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- 白川郷
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SHIRAKAWAGO - Small UNESCO Village With Big Spirit
Located in GIFU Prefecture, Shirakawago is a picturesque and charming village nestled in the Japanese Alps, known for its traditional Gassho-style houses and stunning natural beauty.
Gassho-style architecture, characterized by steep thatched roofs that resemble hands joined in prayer. This most distinctive feature of the village's traditional houses were designed to withstand heavy snowfall, a common occurrence in the region. Some of the buildings are over 250 years old, you may visit and gain insights into the local culture and history.
The changing seasons bring varying delights to Shirakawago. In winter, when the village is blanketed in snow, it transforms into a magical winter wonderland, creating a postcard-worthy scene. Spring, summer and autumn showcase the region's natural beauty with cherry blossoms, lush paddy fields and colorful foliage, respectively.
To preserve its cultural significance, the number of tourists allowed at certain times might be limited, so it's advisable to plan the trip and book accommodations in advance. Several viewpoints, like the Shiroyama Observatory, offer breathtaking panoramic views of the village and the surrounding landscape.
Shirakawago is not just a destination; it's an enchanting journey back in time. The tranquility, natural beauty, and historical significance of this village create an unforgettable experience, making it a must-visit place for those seeking an authentic glimpse into Japan's rich cultural heritage and rural charm.
How to get there:
HIDA Bus transports between the cities of Kanazawa/Takayama to Shirakawago regularly. You may take a day trip or plan to stay overnight at a local guest house.
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Shirakawa Village is a rural mountain village surrounded by mountains. Shirakawa-go is one of the areas in Japan that's known for experiencing particularly heavy snowfall. About 2 meters of snow can fall during wintertime, which means that the roofs would have to withstand the weight of all that snow.
UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE. I have been dreaming to go there in winter, but I went there in spring so those are the look of the authentic house. There is so calming and peaceful. beautiful houses.
It’s just as beautiful as I imagined and luckily it wasn’t full of tourist, I went in July and very lucky that it didnt rain. It is definitely a photographer’s paradise. Everything was SO green and looked so gorgeous with the farm houses. Don’t miss the open air museum across the bridge, Gassho-zukuri Minkaen, it was magical, there were only us and 2 other families there, and you can enter ALL of the houses, walk around the gardens and take as many pictures as you want without interruptions :) The cafe, ”Kyoshu” Traditional Coffee Shop has such a beautiful view of the field and houses. And there are many ice creams and snacks shops where you can have grilled rice on sticks and beef skewers with sake! It was magical!
It is a small yet beautiful Japanese village that lasts until now. The smart design helped the people faced the heavy snow
It is the most beautiful ancient Japanese house. It is a world heritage site that should visit. Beautiful and well preserved like going back in the past.