Shirakawa essentials

Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Gifu Prefecture, is defined by its Ogimachi village featuring over 100 gassho-zukuri farmhouses. These steep, thatched-roof structures, some over 250 years old, were engineered to withstand the region's massive winter snowfall. The list includes the Wada and Kanda family residences, the thatched Myozenji Temple, and observation points overlooking the valley. Beyond the village, the 76-meter Shiramizu Falls showcases the natural landscape of the Hakusan National Park.

Shirakawa Essentials — Map

Karl Baron / CC BY 2.0

A

Shirakawa-go

The Historic Village of Shirakawa-gō is located in the beautiful valley, surrounded by mountains known for heavy snowfall.

Laura / CC-BY-SA

B

Ogimachi Castle Observation Deck

Panoramic viewpoint located on the site of a former 15th-century mountain castle, offering elevated views of the gassho-zukuri farmhouses across the valley.

C

Ogimachi Castle Observation Deck

Elevated observation point providing a full view of the Ogimachi village. Accessible via a walking trail or a shuttle bus from the village center.

663highland / CC BY 2.5

D

Wada house

The largest and oldest gassho-zukuri farmhouse in the village. This designated Important Cultural Property features a preserved interior and exhibits on traditional silk production.

z tanuki / CC BY 3.0

E

Kanda house

A well-preserved farmhouse museum where visitors can explore multiple floors, including the attic used for silkworm cultivation and the central hearth area.

663highland / CC BY-SA 4.0

F

Myozenji Temple

A rare Jodo Shinshu sect temple featuring a main hall, priest's quarters, and a bell tower gate all constructed with traditional thatched roofs.

Tripomatic User / CC-BY-SA

G

Shirakawa Hachiman Shrine

A historic Shinto shrine located at the edge of the village, known for hosting the annual Doburoku Festival and housing a hall dedicated to unrefined sake.

H

The Heritage Museum

An open-air museum consisting of 26 relocated gassho-zukuri buildings, including farmhouses, a watermill, and a shrine, showcasing historical rural life.

Alpsdake / CC BY-SA 3.0

I

Shiramizu Falls

A 76-meter-high waterfall fed by the emerald waters of Lake Hakusui, located within the scenic forests of the Hakusan National Park.

J

Myozenji Museum

Located within the Myozenji Temple complex, this museum displays traditional farming tools, household items, and artifacts related to the history of the local community.