Shirakawa-go Journey Information

Uncover the secrets and techniques behind the breathtaking thatched roofs of Shirakawa-go, a historic UNESCO World Heritage web site. Discover the picturesque village and the marvelous Gassho-Zukuri (prayer-hand development) homes.

Have you ever seen pictures of Japanese villages lined in snow? This picturesque village seems prefer it belongs in a Japanese folktale from way back! Fortunately, we had the possibility to go to this distinctive UNESCO World Heritage web site, Shirakawa-go (白川郷) as our day journey from Takayama. Nestled within the Japanese Alps, the farmhouses of Shirakawa-go are a well-liked vacation spot for guests throughout the globe and locals in Japan.

That is a part of our Takayama journey information sequence. In the event you haven’t had an opportunity to learn them, please begin with half 1 to meet up with our adventures!

Entry to Shirakawa-go

The journey from Takayama to Shirakawa-go is only a quick 1-hour bus trip utilizing the Tokai Hokuriku Expressway. On the best way there from Takayama, we noticed views of the Japanese countryside and a Hida Beef farm and handed by many lengthy tunnels together with Japan’s second longest.

In case you are coming from Kanazawa, you’ll be able to trip the Nohi Bus (2,600 yen one-way in 2023) from Kanazawa Station West Exit Platform 4, which takes round one hour and quarter-hour. From Toyama Station, you’ll be able to trip the identical bus (2,400 yen one-way in 2023), which is able to take roughly one hour and 20 minutes.

In case you are coming from Tokyo, Osaka, or Kyoto, we advocate touring to one of many cities talked about above after which taking the suitable bus.

When is the Finest Time to Go to Shirakawa-go

We traveled on the finish of June so we might benefit from the summer season surroundings. Nevertheless, arguably one of the best time to go is throughout the winter season, from December to March, as you’ll be able to benefit from the snowy surroundings. Moreover, in January and February, you may as well take pleasure in light-up occasions and winter illuminations. Between September and November can also be one other nice time to go as you’ll be able to benefit from the colourful autumn leaves.

In case you are seeking to see cherry blossoms, we might not advocate Shirakawa-go as there aren’t too many cherry blossom bushes.

Exploring Shirakawa-go: Japan’s Folktale-like Village

Once we arrived at Shirakawa-go, the bus took us to the remark deck on the high of the hill, welcoming us with a picturesque viewpoint over the village. After taking within the stunning view, the bus descended in the direction of the village.

(see the map of the village)

As soon as the bus arrived on the parking zone, we crossed the Shokawa River on a suspension bridge to step into the magical Shirakawa-go.

Nestled in a mountainous area surrounded by forests, the air round is so clear and the crystal-clear river beneath the bridge provides to the tranquil ambiance, a stark distinction to Tokyo and Yokohama.

Gassho-Zukuri Homes in Shirakawa-go

So, what makes Shirakwa-go distinctive and particular? It’s the gathering of gassho-zukuri (合掌造り) roofs on high of the homes within the village! You’re most likely questioning what’s the that means of gassho-zukuri.

Gassho refers back to the form of the arms in a praying place with the palms dealing with one another (prayer-hands development).

This one-of-a-kind thatched roof design isn’t solely stunning however can also be extremely purposeful, able to withstanding the burden of heavy snowfall throughout the winter time. The steeply angled roofs shed the snow simply whereas making a spacious inside for varied functions throughout the harsh winter months, similar to the standard trade of silkworm farming.

Our information advised us that the roofs final about 20-30 years however it’s very costly and labor-intensive to switch. Either side of the roof prices about USD 100k and it might value $200k to switch each side. In addition to the price, it requires roughly 150 employees to make the roof as you’ll see in an image later.

There are a complete of 114 thatched-roof buildings in Shirakawa-go. Amongst them, you could discover that a number of the homes within the village have a contemporary roof. Why?

It’s as a result of a number of the roofs have been modified earlier than the UNESCO recognition in 1995. Now, the Japanese authorities prohibits homeowners from altering their thatched roof to a contemporary roof.

