SHIRAKAWA-GO ON A BUDGET: travel guide & itinerary

Here’s our diy SHIRAKAWA-GO travel guide blog with hotel as well as tour recommendations, as well as a sample SHIRAKAWA-GO itinerary to assist you plan your next Japan trip!

Last updated: March 27, 2020

When I believe of Japan, my mind immediately conjures up pictures of these attractions: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Mt. Fuji, anime, as well as cherry blossoms. however there’s one picture that is permanently etched in my memory from now on — Shirakawa-go.

Hvad er dækket i denne vejledning?

Understanding Shirakawa-go
Best Time To see Shirakawa-go
How to get to Shirakawa-goFrom Manila
From Chubu Airport
From Nagoya
From Takayama
From Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka

Getting around Shirakawa-go
Things to perform in Shirakawa-goWada House
Shiroyama Viewpoint
Winter Illumination/Light-Up Event
Kanda House
Doburoku celebration (Fall)
Museum Hopping

Where to StayIn Shirakawa-go
In Nagoya
Search for more: Nagoya Hotels

Where to eat in Shirakawa-go
Attractions Near Shirakawa-goTakayama Old Town
Hida Furukawa Old Castle Town
Gokayama
Shinhotaka Ropeway

Sample Itinerary
Other tips for the bad TravelerIf you’re planning a multi-city tour of Japan, inspect out our guide for that here:

More tips on YouTube ⬇️⬇️⬇️Related Posts:

Understanding Shirakawa-go

With numerous years of history, Shirakawa-go is one of Japan’s cultural treasures. In fact, in 1995, this majestic, picture-perfect village was acknowledged by UNESCO as a world cultural Heritage Site.

Nestled in the mountainous Gifu Prefecture in the central region, the surrounding peaks add to its irresistibly rustic charm, which draws in tourists, mainly on central Japan packaged tours or a day trip from Nagoya.

It’s one of those locations that you would believe only exists in fantasy films or your wildest dreams. Every angle of this bit hamlet appears like it jumped out directly from a elegant holiday greeting card, particularly in winter when the thick snow blankets transform the site into a winter wonderland. In fact, the method as well as building style of the homes integrated with the region’s chillier climate provided birth to a custom that has similarly ended up being one of the defining characteristics of this cultural heritage treasure — yui.

The iconic Gassho-style thatched roof homes can withstand the heavy snowfall during winter. Gassho means “hands in prayer.” The long-standing architectural style brought the villagers together, assisting each other in re-thatching the roofs. It’s astonishing exactly how these roofs, built sans nails, bound the people of Shirakawa-go together with religiously bring out the yui tradition.

There are still about a hundred of these century-old houses, particularly in Ogimachi. a few of them function as museums, inns, or guesthouses. All the traditional homes in Shirakawa-go share these typical features — irori (sunken hearth) put in the center of the living room, 60-degree angle roof inclination, the absence of nails in the construction, as well as they deal with the exact same direction (gable ends dealing with north as well as south).

Other information you requirement to know:

Language: Japanese (Nihongo). The majority of the locals rarely speak English, however most of the indications as well as other tourist marketing materials have English translations.

Currency: Japanese Yen (JPY, ¥). JPY 1000 is around USD 9, EUR 8, PHP 465 (as of March 2020).

Modes of payment: most establishments prefer money payment, however many of them likewise accept credit history card transactions.

Electricity Info: 100V. type A sockets. Plugs have two flat pins. type B is sometimes utilized however not that common.

Best Time To see Shirakawa-go

Situated high in the Japanese Alps, Shirakawa-go is one of Japan’s incredibly scenic destinations, with its traditional farmhouses dotting the landscape as well as rich forest surrounding the town. The historic site radiates different appeal for every season. depending upon what you want to see as well as do, any type of season is the very best time to see Shirakawa-go.

WINTER (December – February). since the style as well as building of these historic structures are deeply rooted in the region’s chilly temperature as well as extremely linked to the heavy snowfall, winter is probably the most suggested season for a Shirakawa-go Tour.
Don’t Miss: winter Illumination/ Light-Up event in January as well as February. dates vary, so please inspect routines very first before going. enjoy the winter wonderland wonderful experience!

Shirakawa-go in Winter

SPRING (March – May). If you want a refreshing view of blossoming flowers as well as rich surroundings, spring season may be the very best time for you to see Shirakawa-go. The weather condition is not as well chilly as well as not as well hot. check out the town amid the rice paddies or snap pictures with the snow-capped peaks as your background.
Don’t Miss: full bloom Cherry blossom Trees in late April as well as regional hot springs.

Shirakawa-gō in Spring

SUMMER (June – August). vibrant eco-friendly vegetation covers the fields as well as the surrounding mountains. Don’t fail to remember to inspect the weather condition forecast as there’s a high possibility of rainfall during the very first half of the season (June to early July).
Don’t Miss: Hike/Trek install Haku if you are into mountains as well as peaks.

