Shirakawa-go is one of the most scenic villages in the world. Located at the foot of a mountain in Gifu, Chubu, Japan, this UNESCO World Heritage site is famed for its traditional farmhouses with thatched-roof, called Gassho-Zukuri.
Takayama
Shirakawa-go can be reached by taking a Shinkansen (bullet train) from Kyoto to Nagoya, then a wide-view Hida train to Takayama, and finally a Nohi bus. While waiting for the next bus to Shirakawa-go, we took a walk along Takayama’s beautifully preserved old town.
Takayama’s Old Town is lined with an art gallery, a museum, eateries and shops selling traditional Japanese arts and crafts and clothes. Visitors also had the opportunity to be pulled on traditional rickshaws.
Shirakawa-go
The hour-long bus ride from Takayama to Shirakawa-go took us through the mountainous region in Gifu.
Upon arrival, visitors must first cross a long suspension bridge above, and pass through the gate below to enter the village.
The beautiful Gassho-zukuri farmhouses was built in the Edo period more than 200 years ago.
The architectural style is unique to the area and the roofs were designed to withstand heavy snowfall in winter. The village subsisted on the cultivation of silkworms.
It was a great thing that we planned to stay overnight, because by 5pm, most of the day-trippers had left the village, giving us the opportunity to enjoy the peace and tranquility of the village without the crowds.
Take a look at the picture on the right below. Have you ever seen a drain so clean that fishes could survive?
Surrounded by mountains (pictured below), the area is cool even near Summer.
Farmhouse stay
While most people made a day trip to Shirakawa-go, we decided to fully immerse ourselves in the Japanese culture and rural living by staying overnight at one of the farmhouses. There were a number of family-run farmhouses that offered an overnight stay. The farmhouse where we stayed was called Hisamatsu as pictured below.
Hisamatsu had 4 Japanese-style guest rooms with a shared modern bathroom and several toilets complete with electric toilet seats. Guests can choose to have homemade Japanese-style cuisine with rice grown in the village. Japanese meal options like vegetarian, vegetarian plus fish, and no pork were also offered.
Shirakawa-go was really a great place to relax and enjoy the peaceful countryside and the fresh crisp air. It was a huge contrast to crowded big Japanese cities like Tokyo.
The next morning, our host served us breakfast before we headed to the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route to see the amazing Snow Wall.
This trip was part of our Japan vacation covering Kyoto, Tokyo and the Disney parks. Read more about our 11-day Japan itinerary.
Tips
- Apart from coming to Shirakawa-go from Kyoto, you could also reach Shirakawa-go from Tokyo via bullet train to Kanazawa and then take the Nohi bus. Alternatively, you could take trains from Tokyo via Nagoya and Takayama and then take the Nohi bus. You can check train schedules at hyperdia.com.
- To book a stay at one of the farmhouses, contact the Shirakawa-go Tourist Association via email at [email protected]. The staff are fast to respond and communicate well in English.
- There is an observatory deck where you can get a panoramic view of the entire village. A shuttle bus is available to bring you to the observatory deck but the last bus departs at 3pm.
- If you visit Shirakawa-go in winter, then try to catch it on specific days when they illuminate the whole village. From the pictures I’ve seen, the village looked absolutely magical during the light-up.
Hello. What time did you leave Kyoto? What time did you arrive in Shirakawa-go? Thanks!
By the way, I love your posts since I have 3 children as well. Thank you so much!
Hi Lyn, We left Kyoto station at 9.45am, took the Shinkansen Hikari 462 to Nagoya, and changed to the Ltd Exp (Wide View) Hida 7 train to Takayama. We arrived in Takayama at 13:11. Another option was to take the direct Hida 5 train from Kyoto at 8:31 and arrive in Takayama at 12:15.
Hi,
Am planning to visit Shirakawa-go and Tatemaya Kurobe Alpine route with the cablecar and all from Tokyo.
Could you advise me how I should plan my route?
Will I have time if travel from Tokyo to Shirakawa-go , stay a night and do the Tatemaya Kurobe Alpine route on the next day head back Tokyo thereafter ?
What mode of transportation should I go with for my whole journey?
Àm travelling last week of June 2016.
Would appreciate your kind advises.
Lucy
Hi Lucy, you can travel from Tokyo early at around 8am, and reach Takayama by 1+. Then take the bus to Shirakawa-go by around 3pm. On the next day, take the first bus to Kanazawa, and then take the train to Tateyama. You can return to Tokyo after you have visited the Alpine route.
hi,
how much it cost to stay overnight per pax ? do we have to pay in advance etc ?
thanks for your information
Hi Wulandari, The cost for an overnight stay with dinner and breakfast was 9,400 Yen per adult, and 7,800 Yen per child. The cost for an overnight stay without meals is 6,800 Yen per adult and 5,500 Yen per child. The payment is collected directly by the owner in cash.
hi, from takayama to shirakawgo, do you need to reserve the nohi bus or can you buy on the day of travel at the bus station in takayama?
Hi, I did book it in advance.
Hi Rosie, will 3D2N be sufficient to cover Takayama, Shirakawa-Go and part of the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route? I’m travelling with my family of 6 (2elders, 2adults & 2kids) and would like to find out what is the most efficient way of transport and accomodation.
Hi, Yes 3D2N should be sufficient.
your trip seems amazing! We are going to Japan in November and want to sleep over shirakawa-go. What is the most direct and fastest way to Shirakawa-go -via Tokyo or Kyoto? I also here people rent a car. Would you suggest that?
Thank you!
Hi, getting to Shirakawa-go from both Tokyo and Kyoto takes about the same time. I am not sure whether it is a good idea to rent a car to get there. The snow can be quite thick in the colder months.