Tucked away in the mountains of Gifu Prefecture, Shirakawa-go is one of Japan’s most beautiful and unique villages. To clarify, Shirakawa-go refers to an entire region encompassing several villages featuring Gassho-zukuri farmhouses. When people talk about visiting Shirakawa-go, they are usually referring to Ogimachi. Ogimachi is the largest and the most popular village in Shirakawa-go is the most picturesque and hence most popular Gassho-zukuri village. This region also includes smaller Gassho-zukuri villages like Kanda and Kazura.
Shirakawa-go is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its Gassho-zukuri farmhouses – traditional wooden homes with steeply thatched roofs designed to withstand the region’s heavy snowfall. Some of these amazing houses are over 250 years old.
Gassho-zukuri (合掌造り) literally means “prayer hands construction” reflecting the shape of the roofs, which resemble hands pressed together in prayer.
This guide covers essential information for visiting Shirakawa, including the best things to do, when to go, transportation, and insider tips for an unforgettable trip.
Must-Do in Shirakawa-go
1. Wander Through the Historic Village of Ogimachi
Exploring Shirakawa-go on foot is the best way to take in its charm. The village is filled with Gassho-zukuri farmhouses, narrow pathways, and peaceful rice fields, making it feel like a step back in time. Many of the houses are still lived in, currently, Ogimachi is home to more than 100 families. Some of the houses have been converted into ryokans, guesthouses, souvenir shops, restaurants, and cafes. As you walk around, you’ll also find small shrines and traditional water channels that add to the village’s rustic beauty.
Some notable places in Ogimachi village include:
Wada House
The Wada House is one of the largest and best-preserved Gassho-zukuri farmhouses in the village. Built in the Edo period, it belonged to a wealthy family that played an important role in Shirakawa-go’s economy. Today, it operates as a museum, where you can explore its wooden interiors, tatami rooms, and artifacts that showcase life in a traditional farmhouse.
Admissions fee: Adults ¥400, children ¥250
Kanda House
Kanda House is a beautifully preserved Gassho-zukuri farmhouse showcasing traditional architecture and the lifestyle of a wealthy Kanda family.
Admissions fee: Adults ¥400, children ¥200
Nagase House
Nagase House is a former medicine-making house, now a museum displaying medical tools, antiques, and the daily life of past generations.
Admissions fee: Adults ¥300, children ¥150
Myozen-ji Temple
Myozen-ji Temple is a historic Buddhist temple with a rare thatched-roof main hall and bell tower, blending religious and village traditions.
Admissions fee: Adults ¥300, children ¥150
Shirakawa Hachiman Shrine
Shirakawa Hachiman Shrine is a sacred Shinto shrine known for hosting the Doburoku Festival, where visitors can experience local traditions and sake offerings.
Admissions fee: free
Binen Yumeromu Museum
Binen Yumeromu Museum is a folk art museum featuring wood carvings, paintings, and sculptures that reflect the region’s history and craftsmanship.
Admissions fee: Adults ¥300, children ¥150
Gasshozukuri Minkaen Outdoor Museum
Gasshozukuri Minkaen Outdoor Museum is an open-air museum with over 25 relocated Gassho-zukuri houses, offering a glimpse into traditional village life.
Adults ¥600, children ¥400
Tajima House Museum of Silk Culture
Tajima House Museum of Silk Culture – A historic farmhouse displaying Shirakawa-go’s silk production heritage, including old weaving tools and silk-making exhibits.
Admissions fee: Adults ¥200, children 11 yrs old and younger: no charge
2. Visit the Shiroyama Viewpoint
To enjoy a panoramic view of Shirakawa-go, visit Shiroyama Viewpoint. From here, you’ll get a breathtaking bird’s-eye perspective of the thatched-roof houses surrounded by mountains. The view is stunning year-round, whether it’s covered in snow during winter, dotted with cherry blossoms in spring, or glowing in autumn colors. If you’re visiting during the winter Illumination Event, this is the perfect place to capture the magical lights from above.
