The Shirakawa-go (ì½, Shirakawagō) and neighboring Gokayama (ÜÓR) regions line the Shogawa River Valley in the remote mountains that span from Gifu to Toyama Prefectures. Declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1995, they are famous for their traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, some of which are more than 250 years old.
Gassho-zukuri means "constructed like hands in prayer", as the farmhouses' steep thatched roofs resemble the hands of Buddhist monks pressed together in prayer. The architectural style developed over many generations and is designed to withstand the large amounts of heavy snow that falls in the region during winter. The roofs, made without nails, provided a large attic space used for cultivating silkworms.
Ogimachi, Shirakawa-go's largest village and main attraction, makes a good day trip from Takayama, or a stop on the bus journey between Takayama and Kanazawa. The best way to experience the town, however, is to stay overnight at one of the farmhouses, many of which now serve as minshuku.
Gokayama is a little more difficult to access and requires a change of buses in Ogimachi. Less developed and less crowded than Shirakawa-go, its villages are smaller, more intimate and with less intrusion from modern buildings. Gokayama's nicest villages are Suganuma and Ainokura.
Top attractions in Shirakawago & Gokayama
Sort by:
1
Agriculture
Farmhouse Stay•••
A highly recommended experience.
4.8
★★★★★
198
2
Historic Site
Ogimachi Village••
Largest village in Shirakawa-go.
3
Winter Illumination
Winter Light-up••
Illumination on selected weekends in winter.
4.0
★★★★★
38
4
Historic Site
Ainokura Village•
The largest farmhouse village in Gokayama.
4.4
★★★★★
267
5
Historic Site
Suganuma Village•
Small village with farmhouses in Gokayama.
4.3
★★★★★
156
Getting there and around
Getting to and around Shirakawago & Gokayama
See access info
Getting In:
Questions? Ask in our forum.
Links and Resources
English
Hotels around Shirakawago & Gokayama
Top rated in Shirakawago & Gokayama
Budget:
Luxury
47 km from Hida Minzoku Mura Folk Village, Shiroyamakan is a recently renovated property set in Shirakawa and offers air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi and private parking. The 4-star ryokan has river views and is 48 km from Takayama Station. The ryokan features family rooms.The units are equipped with heating facilities.The area is popular for cycling, and free use of bicycles is available at the ryokan. Guests can also relax in the garden.Shirakawago is 1.4 km from Shiroyamakan, while Fuji Folk Museum is 49 km away. Toyama Airport is 83 km from the property.
9.8Booking.com
Luxury
Onyado Yuinosho provides a sauna and free private parking, and is within 45 km of Hida Minzoku Mura Folk Village and 46 km of Takayama Station. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk and a lift, along with free WiFi throughout the property. Guests can use the hot spring bath and the public bath, or enjoy mountain views.The ryokan will provide guests with air-conditioned units offering a desk, a kettle, a fridge, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a bidet. At the ryokan, all units are soundproof. At the ryokan, every unit includes bed linen and towels.An Asian breakfast is available daily at the ryokan. There is a snack bar, bar and lounge.Shirakawago is less than 1 km from Onyado Yuinosho, while Fuji Folk Museum is 47 km away. Toyama Airport is 81 km from the property.
8.9Booking.com
TOYOTA Shirakawa-Go Eco-Institute
Luxury
Boasting hot-spring baths, a French restaurant and nature tours, the Eco-Institute is just a 10-minute drive from Shirakawa-Go traditional village, a UNESCO world heritage site. It offers spacious rooms with high ceilings and forest views.All rooms at TOYOTA Shirakawa-Go Eco-Institute are air-conditioned, with an LCD TV, free wired internet and an en suite toilet. Some rooms have a private bathroom, and some rooms have Japanese-style futon bedding and a tatami (woven-straw) floor. The property is completely non-smoking.Gassho-zukuri Shuraku traditional houses are a 10-minute drive away. Shirayumi Ski Resort is a 20-minute drive away, and Shirakawa-go Onsen Hot Spring is a 15-minute drive. Free pick-up is available from Shirakawa-go Bus Stop, a 10-minute drive away.Both indoor and open-air hot-spring baths are on site, and guests can relax on the terrace or at the games room. A playground for children is provided. The institute showcases various environmentally-friendly initiatives.A set breakfast is served at the dining area. Dinner featuring locally grown ingredients can be enjoyed at La Riviere Blanc for an additional fee, but a reservation must be made at least 3 days in advance. Please note that the area does not have other dining options.
8.6Booking.com
Budget-friendly
600 metres from Shirakawago, Shirakawago Guest House Kei is set in Shirakawa and offers rooms with free WiFi. All rooms feature a kitchen and a shared bathroom. The accommodation provides a shared kitchen and luggage storage space for guests.All guest rooms in the guest house are fitted with a coffee machine. The units will provide guests with a microwave.The nearest airport is Komatsu Airport, 46 km from the property.
8.5Booking.com
Luxury
CURIO Shirakawago is situated in Shirakawa, within 47 km of Takayama Station and a few steps of Shirakawago. The 5-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with a private bathroom and free WiFi. The property is non-smoking and is located 46 km from Hida Minzoku Mura Folk Village.At the hotel each room includes bed linen and towels.Fuji Folk Museum is 48 km from CURIO Shirakawago, while Yoshijima Heritage House is 48 km away. The nearest airport is Toyama Airport, 82 km from the accommodation.
8.5Booking.com
Budget-friendly
Minsyuku Koshiyama, a property with a shared lounge, is situated in Shirakawa, 48 km from Takayama Station, less than 1 km from Shirakawago, as well as 49 km from Fuji Folk Museum. The 2-star guest house has mountain views and is 47 km from Hida Minzoku Mura Folk Village. The guest house features rooms with air conditioning, free private parking and free WiFi.All units in the guest house are fitted with a flat-screen TV. The guest house provides some units with quiet street views, and every unit comes with a shared bathroom. At the guest house, every unit is equipped with bed linen and towels.A bicycle rental service is available at the guest house.Yoshijima Heritage House is 49 km from Minsyuku Koshiyama, while Sakurayama Hachiman Shrine is 49 km from the property. Toyama Airport is 83 km away.
8.5Booking.com