Do you want to hear the birds sing and see the snow fall in a quaint mountain village? Wise to load up on cash before visiting the area. (updated Aug 2020) Get around It's an excellent place to visit for anyone with even a passing interest in social anthropology. Mar 15 . Let me know in a comment! Autumns reds and oranges imbue a harvest atmosphere onto the whole scene, while springs sakura are just as charming in Shirakawa-go as they are everywhere else in Japan. Good sizing room and clean. Japans most underrated, unexplored island, Trek the trails of Japans ultimate hiking paradise, Tropical paradise a short flight from Tokyo. In summer, the village is surrounded by green and flowery rice fields and plants growing. So do come early to avoid the wait! Open from 8.40 a.m. to 5 p.m. (9 a.m. to 4 p.m. from December to February), closed on Thursdays from December to March. It is an important and well maintain shrine in Shirakawa-go. Cla Cla June 17 . We highly recommend to book your bus tour in advance, as Shirakawa-go attracts millions of visitors every year! Filed Under: Winter 2019 Tagged With: Japanese Alps, Shirakawago, Takayama. Seriously though, I really like the fact that they limit the amount of visitors during their high season of Winter. Hackers say Texas city website targeted over state law on gender This includes transportation to get there, where to stay, what to eat, and things to do in Shirakawa-go. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Like what you're reading? VISIT SHIRAKAWA-GO AND GOKAYAMA [ULTIMATE JAPAN GUIDE] - A Fun Couple Shirakawa-go's appealing and picturesque views can be said to be consolidated in the main village of the area, the Ogimachi Gassho-Zukuri Village. This accommodation has a dormitory room, private double, and quadruple Japanese room for your best stay in Shirakawago. Listed in UNESCO Heritage Site, Shirakawa-go is known for its Gassho-style traditional houses which feature steeply pitched roofs surrounded by lush nature. Bus will get you through a couple of towns and back to Takayama for a late train back to KanazawA. As has also been said, just walking around the village with NO input is breath-taking. A dozen of traditional houses have been transformed into minshuku (Japanese family inn). My attention turned once again to the roofs of the Gassho houses, which were indeed uncanny in their resemblance to pairs of praying hands. Tickets can be booked at theKanazawa Station Transport Information Center. Lastly, hopefully, this Shirakawago travel guide can give you some ideas and inspire you to plan for the coming trip. We recommended choosing at least one of the houses to visit. When is the best time to visit Shirakawa-go? It is a savory sticky rice cake made from pounded rice. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Canada. You may check on the availability of guesthouses in Shirakawa-go at Japanese Guest Houses. From there we recommend to go back to the village on foot, or to take the shuttle bus back. Featuring with mountain view, guests can access to the sauna and hot spring. I have read and agree to the Privacy Policy. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and onsite parking. Is Shirakawago worth visiting? - Darkskiesfilm.com Firstly, Wada House is the largest and one of the oldest among Gassho-zukuri houses in Shirakawa-go. For example, a hot bowl of udon with seasonal vegetables or shrimp on top. Toyama to Shirakawa. Niles: These theme parks don't draw huge crowds, but are still worth a No less than 1.5 million tourists go there every year. This bus departs once every 20 minutes and the fare is 200 yen each way. Zoom in to see updated info. Is Shirakawago worth visiting? - Poletoparis.com Recently, the popularity of this light-up event has even caused the city to limit the number of visitors they allow into the village to still be able to ensure a pleasant experience for everyone. Thats it. Besides, Takayama is the best place to stay if you are planning for a day trip to Shirakawa-go. We highly recommend a visit of these 2 villages if you are visiting Japan! If you're planning a trip to Shirakawago, in winter or in any other season, then I hope this travel guide is useful to you. Where to Stay in Takayama: Best Hotel or Traditional Ryokan? It is an amazing place, certainly worth the visit. Yes, you can. 5 years ago Save Hi, I'm considering a day tour from Nagoya to Takayama and Shirakawa-go on Nov 25. I spent a few more minutes