Discover The Beautiful World Heritage Villages
Takayama Station | <60 min by bus |
---|---|
Toyama Station | 60 min by bus |
Kanazawa Station | 75-85 min by bus |
Takayama Old Town | 70 min drive |
---|---|
Kamikochi | 120 min drive |
Matsumoto Castle | 150 min drive |
Discover The Beautiful World Heritage Villages
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Awarded World Heritage status in 1995, the villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama are places of true importance.
Most commonly referred to simply as ‘Shirakawa-go’, three separate villages are included under the World Heritage listing.
Go back to tradition and find harmony in the villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama.
Let us transport you to the famous villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama and help you discover more.
The villages can be directly accessed using public transport from Takayama, Toyama and Kanazawa.
Looking for some tips of what to see, what to do and where to stay? We have you covered!
Under an hour from Shirakawa-go, Takayama is blessed with one of Japan’s best-preserved old towns, great food, and famous festivals.
Only 2 hours from Shirakawa-go via Takayama, one of Japan’s most stunning natural landscapes awaits to be discovered.
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.
Asend to the Valley of the Gods
Considered the jewel of the Chubu Sangaku National Park, Kamikochi is easily accessible from Shirakawa-go.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Forest Shrines & Mountain Ninja
Located in the forests just outside of Nagano City, Togakushi is a sacred landscape where tradition lives on.
Historic buildings
Restaurants
Cafes
Museums
Craft stores
Traditional guesthouses
Takayama Station | <60 min by bus |
---|---|
Toyama Station | 60 min by bus |
Kanazawa Station | 75-85 min by bus |
Takayama Old Town | 70 min drive |
---|---|
Kamikochi | 120 min drive |
Matsumoto Castle | 150 min drive |