To get to Shiroyama Viewpoint you can take a shuttle bus (departs every 20 min from 9AM to 3.40PM, fee ¥300 one way, cash only to be paid on board), you can also walk there, it takes about 15 minutes. Please note that the pedestrian route may be closed during heavy snowfalls.
4. Experience Local Festivals and Events
Shirakawa-go hosts several seasonal festivals that bring the village to life.
The most famous is the Winter Illumination Event, when the farmhouses are beautifully lit up against a snowy backdrop, creating a magical scene. Winter Illumination events are on selected Sunday evenings in January and February.
Another highlight is the Doburoku Festival in October (between October 14 and 19), celebrating the end of farming season.
5. Try Local Food and Traditional Dishes
No visit is complete without sampling Shirakawa-go’s local specialties. Some must-try dishes include:
- Hida Beef – A premium wagyu beef known for its incredible marbling and rich flavor. Try it grilled, as sushi, or in a hotpot.
- Gohei Mochi – A delicious grilled rice cake coated with a sweet and savory walnut-miso sauce.
- Soba Noodles – Handmade buckwheat noodles, often served cold with a dipping sauce or in a warm broth.
Many small restaurants and cafés around the village offer these dishes, giving you a chance to enjoy authentic flavors in a cozy setting.
6. Stay Overnight in a Gassho-zukuri Farmhouse
For a truly immersive experience, consider spending a night in one of Shirakawa-go’s farmhouse inns. These traditional guesthouses operated by local families offer a chance to sleep on tatami mats, enjoy home-cooked meals, and experience the warmth of Japanese hospitality. Staying overnight also lets you enjoy the village in peaceful early mornings and quiet evenings, away from the crowds.
What to Expect When Staying in a Gassho-zukuri Farmhouse
- Traditional Sleeping Arrangement – Guests sleep on a floor futon, which may not be suitable for those unaccustomed to it.
- Authentic Japanese Meals – Enjoy a kaiseki-style dinner and a traditional Japanese breakfast.
- Some farmhouses feature a traditional Japanese hearth in the dining area.
- Shared Facilities – Guest rooms do not have private baths or toilets; shared bathrooms and toilets are available.
- Free Parking – Complimentary parking is provided for guests.
Booking Information for Gassho-zukuri Farmhouse Stays
A one-night stay can cost anywhere from ¥8,800 without meals to ¥53,000 per person with breakfast and dinner. Below, I have put together a table of Gassho-zukuri farmhouses located in Ogimachi with indicative prices (as of March 2025). For more information and bookings, please go to Shirakawa-go Tourist Association page. Bookings can be made up to three months in advance. Please note that Gassho-zukuri farmhouses allow stays of only one night. If you’d like to stay for two nights, you’ll need to book two different farmhouses. Since these stays are very popular, be sure to reserve well in advance.
| Gassho-zukuri Farmhouse | Price (per person when 2 adults stay in one room, incl. tax as of March 2025) |
| Isaburo | ¥8,800 no meals |
| Nodaniya | ¥8,800 no meals |
| Yoshiro | ¥8,800 incl. breakfast only |
| Kidoya | from ¥13,750 incl. breakfast and dinner |
| Iccha | from ¥14,960 incl. breakfast and dinner |
| Bunroku | from ¥15,070 incl. breakfast and dinner |
| Rihee | from ¥15,400 incl. breakfast and dinner |
| Furusato | ¥15,400 incl. breakfast and dinner |
| Shimizu | from ¥16,500 incl. breakfast and dinner |
| Juemon | ¥19,800 incl. breakfast and dinner |
| Ootaya | from ¥19,800 incl. breakfast and dinner |
| Kanjya | ¥21,450 incl. breakfast and dinner |
| Yamamotoya | from ¥34,900 incl. breakfast and dinner |
| Hisamatsu | from ¥53,000 incl. breakfast and dinner |
Best Time to Visit Shirakawa-go
Shirakawa-go is a beautiful destination year-round, with each season offering a unique experience. The best time to visit depends on what kind of scenery and activities you’re looking for.
