Shirakawa-go

Highlights, Access, and Ways to Enjoy Shirakawa-go

Located in Shirakawa Village, Ōno District, Gifu Prefecture, Shirakawa-go is a gasshō-zukuri (thatched-roof) settlement nestled among steep mountains — a “living World Heritage Site” where people still reside today.
Its large thatched roofs embody the wisdom of life in a snowy region, and the village reveals completely different faces each season — from heavy winter snow to fresh spring greenery and vibrant autumn foliage. The panoramic view from the observation deck is breathtaking and perfect for photography.

Highlights of Shirakawa-go

Month	Recommendation	Highlights
January	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Snow scenery and illumination with a magical atmosphere
February	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Gasshō-zukuri with lingering snow and quiet strolls
March	⭐⭐⭐	Season of snowmelt, feel the arrival of spring
April	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Beautiful contrast of fresh greenery and gasshō-zukuri houses
May	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	Stunning water-mirror scenery of rice fields filled with water
June	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Thatched roofs glistening in the rain and lush greenery
July	⭐⭐⭐	Contrast of verdant fields and the summer sky
August	⭐⭐⭐	Busy during summer holidays but cool mornings and evenings ideal for walks
September	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Enjoy a calmer atmosphere with the autumn breeze
October	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	Peak autumn foliage — the most beautiful season of the year
November	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Late autumn colors and a sense of tranquility
December	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Enchanted view of gasshō-zukuri wrapped in the first snow

How to Enjoy Shirakawa-go – Recommended Route

1) Start from Seseragi Park Parking Lot (Approx. 10 minutes)

If you’re arriving by car, first park at the large Seseragi Park Parking Lot. It has a tourist information center and restrooms, making it convenient for getting ready.
From the parking lot, cross the Deai Bridge and you’ll find the gasshō-zukuri village spreading out before you, as if you’ve stepped back in time to old Japan. From the bridge, you can enjoy views of the clear stream and the village at the same time, making it an ideal first photo spot.

2) Stroll Through the Village (Approx. 60–80 minutes)

After crossing the bridge, you’ll naturally find yourself wandering into the village. Alongside houses where local residents still live, there are also open homes and museums you can tour inside. Up close, you can see features such as hearths and massive beams — ingenious adaptations for life in a heavy-snow region.

The sound of water in the irrigation channels and scenes of people working in the fields let you experience a “living village,” even though it’s a tourist destination — something unique to Shirakawa-go. It’s also fun to stop by teahouses along the way to enjoy gohei-mochi or local sweets as you stroll.

3) Head to the Observation Deck (Approx. 40–50 minutes)

Take a short detour toward the Shiroyama Observation Deck. You can walk up if you prefer, but depending on your time and energy, taking the shuttle bus is a comfortable option.
From the observation deck, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the gasshō-zukuri village and breathtaking scenery in every season. The snow-covered winter landscape and the mirrored rice fields in spring are especially moving.

4) Rest & Meal (Approx. 20–30 minutes)

After exploring, take a break at one of the eateries or cafés in the village. Enjoy local flavors such as gohei-mochi or mountain vegetable soba. Some places even let you sit by the warmth of a hearth, making your travel memories even richer.

5) Return (Approx. 10 minutes)

Cross the Deai Bridge to return to the parking lot. Before heading home, it’s convenient to stop by the tourist information center to get details on upcoming seasonal events and any traffic restrictions.

Basic Information about Shirakawa-go

Basic Information about Shirakawa-go

Name	Shirakawa-go (Ogimachi Gassho-style Village)
World Heritage Registration	Registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 1995
Recommended Visiting Time	Half a day to one full day (including walking, observation deck, and house tours)
Parking	Seseragi Park Parking Lot (¥1,000/day for regular cars, about 200 spaces)
Notes	Winter illumination requires advance reservation and has traffic restrictions. Please check the official website for the latest information.

Access to Shirakawa-go

From Chubu Centrair International Airport

Transportation	Duration	Cost	Description
Train + Bus	Approx. 4 hours	Around ¥4,000–¥5,000	Take the Meitetsu Airport Line to Nagoya Station (about 30 min) → From Meitetsu Bus Center, take a highway bus directly to Shirakawa-go (about 3 hours)
Bus (Airport Limousine + Highway Bus)	Approx. 4 hours 30 min	Around ¥4,500–¥5,500	Take an airport limousine bus from Centrair to Nagoya Station → Transfer to a highway bus → Get off at Shirakawa-go Bus Terminal
Car	Approx. 3 hours 30 min	Highway tolls about ¥6,000 + fuel	From Centrair via Chita Peninsula Road, Nagoya Expressway, and Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway → Exit at Shirakawa-go IC and about 5 minutes to the village
Taxi	Approx. 3 hours 30 min–4 hours	About ¥40,000–¥50,000	Direct access from the airport. Convenient for travelers with lots of luggage or groups

From Nagoya Station

Transportation	Duration	Cost	Description
Highway Bus	Approx. 2 hours 50 min – 3 hours 15 min	Around ¥3,900	Direct buses from Meitetsu Bus Center to Shirakawa-go Bus Terminal (several departures daily, reservation required)
Train + Bus	Approx. 3 hours 30 min – 4 hours	Around ¥4,500–¥5,500	Take the JR Takayama Main Line to Takayama Station (about 2 hours 20 min) → Take a Nohi Bus to Shirakawa-go (about 50 min)
Car	Approx. 2 hours 30 min – 3 hours	Highway tolls around ¥5,000 + fuel	Via Nagoya Expressway and Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway → Exit at Shirakawa-go IC, then about 5 minutes to the village
Taxi	Approx. 2 hours 30 min – 3 hours	About ¥35,000–¥45,000	Direct access from Nagoya Station. Convenient for travelers with lots of luggage or groups

Address: Ogimachi, Shirakawa Village, Ōno District, Gifu Prefecture 501-5627

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