AUTUMN (September – November). most people go to Shirakawa-go during autumn to take pictures of the landscape’s lovely blend of red, yellow, as well as orange hues.
Don’t Miss: Doburoku celebration event in mid-October.

How to get to Shirakawa-go

The nearest flight terminal is the Chubu Centrair worldwide Airport. It serves central Japan area, including its primary city as well as worldwide hub, Nagoya.

From Manila

Direct flights to Chubu flight terminal are offered by a number of airline companies. travel time is 4 hours as well as 15 minutes.

As the funding of Aichi Prefecture, Nagoya is likewise the usual jump-off point to different destinations in central Japan, so it has a great number of transportation terminals.

From Chubu Airport

From the airport, walk to Chubu Centrair worldwide flight terminal station of Meitetsu Line.

Board the Meitetsu-Limited reveal train bound for Meitetsu Nagoya Station. travel Time: Approx. 30 minutter. Fare: ¥890 + seat fee.

Alight at Nagoya Station.

Go to Meitetsu Bus Center

Take the Gifu Bus on the Shirakawa-go reveal Line. travel Time: Approx. 3 hours, 30 minutes. Fare: ¥4,000. Note: Reserved seating only. Prior booking is extremely advised.

Alight at Shirakawa-go bus stop at Ogimachi.

From Nagoya

Go to Meitetsu Bus Center

Take the Gifu Bus on the Shirakawa-go reveal Line.

Alight at Shirakawa-go bus stop at Ogimachi.

Travel Time: 3 hours.
Fare: ¥4,000
Note: Prior booking is extremely advised.

From Takayama

Go to Takayama Nohi Bus Center

Take the Nohi Bus on the Shirakawa-go/Kanazawa Line.

Alight at Shirakawa-go or Ogimachi Bus stop.

Travel Time: Approx. 50 minutes
Fare: ¥2,600

From Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka

If you are coming from Tokyo, Osaka, or Kyoto, you can inspect our previous post: exactly how to get to Shirakawa-go

Getting around Shirakawa-go

Shirakawa highway (also called High Street) is not accessible to buses as well as tourists’ personal cars and trucks from 9 AM to 4 PM, however that won’t be a issue since the very best method to check out the UNESCO-recognized heritage site is on foot. You likewise have the choice to lease a bicycle if you want to maximize your time.

Seseragi Park, found near Deai-bashi Suspension Bridge as well as the primary info Center, is the designated auto parking area for personal cars and trucks as well as tour buses. There are other temporary auto parking areas, particularly during peak season.

Travel Time on Foot from Seseragi auto parking great deal to:

Suspension Bridge (which links the auto parking great deal to Ogimachi Village): 1 minute

Shirakawa Hachiman Shrine: 8-10 minutes

Myozen-ji Museum: 8-10 minutes

Wada House: 15-20 minutes

Shiroyama observation Deck: 30-35 minutes

Travel Time on Foot from Shirakawa-go Bus stop to:

Suspension Bridge (which links the auto parking great deal to Ogimachi Village): 18-20 minutes

Shirakawa Hachiman Shrine: 12-15 minutes

Myozen-ji Museum: 12-15 minutes

Wada House: five to 10 minutes

Shiroyama observation Deck: 20-25 minutes

Things to perform in Shirakawa-go

Wada House

Recognized as an important cultural residential property by the Japanese Government, Wada home completely embodies the traditional Gassho-style house, which has secured Shirakawa-go’s reputation as UNESCO world Heritage site as well as secured its setting as one of the most prominent destinations in central Japan, if not the entire country. For over three centuries, the prominent Wada family, whose members had ended up being the village heads as well as officials, has resided in here. It is the largest as well as likewise one of the oldest among the Gassho-zukuri homes in Shirakawa-go.

Entrance Fee: ¥300 (Regular); ¥150 (Elementary institution Students)
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: 997, Ogimachi , Shirakawa-mura,Ono-gun, Gifu, Japan

Shiroyama Viewpoint

View from Shiroyama Viewpoint
For more idyllic (and dramatic) photos, Shiroyama perspective is an excellent vantage point. take in the breathtaking beauty of Ogimachi village, dressed in different colors depending upon the season. It is found high on a hill, which you can reach either by trekking or by riding a vehicle.

Entrance Fee: FREE
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Location: 889, Ogimachi, Shirakawa-mura, Ono-gun, Gifu, Japan

Winter Illumination/Light-Up Event

Shirakawa-go in Winter
One of the most anticipated events in Shirakawa-go during the winter season is the light-up event which takes location in January as well as February. There are only seven illumination events in overall as well as routinesVarier hvert år, så det er vigtigt at inspicere allerført, før du går. Det allerbedste område at være vidne til belysningen er fra Shiroyama -synspunkt.

Indgangsgebyr: Gratis
Tid: 17:30 – 19:30 (kun vintersæson)
Sted: Ogimachi, Shirakawa-Mura, Ono-Gun, Gifu, Japan
Bemærk: Book din logi i eller i nærheden af ​​Shirakawa-go på forhånd, da der ikke vil være nogen tilbudt offentlig transport ud af landsbyen efter belysningsbegivenheden. Du kan ligeledes leje en taxa eller leje et personligt køretøj, hvis du allerede bookede dit hotel uden for Shirakawa-go.