❄️ Winter (January– February): Snow Scenery & Winter Illumination
Winter transforms Shirakawa-go into a real-life winter wonderland, with deep snow covering the village. If you would like to enjoy Shirakawa-go snow scenery, the best time to come is January to February. Since it starts snowing in late December, I think it’s better to avoid coming in December. I visited the nearby thatched-roof village of Ainokura at the end of December, and there was no snow. The landscape was quite dull. Thatched-roof farmhouses are gorgeous, but they blend in with the surrounding brownish grass and trees. But when I came to visit both Shirakawa and Ainokura at the end of January, there was a lot of snow, and the landscape was absolutely magical.
If you plan to visit Shirakawago in winter, be prepared for cold and snowy weather. During winter, daytime temperatures in Shirakawa-go typically range from -2°C to 5°C (28°F-41°F), while nighttime temperatures drop to between -5°C and -10°C (14°F-23°F). The village sees heavy snowfall, with accumulations reaching up to 2 meters (6.5 feet). Roads and paths can be icy, so it’s essential to wear warm, waterproof clothing, including a down jacket, thermal layers, gloves, and a hat. Sturdy, waterproof winter boots with good traction are highly recommended for walking around the snow-covered village.
The highlight of the winter season is the Shirakawa-go Winter Illumination, held on select evenings in January and February, when the farmhouses are beautifully lit against the snowy backdrop. Be sure to book accommodations early, as this is the most popular time to visit.
Another event takes place on New Year’s Day, when the Harukoma dancers from the Harukoma Preservation Society perform a traditional dance to welcome the new year. Dressed in vibrant costumes, they parade through the village.
🌸 Spring (March – May): Cherry Blossoms & Rice Planting
In March, it is still possible to see snow in Shirakawago. In April the snow melts. At this time you can see the steam rising from thatched roofs. From mid-April to March to early May, sakura trees and thatched-roof houses create stunning scenery.
At the end of May, Shirakawa-go celebrates the Rice Planting Festival, a tradition that marks the beginning of the rice-growing season. Local farmers, dressed in traditional attire, gather in the village’s rice paddies to plant young seedlings by hand.
🌞 Summer (June – August): Festivals & Lush Green Rice Paddies
Summer brings a vibrant green landscape, with lush greenery surrounding the village. The rice paddies turn bright green, creating a beautiful contrast against the old thatched-roof houses. However, summer can be hot and humid, so be prepared for warm temperatures. Also keep in mind that the rainy season hits in June and July.
🍁 Autumn (September – November): Stunning Autumn Foliage
Autumn is one of the most picturesque times to visit Shirakawa-go. In September, the rice is harvested, and you’ll often see it drying on long poles. By early October, the surrounding mountains burst into vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow.
Also, the Doburoku Festival takes place between October 14 and 19 to celebrate the end of the farming season.
By early November, the autumn foliage reaches its peak in the village, making it an ideal time to visit. In addition, the Autumn Illumination Event takes place, when the farmhouses are lit up against the backdrop of colorful leaves. Also, on a certain Sunday in early November Shirakawago conducts fire drills when jets of water are sprayded over the village, creating a very unique landscape.
To summarise:
- For Snow & Illumination: January – February
- For Cherry Blossoms: Mid-April to Early May
- Lush greenery: June – August
- For Autumn Colors: October – Early November
How to get to Shirakawa-go by public transport
How to get from Tokyo to Shirakawa-go
Since there are no direct trains or buses from Tokyo to Shirakawa-go, you’ll need to combine train and bus travel.
Option 1: Tokyo to Shirakawa-go via Kanazawa (Best for More Frequent Buses)
- Take Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Kanazawa Station
- Travel time: 2.5 to 3 hours
- Cost: ¥13,850 for non-reserved seat and ¥14,580 for reserved seat
- : Fully covered
- From Kanazawa Station (West Exit bus stop), take Nohi Bus or Hokutetsu Bus to Shirakawa-go bus terminal.
- Travel time: 1 hour 15 minutes / 1 hour 25 minutes
- Cost: ¥2,800
- Bus frequency: More frequent than Takayama and Toyama routes (currently 9 per day).
- Reservations: Required (book online or at the terminal).
Total Travel Time: Around 4 hours.
