Shirakawa-go & Gokayama
  • Shirakawa-go & Gokayama
  • Shirakawa-go & Gokayama
  • Shirakawa-go & Gokayama
  • Shirakawa-go & Gokayama
  • Shirakawa-go & Gokayama
  • Shirakawa-go & Gokayama
  • Shirakawa-go & Gokayama
  • Shirakawa-go & Gokayama
  • Shirakawa-go & Gokayama
  • Shirakawa-go & Gokayama
  • Shirakawa-go & Gokayama
  • Shirakawa-go & Gokayama
  • Shirakawa-go & Gokayama
  • Shirakawa-go & Gokayama
  • Shirakawa-go & Gokayama
  • Shirakawa-go & Gokayama
  • Shirakawa-go & Gokayama
  • Shirakawa-go & Gokayama
  • Shirakawa-go & Gokayama
  • Shirakawa-go & Gokayama

Shirakawa-go & Gokayama

Discover The Beautiful World Heritage Villages

Key features

  • World Heritage
  • Traditional Villages
  • Historic Buildings
  • Satoyama
  • Traditional Guesthouses
  • Restaurants
  • Cafes
  • Museums
  • Craft
  • Natural Vistas
  • Iconic Photography

Public Transport

Takayama Station<60 min by bus
Toyama Station60 min by bus
Kanazawa Station75-85 min by bus

Nearby Attractions

Takayama Old Town70 min drive
Kamikochi120 min drive
Matsumoto Castle150 min drive

Shirakawa-go & Gokayama

Discover The Beautiful World Heritage Villages

Key features

  • World Heritage
  • Traditional Villages
  • Historic Buildings
  • Satoyama
  • Traditional Guesthouses
  • Restaurants
  • Cafes
  • Museums
  • Craft
  • Natural Vistas
  • Iconic Photography
Located one hour from Takayama, Ogimachi is the largest of the three villages that make-up the World Heritage-listed 'Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama'. Referred to collectively as Shirakawa-go, the villages of Ogimachi, Suganuma and Ainokura are home to a distinct and beautiful style of thatch-roofed farmhouses. Called ‘gassho-zukuri’ in Japanese, the buildings take their name from the distinctive high-pitch of their roofs – reminiscent of hands held together in prayer or ‘gassho’. Many are over 250 years old and continue their use as residential homes, traditional workshops, museums, restaurants and cafes, and guesthouses.
Prior to the introduction of modern roads and snow-clearing machinery, heavy snowfall meant the villages were cut-off from the outside world each winter. In response, unique practices and building techniques developed over many generations, allowing the villages to be self-sufficient through those long, harsh months. Built to withstand heavy snowfall and provide indoor working space to cultivate silk, the design demonstrates ingenuity in adapting to the landscape and to this day, remains a remarkable example of the ability of humans to live in harmony with their environment. Declared a World Heritage site in 1995, the Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama have achieved huge popularity in recent years. Most visitors head to largest village, Ogimachi. If you are looking for a quieter experience, consider heading to the smaller villages of Suganuma and Ainokura.

Show detailed description Show less

  • Shirakawa-go & Gokayama
  • Shirakawa-go & Gokayama
  • Shirakawa-go & Gokayama
  • Shirakawa-go & Gokayama
  • Shirakawa-go & Gokayama
  • Shirakawa-go & Gokayama

Nearby Recommendations

Takayama

Takayama

Explore the Historic Old Town

Under an hour from Shirakawa-go, Takayama is the gateway to the World Heritage villages and home to one of Japan's best Edo Period old towns.

Show more

Kamikochi

Kamikochi

Asend to the Valley of the Gods

Considered the jewel of the Chubu Sangaku National Park, Kamikochi is easily accessible from Shirakawa-go.

Show more

Mastumoto Castle

Mastumoto Castle

Discover Matsumoto's Samurai Past

Matsumoto Castle is registered National Treasure and the iconic emblem of this proud samurai town and a thriving city with a great food, art and craft scene.

Show more

Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route

Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route

Walk on the 'Roof of Japan'

Open from mid-April to late-November, its most famous feature is the grand Snow Walls in spring and outstanding hiking in summer.

Show more

The Nakasendo Trail

The Nakasendo Trail

Walk The Historic Mountain Road

One of five major routes linking Kyoto to Tokyo in the Edo Period, the Nakasendo retains its historic character in its beautiful post towns.

Show more

Hakuba

Hakuba

Nagano's Winter Playground

Well-established as one of Japan's premier winter sports destination, Hakuba is emerging as a mecca for green season sports enthusiasts.

Show more

Zenko-ji Temple

Zenko-ji Temple

The Spiritual Heart of Nagano

Established in 642, Zenko-ji is one of Japan's oldest and most important Buddhist temples and welcomes visitors of any faith or background.

Show more

Togakushi

Togakushi

Forest Shrines & Mountain Ninja

Located in the forests just outside of Nagano City, Togakushi is a sacred landscape where tradition lives on.

Show more

Amenities

Historic buildings
Restaurants
Cafes
Museums
Craft stores
Traditional guesthouses

Access

Public Transport

Takayama Station<60 min by bus
Toyama Station60 min by bus
Kanazawa Station75-85 min by bus

Nearby Attractions

Takayama Old Town70 min drive
Kamikochi120 min drive
Matsumoto Castle150 min drive

Inquiry