basic information

The Shirakawa-go and neighboring Gokayama regions line the Shogawa River Valley in the remote mountains that span from Gifu to Toyama Prefectures. Declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1995, they are famous for their traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, some of which are more than 250 years old.

Gassho-zukuri means "constructed like hands in prayer", as the farmhouses' steep thatched roofs resemble the hands of Buddhist monks pressed together in prayer. The architectural style developed over many generations and is designed to withstand the large amounts of heavy snow that falls in the region during winter. The roofs, made without nails, provided a large attic space used for cultivating silkworms.

Ogimachi, Shirakawa-go's largest village and main attraction, makes a good day trip from Takayama, or a stop on the bus journey between Takayama and Kanazawa. The best way to experience the town, however, is to stay overnight at one of the farmhouses, many of which now serve as minshuku.

Gokayama is a little more difficult to access and requires a change of buses in Ogimachi. Less developed and less crowded than Shirakawa-go, its villages are smaller, more intimate and with less intrusion from modern buildings. Gokayama's nicest villages are Suganuma and Ainokura.

Attractions

Shirakawa-go

Ogimachi Village (1) Largest village in Shirakawa-go.

Gokayama

Ainokura Village (3) The largest farmhouse village in Gokayama. Suganuma Village (4) Small village with farmhouses in Gokayama.

Activities

Overnight at a farmhouse (2) A highly recommended experience.

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Orientation

Access and Orientation How to get to and around Shirakawa-go and Gokayama. About transportation in Japan

Accommodation

Sponsored Listings:

Yasuda Pension 30min to Shirakawago by car. Nestled in great nature. Pick-up from Takayama Sta. Spanish & Japanese combination dinner.

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Tours and Packages

Atlas Japan Tour Customized tours emphasizing cultural experiences and communication to find real Japan. Education and exchange program available. Takayama and Shirakawa-go Tours Various tours and travel packages for Takayama and surroundings.

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travel community

Users who have been to Shirakawa-go: 100
Most visited: Ranked 42nd out of 106 destinations

Rating by users:		highly recommended (94/100, 53 votes)
Rating by staff:		recommended
Overall Rating:		best of Japan

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Kanazawa to Takayama

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updated 32 days ago

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