Total Cost: ¥16,650 – ¥17,380 (without JR Pass)
Option 2: Tokyo to Shirakawa-go via Toyama (faster route, but fewer buses)
- Take Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Toyama Station.
- Travel time: 2.2 to 2.5 hours
- Cost: ¥12,430 for non-reserved seat and ¥13,160 for reserved seat
- Japan Rail Pass: Fully covered
- From Toyama Station, take the Nohi Bus to Shirakawa-go bus terminal.
Total Travel Time: Around 4 hours
Total Cost: ¥14,830-15,560 (without JR Pass)
How to get from Kyoto to Shirakawa-go
There are no direct trains or buses from Kyoto to Shirakawa-go, you’ll need to combine train and bus travel. The fastest and most convenient route is via Nagoya.
- Take Tokaido Shinkansen from Kyoto Station to Nagoya Station (Nozomi or Hikari)
- Travel time: 35 minutes
- Cost: ¥5,170 for non-reserved seat and ¥6,110 for reserved seat
- Japan Rail Pass: Hikari is covered, Nozomi is not covered
- From Nagoya Station walk to Meitetsu Bus Center (about 5 minutes walk)
- Take Gifu Bus from Nagoya to Shirakawa-go
- Travel time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Cost: ¥4,200
- Bus Frequency: Several daily departures
- Reservations: Required (book online or at Meitetsu Bus Center)
Total Travel Time: Around 3.5 hours
Total Cost: ¥9,370 – ¥10,310 (without JR Pass)
How to get from Osaka to Shirakawa-go
Since there are no direct trains or buses from Osaka to Shirakawa-go, Similar to travelling from Kyoto, the fastest and most convenient route is via Nagoya.
- Take Tokaido Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka Station to Nagoya Station (Nozomi or Hikari)
- Travel time: 50 minutes
- Cost: ¥5,940 for a non-reserved seat and ¥6,880 for a reserved seat
- Japan Rail Pass: Hikari is covered, Nozomi is not covered
- Walk to Meitetsu Bus Center (about 5 minutes walk from Nagoya Station)
- Take Gifu Bus from Nagoya to Shirakawa-go Bus Terminal
- Travel time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Cost: ¥4,200
- Bus Frequency: Several daily departures
- Reservations: Required (book online or at Meitetsu Bus Center)
Total Travel Time: Around 4 hours
Total Cost: ¥10,340 – ¥11,080 (without JR Pass)
How to get from Takayama to Shirakawa-go
Take the Nohi Bus from Takayama Bus Terminal to Shirakawa-go Bus Terminal
- Travel time: 50 minutes
- Cost: ¥2,800
- Bus frequency: 1-2 buses per hour
- Reservations: Required (book online or at the terminal).
Nearby Attractions
Gokayama Villages
Located about an hour from Shirakawa-go, the Gokayama region is home to the charming villages of Ainokura and Suganuma. Like Shirakawa-go, these villages feature traditional Gassho-zukuri farmhouses, but they are smaller and less crowded, offering a more tranquil experience. Ainokura, in particular, has several houses open to visitors, along with small museums showcasing local crafts and history.
Takayama
Just an hour away by bus, Takayama is a beautifully preserved historic city known for its Edo-period streets, sake breweries, and artisan shops. The Sanmachi Suji district is perfect for strolling, with traditional wooden merchant houses and cozy cafés. If you visit in April or October, don’t miss the Takayama Festival, one of Japan’s most stunning cultural events, featuring elaborately decorated festival floats.
Practical Tips
Admissions fee
Entry to Ogimachi village is free; however, you need to pay for entry to museums, the shuttle bus to the observation viewpoint, and parking.
Parking
Visitors can park at Serasegi Park Parking Lot. The current parking fee is ¥1,000 for a standard vehicle, but it will increase to ¥2,000 starting October 1, 2025. The parking lot is open from 8am to 5pm. Overnight parking is not allowed.
Luggage storage
Coin lockers are available at Shirakawago Bus Terminal from 8AM to 5PM. Small and medium sized loclers are ¥500, and large ones are ¥1,000.
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