A fairy tale village in the Alps in Japan

The deep winter and winter of Japan remembered the crowded ski resort, the hot hot springs and … there were not many other images. However, more deeper, you will find that the silver and white sticks in winter are moved to the charming landscape. Among them, Shirakawa-GO, a long-established village in GIFU County, stood out in its unique scenery: SIn the context of the mountain, Teep, the cotton roof of the snow tilt deep into the depths. After dark, the farmhouse (some of them provided overnight accommodation) glowed softly under the golden light. During the day or night, the cold Shirakawa-GO is indeed a scene, especially in January and February.

Shirakawa-GO, in 1995, has won the UNESCO World Heritage Site with the neighboring Fulan County. These two areas are Ogimachi, where the three traditional villages of the World Heritage, and Ogimachi, where the three traditional villages are located, and Ainokura and Suganuma of Gokayama. The OGIMACHI of Shirakawa-GO is the most famous and easiest of these three. If you lose yourself in the eternal town landscape, on your work list, continue to read everything you need to visit this outstanding village.

Shirakawa-GO: A historic mountain village

Shirakawa-GO is located in the Hida area of ​​Gifu. It is an ancient settlement of mountainous areas and surrounded by forests. The village is known for its unique farmhouse Gassho-zukuri Style, a structure, its roof is similar to the hand of prayer. This type of house originated from the Edo period (1603–1867), while the Hida region shows the traces of human life, dating back to 7000 BC to 2300 BC.

At the center of the two regions: OGIMACHI, you can find the Gassho-Zukuri house, as well as the southern nature area, including Hirase Onsen. It was Ogimachi’s Gassho-Zukuri architecture that caused it to be registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The village’s status and its traditional towns attributed to residents who lost the preservation of GASSHO-Zukuri houses in many villages in the mid-1900s due to architecture and fires.

Witness Shirakawa-GO winter highlights

One of the most popular winter traditions of Shirakawa-GO is it Annual lighting activityIt is planned to be scheduled to be scheduled to be scheduled to be booked early on January 13th, 19th, 26th and February 2nd, 26th and February 2nd, and only those who have tickets are allowed to hover in the OGIMACHI area where lighting is linger. Essence You can enjoy the blue scenery at dusk from observing the deck. Four days of snow or participating in special highway travels will be allowed to enter the deck. Relevant ticket information, please visit Activity page On the website of Shirakawa-GO Tourism Association.

Ogimachi Village, Exploring Shirakawa-GO

Ogamac History Area

The main attraction of Shirakawa-GO OGIMACHI is the largest settlement point in the region and embellish the Gassho-Zukuri house. These houses are very suitable for the climate in the area. They are unique. The steep roof effectively scattered the snow in winter and prevent structural destruction and collapse. The functional design of the Gassho-Zukuri house beyond the steep roof-the large windows at the end of the gable wall also have a purpose. Until the 20th century, the soil culture was the key industry of Shirakawa-GO, and the silkworm in the family was about the loft. The spacious windows illuminate and ventilate these upper layers, thereby promoting the local livelihood.

Although the Gassho-Zukuri-style house originated in the mid-term period, its historical significance was identified. It was not until the second half of the 20th century. After the construction of hydropower dams, the time, abandoned and drowned. Ogimachi’s house is still due to the efforts of the locals. In 1971, they established a protective society to protect the existing houses. By 1976, the region had been designated as a set of reserves of traditional buildings, which paved the way for the world heritage name in 1995.

Wada house

The promotion of the Wada family is clear from its name: Wada House is not only the largest Gassho-Zukuri residence in Shirakawa-GO, but also has rare and unique functions, including two TataMi ROOMS-with its own special entrance entrance -The only important tourist, fire -resistant plastering wall, traditional garden and refractory dirt warehouse. The farmhouse was built in the late Edo period and was still used as a residence, but many rooms and attic were opened to the public, and they showed historical items and tools related to the construction of pitch roofs. Visit the house to understand the family lifestyle of Ogimic’s largest land owner.

Myozenji Museum

Explore Myozenji, which is a Buddhist Jodo Shinshu (real pure land) school and its neighboring museum. The museum is located in the pastor’s residential area. This is Ogimachi’s largest Gassho-Zukuri house. MYOZENJI was founded in 1748. It has always been the main Buddhist asylum of the village for more than 275 years, and has a two -storey thatched door slashing lines and the main hall of thatch. In the museum, you will find tableware, silkworm tools, and other items used by villagers in the past, as well as IRORI (Sinking furnace). Those who are curious about the construction of the Gaso-Zukuri roof will be worthy of appreciation in the attic, because the clearly visible straw ropes and binding can be seen.

Local food and comfortable cafes near Shirakawa-GO

The mountains and rivers in the Shirakawa-GO area provide residents with rich fresh ingredients, so that they can develop nutritious and delicious seasonal food. Suitable for a small town that often welcome foreign citizens-Among the 1.7 million tourists who went to Shirakawawa-GO in 2023, 658,441 were British menus with many restaurants around the village. Here are a few checkouts.