✅ Reserver en slot her

Kanda House

En anden kulturel perle i Ogimachi, som Wada House, Kada Home blev omdannet til et museum, der giver dig mulighed for at fotografere nøjagtigt, hvordan gårdene, der bruges til denne dag.

Indgangsgebyr: ¥ 300
Åbningstider: 9:00 – 17:00
Sted: 796 Ogimachi, Shirakawa, Ono District, Gifu 501-5627, Japan

Doburoku Celebration (efterår)

Doburoku -fejringen tager placering på enhver form for disse helligdomme: Shirakawa Hachiman Shrine, Hatogaya Hachiman Shrine samt II Jima Hachiman Shrine. Det afholdes i midten af ​​oktober, hvor besøgende får se Lion Dance Performance, høre folktalerne samt prøve Shirakawa-Go’s specialprodukt, hvorfra fejringen fik sit navn, Doburoku. Doburoku er uraffineret fordel, der gennemgår gæring i bryggerierne i helligdomme. Du kan ligeledes få dette specialprodukt på Kondo Market i Ogimachi Village.

Museumshopping

Jin Homura Museum of Art udstiller malerierne af den berømte maler Jin Homura
Indgangsgebyr: ¥ 300 (voksen); ¥ 100-200 (studerende)
Åbningstider: 9 am – 16.00

Myozen-Ji Museum. Fundet i nærheden af ​​de buddhistiske tempelhuse antikke møbler, traditionelle landbrugsværktøjer samt gammelt køkkenudstyr.
Indgangsgebyr: ¥ 300 (voksen); ¥ 100 (studerende)
Åbningstider: 9 am-16:00 (december-marts) / 8:30-17:00 (april-november)

Gassho-Zukuri Open Air Museum giver dig et koncept om nøjagtigt, hvordan befolkningen i Shirakawa-Go var bosiddende i fortiden.
Indgangsgebyr: ¥ 600 (voksen); ¥ 400 (studerende)
Åbningstider: 9 am-16:00 (december-februar) / 8:40-17:00 (marts-november)
Bemærk: Fra december til marts lukkes museet hver torsdag.

Hvor man skal bo

I Shirakawa-go

Hvis du vil udjævne din Shirakawa-Go-oplevelse, kan du bo i et af huse i Gassho-stil. De fleste af disse traditionelle strukturer er åbnet for offentligheden af ​​ejerne som gæstehuse. En af de mest fascinerende placeringer, der tilbyder rum til logi, er Shirakawa-Go No Yu, som ligeledes er den eneste varme forårsfacilitet i Ogimachi. Det har udendørs onsen-bade, ud over indendørs bade såvel som sauna.

Rejsende kan have en smag af hjemmelavede måltider eller kan endda opleve at spise omkring en irori nedsænket ildsted med holdhuset eller andre gæster. Anvendt til madlavning af mad samt at holde hjemmet varmt, er irori ildsted et vigtigt aspekt i traditionelle japanske huse.

Der er snarere en række gæstehuse i Shirakawa-go, men rejsende, der ønsker at overnatte, skal booke på forhånd, især i højsæsonen. For listen, priser, såvel som tilgængeligheden af ​​gæstehuse i Shirakawa-go, kan du inspicere japanske pensionater.

Der er ligeledes fascinerende indkvartering i nærheden af ​​Shirakawa-go som Tosuke no Yu Fujiya såvel som Toyota Shirakawa-Go Eco-Institute.

I Nagoya

Fordi indgivelse af valg i Shirakawa-Go er begrænset, vælger mange at se webstedet på en dagstur. Da Nagoya er Metropolitan Hub tættest på lufthavnen, fungerer det ofte som basen for mange rejsende.

Hotelomkostninger kan variere på sæsonen. For backpackers, there are hostel dormitories that can provide you a bed for as low as ¥2,000.

If you’re not a dorm guy as well as you have a bit more dough, right here are the top budget plan hotels under $60/night as placed by Agoda individuals as of March 2020.

Vessel Inn Sakae Ekimae. picture provided by the hotel via Agoda

First Cabin TKP Nagoya Station. Undersøg priser og tilgængelighed! ✅

Vessel Inn Sakae Ekimae. Undersøg priser og tilgængelighed! ✅

APA hotel Nagoya Sakae Kita. Undersøg priser og tilgængelighed! ✅

Leo star Hostel. Undersøg priser og tilgængelighed! ✅

Search for more: Nagoya Hotels

Where to eat in Shirakawa-go

The very first order of business when we shown up in Shirakawa-go was to fill our stomachs with Japanese food, as well as boy was I floored! We had our booking at Kita no Sho (also Kita no Syo), a 250-year old Gassho-style restaurant with irori hearth as well as tatami-covered floor. The restaurant likewise has a souvenir shop fronting the entrance to the dining area.

The re