What to know
The Shirakawa-go (白川郷) and neighboring Gokayama (五箇山) regions lie along the Shogawa River Valley in the remote mountains spanning Gifu to Toyama Prefectures. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995, they are renowned for their traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, some over 250 years old.
Gassho-zukuri means "built like hands in prayer," as the steep thatched roofs resemble Buddhist monks' hands pressed together in prayer. This architectural style evolved over generations to withstand the heavy snow that blankets the region in winter. The roofs, constructed without nails, create a large attic space once used for silkworm cultivation.
Ogimachi, Shirakawa-go's largest village and main attraction, is an easy day trip from Takayama or a stop on the bus route between Takayama and Kanazawa. However, the best way to experience the town is to stay overnight in one of the farmhouses, many of which now operate as minshuku.
Gokayama is a bit harder to reach, requiring a bus change in Ogimachi. Less developed and less crowded than Shirakawa-go, its villages are smaller, more intimate, and have fewer modern intrusions. The nicest villages in Gokayama are Suganuma and Ainokura.
Visitor information
Practical details to check before planning this stop.
- Hours
- Closed
- Admission
- English name
- Shirakawa-go Tourist Association
- Original name
- Shirakawa-go and Gokayama
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