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    Shirakawa-gō
    663highland / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.5
    Village

    Japan

    Shirakawa-gō

    The village of Ogimachi in the Shirakawa-gō Valley is known for its Gasshō-style farmhouses: Their steep thatched roofs resemble hands folded in prayer and bear heavy snow loads in winter.

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    9. Shirakawa-gō
    The village of Ogimachi in the Shirakawa-gō Valley is known for its Gasshō-style farmhouses: Their steep thatched roofs resemble hands folded in prayer and bear heavy snow loads in winter. Together with Gokayama, it has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1995.

    Sights in Shirakawa-gō

    Discover the most important sights and attractions

    Shiroyama Lookout Point
    Attraction

    1Shiroyama Lookout Point

    From the hill at the north end of the village, where a small castle once stood, you look out over the thatched roofs of Ogimachi in the Shō River valley – the most iconic view of Shirakawa-gō. The houses all face the same direction, so the wind can sweep through the valley and the roofs dry evenly in the sun.On foot, it's about a 20-minute uphill walk; alternatively, a shuttle bus runs from the village. In winter, the path is often icy.
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    Wada Home
    Historic Landmark

    2Wada Home

    The Wada House is the largest Gassho house in Ogimachi and belonged to a wealthy family of village heads. It is still inhabited today; the ground floor and attics are open to visitors.Inside, you will see the open hearth, the living quarters, and beneath the steep roof, the levels where silkworms were once raised. The wooden structure is joined only with ropes and timber joints.
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    Gasshō-zukuri Minka-en Outdoor Museum
    Museum

    3Gasshō-zukuri Minka-en Outdoor Museum

    On the other side of the river, near the car park, stand about two dozen thatched-roof houses, which were relocated here from surrounding villages. Many of them had to make way for a reservoir.The museum is quieter than the village itself. In some houses, traditional crafts like straw plaiting are demonstrated, and you can explore the interiors without crowds.
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    Restaurants in Shirakawa-gō

    Food & Drink in Shirakawa-gō

    Hōba-Miso

    Miso with leeks and mushrooms, heated on a dried magnolia leaf over charcoal – a typical dish of the Hida mountain region.

    Hida Beef

    The marbled Wagyu from Gifu Prefecture is served in the village eateries as a skewer or on rice.

    Dinner at the outdoor fire pit

    In the guesthouses, dinner is often served by the open hearth: grilled brook trout, mountain herbs, tofu and soba.

    Doburoku

    The unfiltered, milky-cloudy rice wine is part of the village's autumn festival. Outside festival time, stalls offer Doburoku ice.

    Life under the thatch roof

    Gasshō-zukuriThe houses feature steep wooden roof constructions, held together without nails, using only ropes and wooden joints. Previously, several floors beneath the roof were used for silkworm breeding. Shirakawa-gō and Gokayama have been UNESCO World Heritage sites since 1995.Community WorkRe-thatching a straw roof is a task for the entire village. This system of mutual aid is called Yui and is still practiced today. Some houses, such as the large Wada House, are accessible as museums.Doburoku FestivalIn October, the valley's villages celebrate their harvest festival, where unfiltered rice wine, Doburoku, is served to visitors.

    Arrival & Exploring

    Getting ThereBus: Direct buses run from Takayama in about 50 minutes and from Kanazawa in about 75 minutes, also from Toyama and Nagoya. During peak season, you should reserve a seat.Car: Cars can be parked in the large riverside car park; the village is reached on foot via a suspension bridge.In the VillageOgimachi can be explored on foot in a few hours.A footpath leads to the Shiroyama viewpoint in about 20 minutes, or you can take a shuttle bus.An overnight stay in one of the thatched-roof houses operating as guesthouses reveals the village in the evening without day visitors. The few rooms are quickly booked up.On some winter evenings, the houses are illuminated; visits are then only possible with prior reservation.

    Accommodations in Shirakawa-gō

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    Nearby

    Hida Takayama

    Hida Takayama

    Visit this picturesque mountain town with its beautifully preserved Edo-period streets, traditional wooden buildings, and unique Gassho-zukuri architecture.
    Kanazawa

    Kanazawa

    Discover the former samurai stronghold, known for its magnificent Kenrokuen Garden, well-preserved samurai districts, and traditional craftsmanship.
    Chubu

    Chubu

    Welcome to Chubu, the impressive region in the heart of Japan, that will captivate you with its dramatic landscapes, deeply rooted traditions, and dynamic cities. Here you'll encounter majestic peaks of the Japanese Alps, the legendary presence of Mount Fuji, and a rich culinary scene shaped by regional specialties.
    The Japanese Alps

    The Japanese Alps

    The Japanese Alps present themselves as a region of impressive natural beauty and deep cultural roots. Here you'll find majestic peaks and untouched valleys, inviting exploration. A highlight is the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, which allows for a spectacular traverse of the mountains and combines various modes of transport. In the World Heritage site of Shirakawa-go, you'll discover unique Gassho-zukuri farmhouses, a testament to traditional Japanese architecture. The historic town of Takayama entices with well-preserved Edo-period streets and authentic craftsmanship. For hikers, a visit to Kamikochi is recommended, a natural paradise with clear rivers and stunning panoramas. The months from June to October are ideal for outdoor activities; especially in autumn, the foliage displays its most beautiful colours.
    Nagoya

    Nagoya

    Nagoya, often perceived as an industrial hub of Japan, reveals a rich history and a distinctive local culture. Here, you'll explore significant sites such as the reconstructed Nagoya Castle, a symbol of the Tokugawa dynasty, and the Atsuta Jingu Shrine, one of the country's oldest and most important Shinto shrines. The Osu district connects the historic Osu Kannon Temple with a lively shopping street that ranges from traditional shops to modern boutiques. For art enthusiasts, the Tokugawa Art Museum is highly recommended, showcasing treasures from the Owari branch of the Tokugawa family. Be sure to try the local cuisine, known as "Nagoya Meshi," with specialties like Miso Katsu or Hitsumabushi. The months of April and May or October and November offer pleasant weather for exploration, ideal for avoiding the summer heat and high humidity.