Shirakawa-go

白川郷

4.5Est. 150Shirakawa, Chubu

UNESCO World Heritage Site

Overview

Iconic alpine village featuring traditional thatched-roof farmhouses.

A picturesque village famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, designed with steep thatched roofs to withstand heavy snow. Wandering through the village feels like stepping into a folktale. Several farmhouses operate as museums or inns.

Local tips

Walk up to the Shiroyama Viewpoint for the classic, postcard-perfect overview of the entire village.

Practical info

Japanese name: 白川郷
Nearest station: Shirakawa-go Bus Terminal (0 min walk)
Payment: Cards accepted
Reservations: not required

Accessibility

Wheelchair entranceWheelchair parking

Good for

Families

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Gokayama: The Other Thatched Village

Gokayama offers the same UNESCO thatched-roof farmhouses as Shirakawa-go — without the crowds, with deeper craft traditions, and with overnight stays in working farms.