Myozenji Temple Museum

As you stroll by the village, you’ll cross by Myozenji Temple Museum (明善寺郷土館). The temple was constructed about 230 years in the past and in addition has the well-known thatched roof that we advocate trying out.

Kanda Home Tour

One factor you’ll discover instantly is that these Gassho homes are surprisingly huge. Opposite to expectations, they’re fairly tall, with a number of ranges and an extremely spacious inside.

Among the many Gassho homes open for excursions, our information recommends the Kanda Home (神田家). Throughout our go to, the Kanda household nonetheless resided in the home however in a separate wing. Right here, they serve wild herb tea to their friends throughout the go to, making for a pleasant pit spot alongside your Shirakawa-go travels. The doorway charge is 400 yen (as of 2023).

The Kanda home was constructed by Wada Yaemon (2nd son of Wada Home), who later modified his title to Kanda. The construction was constructed over 10 years round 1800 AD. In addition to elevating silkworms, the Kanda household enterprise additionally made gunpowder.

Upon coming into the home, we paid Mr. Kanda the doorway charge, permitting us entry to freely discover the constructing.

Kanda Home – First Ground

The primary ground is a big open area (household room) with stay hearth and fireplace in the midst of the room. Linked to the household room are visitor rooms, bedrooms, rooms for Buddhist monks, and an altar.

Right here is our son waving to us from the “hearth watch” window beneath. As your entire home is made out of wooden, this small window permits monitoring of the hearth from the second ground. There are additionally hearth hydrants all around the city to ensure these nationwide treasures are safely shielded from hearth.

Every room and nook of the Kanda home showcased quite a lot of artifacts, providing glimpses into each enterprise and residential life.

Kanda Home – Second Ground

Transferring to the second ground, we discovered gear used for working within the snow in addition to for making sake.

Right here is the part beneath the place they defined the key behind the power of the gassho-style roof, which may face up to robust wind and snow.

There was an image taken of the Kanda home when it was having its roof re-thatched. You’ll be able to see the massive variety of individuals it requires to work collectively for the job. Are you able to guess what number of? It was 184 individuals!

Kanda Home – Third Ground

Reaching the third ground, the width of the room turns into considerably narrower, although nonetheless loads of area to stroll upright.

Right here we noticed the gear for making silk, together with pans for elevating silkworms, a silk weaving machine, and a silk spinster.

Kanda Home – Prime Ground

Lastly, on the very high ground, you’ll be able to see the underside of the roof. One attention-grabbing observe, as there’s a hearth burning on the primary ground, it will get very smoky as you go greater within the constructing. Your garments will doubtless scent of smoke after touring!

Are you shocked by how giant the inside area was? The home has no columns taking over area in the midst of the construction.

In addition to the Kanda Home, different well-known Gassho homes embody the Nagase Home and Wada Home. Wada home is the most important Gassho-style home (image beneath).

Shirakawa-go Village

As you stroll within the village, you’ll see varied eating places, cafes, memento outlets, and craft shops. The shop sells sake, Hida Beef Korokke (croquette), and Kushiyaki (skewers).

Throughout our stroll on the primary highway (and it was sprinkling), there have been some trout within the river that’s raised by the native farmer, including to the village’s attraction.

So apart from admiring these conventional Gassho-style buildings, what else are you able to do in Shirakawa-go? You’ll be able to keep in a single day as a few of these homes have been transformed to Minshuku (Japanese Mattress & Breakfast 民宿).

Staying in Shirakawa-go

The Minshuku beneath is Koemon (幸ヱ門), which was constructed throughout the Edo Interval, providing a super-traditional Japanese expertise. Simply observe that the visitor rooms wouldn’t have their non-public baths or bogs so you need to share with others. 😉

We hope you loved visiting Takayama with us. We had a beautiful three days there and extremely advocate it if you wish to expertise a unique facet of Japan from Tokyo and different giant cities.

In the event you haven’t learn my journey posts about our one week in Hokuriku 北陸地方(the north-western a part of Japan) together with Kanazawa, Toyama, Kurobe Gorge, Tateyama Alpine Route, and Takayama, please begin studying from this put up.