a stay at any of these cities, all are well worth a visit on their own.

Can I live in shirakawago?

There are approximately 180 thatched farmhouses, sheds, and barns, and most of them were built about 200-300 years ago. The residents of Shirakawago still live in several small villages. All Minshuku (Japanese style farm house) only allow guests to stay a maximum of 1 night in each house.

Do people live in Shirakawa?

About 2,000 people living in Shirakawa-go, most of them clustered into a handful of communities. Of these villages, Ogimachi is the most picturesque. With a population of only 800, Ogimachi is a relic of Japan’s past, rare indeed in a nation that seems hell-bent on rushing into the 21st century.

What is Shirakawa known for?

Shirakawa (白川村, Shirakawa-mura) is a village located in Ōno District, Gifu Prefecture, Japan. It is best known for being the site of Shirakawa-gō, a small, traditional village showcasing a building style known as gasshō-zukuri. Together with Gokayama in Nanto, Toyama, it is one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites.

Is shirakawago worth visiting?

In Shirakawago you are set free to explore with map in hand. It is an amazing place, certainly worth the visit. I have been to Japan many times and I have never seen a town like this. You can pay a few hundred yen to enter the homes.

Is there snow in Shirakawa-go in December?

In Shirakawa-go, it begins to snow from around late December. In Shirakawa-go, snow falls from around late December until early March. You can enjoy the winter scenery of the snow covered gassho style village together with a backdrop of brilliant white mountains.

Is it good to go to Shirakawago in winter?

Shirakawago is gorgeous any time of the year, but in winter, under a blanket of snow, it looks absolutely magical. If you’re planning a trip to Shirakawago, in winter or in any other season, then I hope this travel guide is useful to you.

Why was the Shirakawago Winter Light Up cancelled?

In 2021, the event was cancelled due to the coronavirus. Because the number of visitors to the light-up event has grown too large in recent years, the number of visitors allowed into the village is now limited in order to avoid overcrowding and traffic jams and to ensure a safe and pleasant experience for all visitors.

Where is the village of Shirakawago in Japan?

Shirakawago, Japan is a small town located in the remote Shogawa river valley in Gifu Prefecture. Until Shirakawago, together with Gokayama, was recognized as a UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site in 1995, not many people paid attention to this small farm village tucked in the Japanese Alps.

How to book a day tour to Shirakawa?

You can book a day tour from Nagoya for a hassle-free visit! Many of these tours cover lunch, roundtrip transportation, as well as a professional and friendly tour guide. Simply search for Shirakawa-go day tours on Klook to find one that fits your travelling needs.