Provided by Iratetes

IRORI

Dine in the Gassho-Zukuri farmhouse in OgImachi IRORIEssence IRORI makes full use of the bounty of each season to provide local dishes, such as Hida beef roasting reason (Magnolia leaves) flavor o, roasted jam tofu and udon noodles or Suba Island, with mountain vegetables on it. A souvenir store next to the restaurant sells various local candy and specialty products, as well as roasting HIDA beef skewers and Mitarashi dad.

Provided by Tenkara

tenkara

tenkara Specialized to study GIFU county brand beef Hida beef. HIDA beef was produced by Japanese black beef beef and was considered one of the best varieties of Japanese beef. It is famous for its marble patterns, coloring and luster. Through one of the meals of Tenkara, this area has the taste, including Hida beef, taste O soup and salad. Because the restaurant is equipped with a dining -style Yakiniku Grills, you can cook the meat to achieve your perfect definition.

Provided by Shirakawa-GO Tourist Association.

Shiraogi

Opposite to Ogimachi Information Center Shiraogi Serve TeiShoku (Package) Made in local ingredients, such as river fish and mountain vegetables. Enjoy meals to display gifu delicious dishes, such as roasting Hida beef on Mulan leaves. You will also find tofu steak, taste O pork cake, various udon dishes, etc.

Provided by Shirakawa-GO Tourist Association.

Ochudo

Taste your drinks under the Topo-Zukuri house OchudoThis is a convenient cafe, which is only a few steps away from Shirakawa-GO bus terminal. Provided by cafe provided by the original layout of the house Zenzai -Sweed soup made of red azuki bean-free supplement, fluffy toast, red bean paste, coffee, yuzu juice, etc.

Provided by Purin No IE

Shirakawa-GO PRIN NO IE

It is not surprising that the Purin NO IE (Pudding House) specializes in pudding. The store was established by the residents of the long-term ancestor with Shirakawa-GO to be proud of its high-quality ingredients (such as Hida melon, Gifu developed MINOMUSUME strawberry and primitive local spring water). Purin no ie smooth AS-SILK Nameraka Pudding and its repeated awards root (Water) Pudding has attracted tourists from all over Japan. It also provides various other standards, seasonal and village -style pudding, such as Gohei Mochi The pudding has a flavor O aroma. The Sirachuan matcha pudding is made of matcha and strawberry pudding from Chacha Town from Zhongnan GIFU.

Provided by Shirakawa-GO travel information

Coffee shop Hina

This comfort relative Provide a variety of coffee mixtures and tea, as well as a variety of sandwiches, cakes and bread. Only a four -minute walk from Wada House Coffee shop Hina It is an ideal place to buy snacks before or after checking Ogimachi’s most suitable residence.

Accommodation choice: Live in Ogimci

Gassho-zukuri house

By spending all night in thatched house, I really feel the life of Shirakawa-GO. These residences are usually equipped with a TataMi cushion and a futon, and some even have private onsen. examine List The available Gassho-Zukuri attribute is available to outline its accommodation style.

Provided by Shirakawa-GO Tourist Association.

Ryokan

In order to taste OMOTENASHI (Japanese -style hospitality), please book on Ryokan’s night. history ShiroyamakanIt was built in 1884 and was an important traditional building. It was a charming choice. There were only four groups every night. Shiroyamakan was reopened in 2023. Shiroyamakan combines classical Japanese elements and modern Japanese design. You can taste local seasonal food and absorb the natural beauty and traditional culture of Shirakawa-GO.

Basic skills of travel

What to wear

You can imagine that the winter in Xuechuan-Goshan District is very cold. If you decide to visit, then it is very important to pack for cold, especially because you may spend a lot of time outside. Layings are the key. We recommend using the HEATTECH of Uniqlo, a sweater or a hoodie and a winter jacket. Packing shoes, when you stroll around the town, you can keep your toe grilled bread and feet comfortable, and stay away from the fluffy leather shoes, such as UGG boots, which may be destroyed by snow, but the shoes are bad.

Respect local culture

Although Shirakawa-GO is a popular tourist destination for Japan and foreign citizens, it is important to remember that this is not only the UNESCO World Heritage Site, but also the place of residence of many families. Don’t enter or shoot private houses or peep inside. Remember: Only museums, hotels, and cafes designated buildings are open to the public.

In addition, handling garbage is responsible, because littering may have a significant impact on the rural environment of the village. Please note that any wild animals and plants you may encounter should not make a loud voice, especially at night.

Walk around

The Ogimachi area of ​​Shirakawa-GO is small enough to walk. OGIMACHI is also the most convenient place for bus. Shirakawa-GO Bus Pier is located at the entrance of Ogimachi, which is originally scheduled to be a bus service from Takayama, Nagoya, Kanazawa, Takaoka and Toyama.

How to get there

From Tokyo

Bring Hokuriku Shinkansen to Frama Station. Starting from there, it took about an hour and a half to reach the bus.

From Nagoya

From the MeitetSu bus center (about 15 minutes from the JR Nagoya Station), board the buses on Nagoya-Shirakawa-GO. It takes about three hours for this trip.

Check Shirakawa-GO’s official website Comprehensive list of transportation options.

Related articles