walking amid the fantastical farmhouses, wondering among other things whether local people still kept silkworms in their attics. If like us you are planing a road trip through Japan, then Kamikochi should be on your bucket list! Thank you for your insight. This company offers half-day trips. Located in Gifu Prefecture,Shirakawa-go () is a popular travel destination to visit in central Japan. Retrieving my larger bag, I dug out my beanie and pulled it over my hair, which was now frozen solid. One of the best places to stay in Shirakawa-go. Is Shirakawa-go worth visiting? (4 reviews) From US$ 899.49 per group up to 3 Private tour Kanazawa to Shirakawago: Half-Day Tour 4 hours Pickup available 4.0 (2 reviews) From US$ 534.34 per group up to 3 Private tour From Kanazawa: Shiakawago, Hida-Furukawa and Takayama Visit 9 hours Pickup available 5.0 (3 reviews) From US$ 773.13 per group up to 3 Alternatively, consider staying in accommodation nearby Shirakawa-go and walking to the village after the day-tripper leaves. If you are heading to Takayama or Kanazawa, a day-trip to Shirakawa-go is absolutely worth it! It takes only about 40 minutes to reach Gokayama's Ainokura village from Shirakawa-go by bus, so it's entirely possible to tour both places in a day if you plan ahead! The Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go Gassho Style Houses, Shirakawa-mura: "Is it worth visiting Shirakawago if I don't speak." | Check out 11 answers, plus see 2,179 reviews, articles, and 5,956 photos of The Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go Gassho Style Houses, ranked No.3 on Tripadvisor among 44 attractions in Shirakawa-mura. Check with our partner site as the latest rates, rate details, and guest room requirements may vary. In this post we describe all you need to know to prepare your visit of Shirakawa-go and eventually Gokayama too. Hours: 10:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m. We believe, however, that winter is the season to really watch here. The taste of ordinary coffee still lingered in my mouth as I disembarked the bus an hour later, though I couldnt remember precisely which song had been playing. Since these buses are operated by the private Nohi company, and not by the JR corporation, you will need to pay cash for the non-rail portion of your journey. Shirakawa village is 95% mountainous . Is Shirakawago worth visiting? June 28, 2023, 5:01 a.m. A pine tree just in front of me was completely encased in icethe temperature was definitely nowhere near freezing. The view from the valley is absolutely stunning! Japanese is not a problem there, we don't either and it was no issue at all. In Shirakawago you are set free to explore with map in hand. This is a great way to do all your favorite activities if you have limited time. For a long period, Shirakawa Hachiman Shinto Shrine has served the local villagers for many generations. The bus ride will take about 1 hour and 20 minutes. It is on the Take the Japan Rail Tokaido Bullet train from Tokyo, with one change. Shirakawa-go is a historic mountain village in Gifu Prefecture in the middle of the Japanese Alps. My trip to Shirakawa-go was accompanied by a tour guide who speaks both English & Japanese. Nohi bus () is running between Shirakawago, Takayama, Kanazawa, and Toyama. So I guess it's rather depends ( or maybe it's better you shut out the unnecessary Japanese conversation from staffs???). 5 years ago Save Hi, I'm considering a day tour from Nagoya to Takayama and Shirakawa-go on Nov 25. Located far down the valley, Ainokura is the most remote village in the Gokayama region. We hope we've convinced you to move Shirakawa-go's place on your bucket list just that little bit higher, and when you do eventually arrive at this beautiful village, we know you'll enjoy it to the fullest! The Shirakawa-Go Ogimachi Village Natural Environment Preservation Association was established in 1971 to uphold three simple principles of the residents' charter: Gassho-zukuri houses were not to be sold, rented out, or destroyed. Also the walk up to the view point is worth the uphill path. Kanazawa by the way is brilliant - enjoy. Hope you enjoy your visit! There are also lion dances, a parade with songs, and dances by villagers. Ainokura and Suganuma villages are much less touristy and often completely skipped by tourists. If you want a hassle-free . And you did right! https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5901.html, Will you be in