We were surprised that village still covered in snow in early Apr 2012. Some of us were not so warmly dressed especially in the drizzle that day. Took bus from Takayama Nohi bus station. Picturesque village. Walk across a suspension bridge over the Shokawa River from the Shirakawa bus station. Be prepared to pay admissions to some of the popular... More

We had to cross a bridge to reach the village. It was snowing all morning and it looked like just beautiful. The old farmhouses were about 250 years old. We walked all around and went to see the Wada house. It used to belong to one of the richest families and you get to walk around inside and see what... More

I went here in March 2012. Still has a small snowing. It was such a lovely small village with a great moutain view and shirakawa river. I went up to the viewpoint with a bus. (Walking path to the viewpoint is closed because of snow.) Very good experience. More

Even in the rain, brolly in left hand, camera in right, Shirakawago is still beautiful. My wife and I stayed two nights in Takayama and on the second day took a Nohi Bus Guided Tour to Shirakawago. We normally do our own thing but for visiting Shirakawago, taking a tour is probably the better option. Doing it on your own,... More

The night time illumination is quite good but, to be honest, wasn't as magical as I expected. If you are going for the night time illumination ainm to arrive mid afternoon because the traffic jam waiting for the car park can be intense! We waited in a queue to enter for well over an hour. Then, there is more waiting... More

Gassho-zukuri is a house built of wooden beams combined to form a steep thatched roof that resembles two hands together. The roof can be looked triangular just like a standing book open. The structure is built to suit the environment in Shirakawa. It is made to with stand heavy snowfall. The house face north and south, to minimize wind resistance.... More

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995, Shirakawa-go in the Shogawa Valley is renowned for the distinctive architectural style of the farmhouses Gassho-Zukuri "; translation "Constructed like hands in Prayer". These appealing dwellings with steeply slanted roofs are examples of a traditional way of life adapted to the mountain environment, to shed heavy winter snows, and provide comfortable living... More

According to the websites Shirakawa-go is a quaint little town nestled in a valley with nothing but farms and mountains. However it was nothing like what we expected — as we arrived we were surrounded by hordes of elderly Chinese tourists getting on and off of an endless flow of tour buses, choking every single street, alley and path through... More

Thick white snow, heritage buildings and the snow makes one feel really happy More