Come to a fairytale village with traditional thatched roof houses and step back in time
Located at the foot of the sacred mountain Hakusan, Shirakawa-go is one of the must-see places in Gifu. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this beautiful traditional village is the definition of picturesque.
- Spend a Day at an Authentic Japanese Farm
- Houses in the standard gassho-zukuri style, which used to supply much of the silk in the Hida region
The best way to get to Shirakawa-go is by bus from Takayama.
From Nagoya and Gifu take the JR Takayama Line to Takayama. Buses to Shirakawa-go depart from Takayama Bus Heart and take about 50 minutes.
Start at Ogimachi
Shirakawa-go Ogimachi is the most important village of gassho-zukuri style houses in Japan. The name gassho-zukuri actually means “like praying hands”.
Each home is a masterpiece of carpentry. They were built without nails—each beam fits snugly into the next. The structure is so solid that these homes have survived into the 1800s, even in this earthquake-prone country.
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The gassho-zukuri houses now function as museums, explaining the area’s historical past, unique architectural models and options, as well as one of Shirakawa-go’s main industries. Some of these properties are guest houses offering accommodation.
The gassho-zukuri village will take you back to pre-modern Japan. Climb to the Shirayama Observatory, look out over the village, and soak up the sights of a bygone era.
Gassho-zukuri Minkaen
This open-air museum was built by relocating disused gassho-zukuri houses in Shirakawa-go to recreate the traditional way of life. The museum features useful buildings such as storehouses and shrines, in addition to the ever-present houses. Here, you can see demonstrations of local crafts, some of which you can try yourself. There are restaurants and souvenir shops, making it a great place to rest your tired feet.
Doburoku Competition
Doburoku is a local specialty liquor. Doburoku is an unfiltered sake—a “resident” beer that is prohibited from being served in all but a few specific designated areas.
In mid-October, you can enjoy drinks while watching the Shishi-mai lion dance performance.
House Maintenance
Some homes are still residential and are therefore understandably closed to the public. However, others are still open and are certainly testing the waters.
Wada Home nằm ngay cạnh trạm xe buýt, ngay trung tâm Ogimachi, được bao quanh bởi khu vườn Nhật Bản lý tưởng.
The Kanda Home is believed to be greater than 150 years outdated and accommodates writing on the roof body by the unique carpenter from about 1850.
The Nagase Home was residence to a household of medical doctors and has a show of Edo interval (1603-1867) medical tools that’s fascinating and troublesome in equal measure.
Tajima Home Museum of Silk Tradition
Silk farming was one of many fundamental industries in pre-modern Shirakawa-go, and this museum explains the historical past and course of. The Tajima Home is definitely devoted to reviving the normal silk farming business.
Myozenji Temple Museum
This former monk’s residence subsequent to the primary temple has been became a museum of the temple’s historical past since 1748. The temple itself is residence to a big Buddha, and the bell tower and close by yew tree are redolent of outdated Japan.
Superb 4 seasons
Shirakawa-go rewards return visits, because the shifting seasons carry out totally different facets of the city. From the brilliant cherry blossom by means of the verdant summer season, the fiery autumn leaves and the silent, white winter, Shirakawa-go all the time seems to be splendid.
You may cowl Shirakawa-go in a few hours, however to actually soak within the ambiance, think about the timelessness of life in rural Japan, and lose the stress of latest dwelling, you will want longer. Staying in a single day in one of many lodging homes is extremely advisable, however you will want to e-book upfront.