Tokyo? Additionally, it is also the main venue to hold the Doburoku Festival during October every year. We'll guide you through an alternate route via Hida Takayama, another charming tourist spot. In winter, it is also the best place to view the world heritage thatch-roof house coated in snow. Since there is a lot of snowfall in Shirakawa-go during winter, this clever architectural style allows the roofs to maintain enough flexibility to withstand the snow's weight without using metallic materials like nails. Exhibits describing the lives these big families led back then are available for perusal in the very same building that housed them, and this includes information on Shirakawa's industrial structure back in the day. Depending on which city youre coming from. Take the Hokutetsu Bus from bus stop 2 at the bus terminal of Kanazawa Station (East Gate) bound for Shirakawa-go. You can check different options here. Take the JR Thunderbird limited express train from Osaka Station to Kanazawa Station. Most tourists will have to drive or take a highway bus to get to Shirakawa-go from their accommodations. Since Takayama is called the. In (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Both villages are beautiful. Kamikochi is classified as Natural Heritage of Japan. The train ride normally takes around 2 to 3 hours. Is it worth visiting Shirakawago if I don't speak - Tripadvisor Last updated: 5 February 2021 Nestled in Gifu Prefecture's Ono District lies Shirakawa-go, a captivating traditional Japanese village that has become a sought-after tourist attraction. While the Toyama is required 80 minutes. Even in summer, you will be able to see the green rice fields surrounding the village! I took my family to all four Disney World theme parks in one day. Definitely!! BACK TO LIST 15 Things to Do in Shirakawa-go & Where To Stay Last Updated:April 25, 2023 The villages making-up Shirakawa-go and Gokyama rank among some of the most popular destinations in Central Japan, which despite their relatively remote locations, are easy to get to from nearby Takayama, Toyama or Kanazawa. Snow was falling at a decent pace, though I suspected the temperature was only slightly below freezing, as it had been the day before in Takayama. This tough, concrete bridge stretches over the Sho River that cuts through Shirakawa and has an interesting feature: When a large group of people stop in the middle of the bridge, the bridge will sway a little, adding a little bit of excitement to an otherwise mundane bridge-crossing! We would like to share with you our journey and the top things to do in our favorite destinations around the world. In Kanazawa, transfer to the Nohi / Hokutetsu Bus bound for Shirakawa-go. A Short History of Kanazawa During the Edo period, Kanazawa flourished under the patronage of the powerful Maeda family and their samurai warriors who governed Kaga (today's Ishikawa prefecture) for 300 years. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. The Hida beef on a stick is the best in the Takayama region. Constructed in about 1800, Wada House is recognized as an Important Cultural Property by the Japanese Government and is perfected preserved. There is also a local bus leaving Shirakaw-go to Gokayama villages. These two villages have the particularity, because of their geographical isolation far in the Japanese Alps, of having preserved a traditional style unique in Japan. It's up to you if you want to handle transport arrangements yourself. Together, they are celebrated as the Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama. That being said, the village is a rather small one in terms of size, as you could probably walk around the entire place in about an hour. Admission: 300 yen (Adults) / 150 yen (Minors)
Visit Shirakawa: 2023 Travel Guide for Shirakawa, Gifu Prefecture - Expedia Reservation is required to board the Nohi bus. There may mot be a tour so take a bus. A must-try in this part of Japan! It can be crowded and full of visitors during noon. Most tourists come for a day trip, so after 5pm you will have pretty much the village to yourself! The guy there will talk your ear off in English and show you videos, etc. While summer is probably the least popular season for this tourist attraction, it also means that there wont be as many other tourists there with you. One of the local points of interest is the Shirakawa Hachiman Shinto Shrine. I will be coming from Kanazawa and so far I cannot find a tour that