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Shirakawa-go Overnight Stay

Shirakawa-go is situated in Gifu Prefecture, Japan and is famous for its traditional Gassho-zukuri (thatched roof) style farmhouses. The village has remained relatively untouched and was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Seeing winter photos of this old, fairy tale-like world, I was determined to go for a Shirakawa-go overnight stay and not just settle for a day tour.

What is Gassho-zukuri?

According to Japan Guide, Gassho-zukuri means “constructed like hands in prayer”, as the farmhouses’ steep thatched roofs resemble the hands of Buddhist monks pressed together in prayer. The architectural style developed over many generations and is designed to withstand the large amounts of heavy snow that falls in the region during winter. The roofs, made without nails, provided a large attic space used for cultivating silkworms. 

Where to stay in Shirakawa-go?

Yokichi was our accommodation for our Shirakawa-go overnight stay. Just like the first two guesthouses we stayed at, they won’t let us check in earlier but they allowed us to leave our bags. I don’t really know if that’s the standard in Japan. My friends and I decided to explore the town and eat somewhere to maximize our time in Shirakawa-go.

huge pile of snow outside Yokichi

Staying at one of the Minshuku is a must for the full Shirakawa-go experience. Minshuku overnight stays include traditional Japanese dinner and breakfast made from the freshest local organic ingredients. Traditional Japanese rooms are complete with Tatami (type of mat), Shoji (wooden sliding doors), cushions and futon bedding. Discounted tickets to the local onset (hot spring) are also provided upon check in.

Shirakawa-go overnight stay at Yokichi costs 9,000 to 13,000 yen per person, depending on the season. To check rates and availability, you may check the official website of Shirakawa-go Tourist Association.

See the whole of Shirakawa-go at Shiroyama Viewpoint

The Shiroyama Viewpoint is located north of the village centre and offers a great panoramic view of the village and its farmhouses. The viewpoint can be accessed either by walking (about 15 minutes) or by a shuttle bus for a minimal fee. The schedule of last shuttle bus is at 4:00 PM so at exactly 3:30 in the afternoon we went straight to the bus terminal.

Travel Tip: There are many day trippers in Shirakawa-go so it is best to go to the station early. The Japanese never overloads their buses so if you missed the last shuttle then you have any choice but to walk to the viewpoint, just don’t get lost lol 🙂

After our 5-minute bus ride, we reached this one attraction nobody would miss, the Shiroyama Viewpoint. Tourists here would either take hundred selfies or just marvel at the picturesque landscape. The view of the village and the snowy mountain was priceless. My words are not enough to describe it.

Explore the village after the tour buses depart

After an hour, we went back to the parking lot. It turned out our bus already left! But I guess it was okay because the walk back to the village was not so far and tiring. We were able to explore the village and we had a glimpse of the lives of the locals after all day trippers departed. Most stores started closing at around 5 in the afternoon. Children were still playing outside. Okasan (Mothers) were cooking for dinner. It was a scene different from other places we have seen in Japan.

Deai-bashi suspension bridge going to Shirakawa-go town proper

In total, we explored the village for about five hours as it was not really that big. There was a lot of down time in between. Our first day in Shirakawa-go was generally filled with lots of photography, exploring and shopping. We had a beautiful time there and I would totally recommend it to anyone visiting Japan!

How to get to Shirakawa-go

Explore various transportation options to Shirakawa-go from Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya, and Tokyo, including the use of Japan Rail Pass, Hokuriku Arch Pass, and other regional passes. These passes offer cost-effective travel on Shinkansen, limited express trains, and buses, making it convenient to visit these historic villages.

From Osaka

Discover the best routes and transportation options from Osaka to Shirakawa-go. Whether by train or bus, this guide provides step-by-step directions.

From Kyoto

Discover the easiest ways to travel from Kyoto to Shirakawa-go. Learn about bus and train options for a smooth journey to this UNESCO village known for its unique houses and stunning scenery. Get essential tips to make your trip unforgettable.

From Nagoya

Find the best routes from Nagoya to Shirakawa-go, including a side trip to Takayama. Explore convenient bus and train options for a seamless journey to these historic villages renowned for their Gassho-zukuri houses and picturesque landscapes. 

From Tokyo

Explore multiple routes from Tokyo to Shirakawa-go, including the fast Hokuriku Shinkansen with a side trip to Kanazawa. Alternatively, opt for scenic bus routes offering a leisurely journey through Japan’s countryside. 

If you’re planning to explore other destinations, here’s my post to help first time visitors in Japan. I also have a Hokuriku Arch Pass itinerary in case you plan to use this pass and would like trip inspiration.

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By Project Gora

Hey there! My name is Milet Miranda, and I'm a full-time corporate employee during weekdays and a traveler during weekends (and holidays...you get the picture). I'm a foodie at heart and I love joining food tours. When I'm not traveling, you'll find me walking my dogs or biking around my neighborhood.

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