Stunning Shirakawa-go: A Must-do Amazing Winter Experience In Japan

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Shirakawa-go Village in Winter: Quintessential Japan

What is Shirakawa-go?

Shirakawa-go (白川郷) is a historic UNESCO site located in a mountainous area in Gifu prefecture (central Japan) that comes alive in winter. The snow-tipped traditional farmhouses (gassho-zukuri) make the perfect backdrop for any photo, and when you are standing at the viewing platform you will feel like you have been transported into a winter wonderland. If you live in Japan or are looking to experience the best of Japan, Shirakawa-go in winter is a must. Put it at the top of your list immediately!

This shows the gassho-zukuri during the snow in Shirakawa-go.
Snow falling on the white snow capped farmhouses.

What you will find here…

Here you’ll find my story of my trip to Shirakawa-go and my recommendations for when you visit. If you’re interested in more winter experiences in Japan, head over to my blog Top Places To Visit In Japan In Winter That Will Make You Fall In Love. Happy travelling, and read on!

This shows the gassho-zukuri straw-thatched roof.
The straw-thatched roof of one of the traditional farmhouses.

What Is there to do at Shirakawa-go in Winter?

Visit a gassho-zukuri house

There are two different options you have when it comes to experiencing the magic of the old world gassho-zukuri farmhouses. Many of these farmhouses have been converted into inns where you can stay the night. These are very popular and the rooms sell out quickly during winter as it is the most popular time to visit, so if you would like to stay the night in Shirakawa-go in winter then you will need to make sure you book your stay well in advance.

This shows a gassho-zukuri farmhouse in Ogimachi.
Ogimachi farmhouse.

Another great way that you can enjoy these homes is by visiting the “open homes”. There are a range of farmhouses in Shirakawa-go that are open to the public. The best place to visit these are in the town Ogimachi (荻町), which is the largest village of Shirakawa-go. When we visited, we were able to sit around the traditional Japanese hearth (irori) as the fire blazed in the middle of the house. The heat then travels up to the top of the farmhouse filling the home with a warm and cosy feeling.

We were also able to travel (by ladder) up to the top floor which was similar to an attic where you were able to see the wooden beams up close and view the village from the top window.

This shows the view from the gassho-zukuri.
The view from the window of one of the farmhouses.
This shows the view of Shirakawa-go from the top of a traditional Japanese farmhouse gassho-zukuri.
The view from the top of the traditional farmhouse.
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Visit Gokayama

Gokayama is a small nearby village that has similar farmhouse style traditional homes. We decided to visit this spot as well and we were stunned to find that it was so quiet! It is definitely easier to take photos here as you have plenty of space to yourself as the area is more remote and less popular than Shirakawa-go. The snow was packed up high and created mazes around the homes that we could wander as we explored the town. Gokayama is smaller than Shirakawa-go but I highly recommend visiting if you want to take photos and seek a more authentic experience. 

This shows the view of Gokayama from the highest viewpoint.
The view of Gokayama farmhouses.
A small farmhouse in Gokayama.

See the Winter Illuminations

Every year (except pandemic years) the town of Ogimachi in Shirakawa-go has winter illuminations. You will get the best view of this from the Shiroyama Viewpoint. The light-up happens between 5.30pm and 7.30pm and it is worth staying for.

Which dates does Shirakawa-go have illuminations in winter?

Ogimachi winter light-up:

  • January 15, 2023 (Sunday)
  • January 22, 2023 (Sunday)
  • January 29, 2023 (Sunday)
  • February 5, 2023 (Sunday)
  • February 12, 2023 (Sunday)
  • February 19, 2023 (Sunday)

What are the best vegan eats at Shirakawa-Go?

Unfortunately the vegan options in this remote area are very few and far between. I recommend making sure you stock up on food supplies in Takayama, which is what I did before I hit the road.

If you need to eat something in Shirakawa-go, their Hoba Miso (朴葉味噌) food might be an option. This is a traditional meal popular in the area, where you can cook your food using miso and a magnolia leaf. It is usually beef based, but you might be able to ask for tofu. Since the food is usually raw ingredients that you add, you can add the vegetables. You might also be able to find plain udon or soba noodles. Be aware though that many miso pastes and soup bases include bonito flakes (fish).

This shows Sara in a white beanie and a blue jacket with a traditional Japanese farmhouse in Shirakawa-go during winter.
The farmhouses in Shirakawa-go in winter are worth exploring.

What are the best hotels to stay in when visiting Shirakawa-Go?

My best recommendation would be to find a tradtional gassho-zukuri traditional farmhouse. You can find a list from the official website here.

This shows the snow during winter in Shirakawa-go.
Staying at a farmhouse in winter is worthwhile in Shirakawa-go.

VERDICT

It is Worth visiting Shirakawa-go in Winter

If you go anywhere in winter in Japan, this is the spot. Shirakawa-go in winter is an experience that you will remember for the rest of your life. You will fall further in love with Japan after journeying to Shirakawa-go!

Did this article speak to you?

I’d love to hear your thoughts! If you’re on Instagram, you can find me over here: @apicturesquelife so feel free to reach out or use #apicturesquelife and I’d be happy to connect!

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