departs and returns to Kanazawa on the same day. If you have a car, then it will be very easy. Crossing long distances by public transport in Japan is not that difficult, once you get an idea of how it all works. bus schedule kanazawa to shirakawa-go to takayama Suggested Route (Kanazawa to Shirakawa-go to Takayama within one day) shirakawa-go bus station Truly one of the most picturesque places and best scenes in Japan. As part of an inflation relief package worth $17 billion, an estimated 23 million eligible Californians will receive payments, totaling up to $1,050 for joint filers with at least one dependent . Alternatively, just take the shuttle bus for 200 for one way. Shirakawago is gorgeous any time of the year, but in winter, under a blanket of snow, it looks absolutely magical. Yes, you could rent a car and drive to Shirakawa from wherever you are staying. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); My name is Sander. Guide to Visiting Shirakawa-go (How to Get There, Travel - I Wander Easy Day Trip from Tokyo! The journey takes about 2 hours and 40 minutes and costs 4,000 yen for a one-way ticket or 7,200 yen for a round-trip ticket. There are only a few local food restaurants in the village if you are looking for what to eat in Shirakawago. Staying in Suimeikan Karukaya Sanso after day hike in Kamikochi turned out to be one Sekai no Yamachan served the tastiest Nagoya tebasaki (Japanese-style chicken wing) in Nagoya. In an attempt to improve this situation, the village installed winter illuminations to attract visitors. Take your time to walk within the village paths, view the buildings, and explore the character houses. Shirakawa-go can be reached by highway bus from Takayama, Kanazawa, Toyama, and Nagoya. From Nagoya Meitetsu Bus Center, take the Gifu Bus bound for Shirakawa-go. We absolutely loved our explo, Langkawi was so much fun! Shirakawago trip blog Visiting one of the most beautiful villages in However the most scenic period to visit the village is during winter when the entire place is covered with a thick layer of snow. We waited at least 20min before we could park our car. Shirakawa-go and Gokayama Travel Guide - japan-guide.com Japan's seasons are strikingly prominent. I enjoyed it without fully understanding all the Japanese. The Kamikochi plateau is between 1,400 and 1,600 meters above sea level, with peaks reaching over 3,000 meters for the surrounding massifs. The mountain location is surrounded by stunning views with a beautiful landscape. Looking at an advertisement as yet another Takayama to Shirakawago bus arrived in front of my own Kanazawa-bound one, I briefly felt disappointed that I wasnt going to be here at night to see the famous winter illumination. Top 10 Free Things To Do in Antwerp (Belgium), Ars Currendi The budget solo travel blog, How To Travel Alone for the First Time Solo Travel Guide, The Ultimate Solo Travel Guide: How To Travel Alone, The enchanting atmosphere of the village surrounded the mountains, The observation deck where you can take gorgeous pictures of the village, The river that runs alongside the village. ), but my German husband said he enjoyed walking in the country side village together with some cultural experience at traditional houses, also with many souvenir shops, which I felt was "made-up and commercial" for me. In Takayama, merchants houses, small museums and (at Hida Folk Village) a fine collection of old rural houses from all over Japan, including a specimen or two from the Shirakawago area. It features traditional thatched houses called the Gassho-Zukuri that are believed to have been built in the late 17th century. Having a cup of tea on the tatami is like bringing back to the old Japanese Edo period. Set within the larger village of Shirakawa, the landscape predominately consists of traditional natural elements such as rice fields, small farms, wild plants and flowers. Join us as we embark on a journey to uncover the must-visit places and explore the logistics of reaching this magical destination. Production of Gokayama Japanese paper, listed by the country as a traditional craft is still going strong here to this day. One more question please: are there a lot of mountain scenes along the way from Nagoya to Shirakawa-go? Although its traditional farmhouses are at their most haunting during the snowy winter, the verdant hues of summer are also flattering. Gero is located a little over 1000 meters above sea level. Ainokura, the largest