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 from Gifu to Toyama Prefectures. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995, they are celebrated 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. This architectural style evolved over generations to withstand the heavy snowfall typical of the region in winter. The roofs, constructed without nails, also create a large attic space once used for silkworm cultivation.
Ogimachi, Shirakawa-go's largest village and main attraction, makes an excellent 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 slightly harder to reach, requiring a bus transfer 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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