Shirakawago (Japanese: 白川郷), literally means’White River Village’, is located in the village of Shirakawa in Gifu Prefecture, Japan. Shirakawago is well known for its beautiful scenery, especially in the early morning, so it is good to stay there overnight.
Shirakawago is a famous tourist destination and always packed with tourists, so it would be better to walk around in the peaceful morning.
Ogimachi (荻町) is the largest village and main attraction of Shirakawa-go, the village is home to several dozen well preserved Gassho-zukuri farmhouses, some of which are more than 250 years old.
Shirakawago is in a mountain region with considerable snowfall, and these villages are well known for their clusters of farmhouses, constructed in the architectural style known as Gasshō-zukuri (合掌造り).
There is a viewing platform at the edge of the village, it takes about two or three minutes to walk to the top. There are road signs along the way, so don't be afraid of getting lost.
The Historic Villages of Shirakawago and Gokayama (五箇山) are one of Japan's UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and also one of the most famous tourist attraction in Japan.
The design of Gasso-zukuri is exceptionally strong, which allows the houses to withstand and shed the weight of the region's heavy snowfalls in winter.
Shirakawa Main Street is the most prosperous street in Shirakawago, and the only hot spring bath in Shirakawago is also on this street.