village in the region, is home to twenty-three traditional houses with gassho-zukuri style thatched roofs, listed as UNESCO heritage sites. Noticing than a previously shuttered food stall had opened, I ordered a Hida beef rice ball and wash it down with a cup of sweet sake, which had rice husks floating in its milky shallows. :). If you are visiting Shirakawa-go, chances are that you have also inlcuded Takayama in your itinerary! First you take the shinkansen (bullet train) to Nagoya, then switch to the JR Hida line to go to Takayama. It is a bit of a tourist trap but on the bus station side of the bridge is the museum of various buildings. Its really smart of them to limit the amount of visitors. *This information is from the time of this article's publication. Shirakawa-go Day Trip: Everything You Need To Know Besides, walking through this town will be the best way to experience what it really stands for. Yea, well worth it! Depending on the season, you can have a beautiful panoramic view of the village clothed in different colors. . Attractions Get There Hotels The Shirakawa-go (, Shirakawag) and neighboring Gokayama () regions line the Shogawa River Valley in the remote mountains that span from Gifu to Toyama Prefectures. Being less developed and less accessible than Shinakawa-go, Ainokura is quieter and has much less tourist. But, there are many things to do and awaiting you to slowly discover. Shirakawa-go, meaning White River Old District is a popular village set in the Gifu prefecture of Central Japan. Although you can use your JR Pass to reach Kanazawa (the nearest major city to Shirakawa-go), you can only reach Shirakawa-go itself by bus. Do you want to be transported back in time? Hours: 9:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. Flavorful broth and great noodles. Here is my itinerary so far: D1 - Fly to Kansai The village's reputation transcended borders in 1995 when it was collectively designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, alongside the neighboring area of Gokayama. If you prefer to get a guaranteed seat, you can also book here for a day tour. We recommended grabbing some snacks to try on. - Takayama Forum - Tripadvisor Answer 1 of 4: Hi, However, before that we will have several days in Kyoto, visit the Gion and Higashiyama districts of Kyoto, and Nara as well. And Im not even going to mention finding a parking spot. This is where you can appreciate the ancient architecture of the house from the inside. In Shirakawago you are set free to explore with map in hand. Cross the bridge to visit the Gasho Folk Museum, a reconstructed village that includes several Gassho-Zukuri style houses dismantled and rebuilt next to each other. This distinction is made even clearer in mountainous regions where temperature differences fluctuate wildly, or in deep forests with a higher percentage of broadleaf trees - both geographical attributes Shirakawa-go fall under. It takes about 1h. Guide to Shirakawa-go - themigratorybirds.com 12 years ago Save Hi all, I'm going to Japan for 2 weeks (13 full days) in April 2011. Make sure to also visit the Gero Onsen Gassho Village! During this time, villagers gather here to offer prayers to the local mountain gods for a good harvest and thanks for protection. Gifu Prefecture Ono-gun Shirakawa-mura Shirakawa-mura Attractions Shirakawago Shirakawago See all things to do Shirakawago 4.5 222 reviews #4 of 37 things to do in Shirakawa-mura Historic Sites Visit website Call Write a review About Suggested duration More than 3 hours Suggest edits to improve what we show. Clearwater streams through the canals along the roads with possible fish inside. Takayama & Shirakawa-go - worth visiting in late November? New Hampshire Man Pleads Guilty to Taking Huge Bribe to Ship $2M Worth Commission a custom Japan itinerary today. I noticed a sign in front of this locations dedicated coffee bar, which advertised a French Set consisting of a latte and one of six flavors of macarons, and heard Morisseys unmistakable voice over the loud speaker. Is RH England Worth Visiting? Take a Look Inside the New Destination Absolutely stunning. Visiting Shirakawa-Go: The Magical Village Straight Out of a Fairy Tale Shirakawa-go is magnificent in any season. So if you have enough time during a trip to Japan, you will appreciate the peaceful atmosphere at Ainokura compared to Shinakawa-go. There is a long river running across with suspension Deai-Bashi bridge over the river.