A Guide to Shirakawa-go

I remember seeing a picture of Shirakawa-go some years ago. I was so marvelled by it that I decided that Shirakawa-go will be a must visit when I ever travel to Japan. And this year it came true 🙂

How to reach Shirakawa-go from Tokyo
We took the overnight Nohi bus from Tokyo(Shinjuku) to Takayama. And from Takayama we took a bus to Shirakawa-go.

Where to stay in Shirakawa-go
We stayed at a Minshuku( family operated, Japanese-style homes with Japanese style tatami rooms with futon bedding to sleep on) – Minshuku Koshiyama that was really affordable, yet traditional. It was not stark in the middle of the village, but they provided cycles for rent and we explored the whole area easily by cycle. There’s also a supermarket right opposite for all your instant ramen bowls, pastry and yummy fried goodies 😀

What to see and do in Shirakawa-go
The main attraction of the area are the Gassho-zukuri farmhouses. Among the villages, Ogimachi has the largest number of old farmhouses(and is a Unesco World Heritage Site). Some farmhouses are open as museums for public like the Wada house. Some are lived in by the local people. Just grab a map from the bus stand office and cover it all by foot. It’s as easy as that.

To get a top view of the Ogimachi village, catch a shuttle bus(from near the bus stand) to the observation deck on the top. Oh, and try the karepan from the shop near the view-point – so yummy!!

There were literally zero tourists after 5pm – it was just us and a few local people and the serene village. One of the best feelings ever!

Passing through the village is the Shogawa River with its crystal clear cold waters and round boulders.

Our next stop – Kyoto! Here is a A guide to visiting Japan on a budget.