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Shirakawa-go 白川郷

Ogimachi village

Checked October 2026 · next check January 2027 · 2 posts since 2010

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Visiting Shirakawa-go today

  • Getting there: Buses from Takayama take about 50 minutes and buses from Kanazawa about 75-85 minutes. Each route costs ¥2,800 one way, rising to ¥2,900 from December 2026. Many runs need a seat reservation, and the Japan Rail Pass does not cover them.
  • Admission: Wada House and Nagase House each cost ¥400. The Gassho-zukuri Minkaen open-air museum costs ¥800 (8:40-17:00 March to November).
  • Best time: The farmhouses look their best under snow or with green fields around them.
  • Tip: The Shiroyama Viewpoint car park is closed to the public. Walk the 15-20-minute trail or take the ¥300 shuttle bus from near Wada House instead.
Best time
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Snow-covered farmhouses and winter light-up evenings

Checked against: Ogimachi Village (Shirakawago) - japan-guide.com · Shirakawago bus timetable - japan-guide.com. Check opening times and prices before you go.

Shirakawa-go on Shibuya246

Photos and stories from our visits, as they were written at the time.

Photos

Shirakawago

Shirakawago (白川郷) in Gifu-ken is a World Heritage listed village. The area is known for the gassho zukuri (合掌造り) architectural style, with a thatched slanting roof. In winter, when there is heavy snowfall, the houses are able to withstand the severe weather thanks to this design.

Travel

Hokuriku Trip

I am in Hokuriku for 4 days and will be back in Tokyo by the weekend. In Hokuriku I am visiting Shirakawago and Gokayama, Toyama-Ken. In Kanazawa…