[World Heritage] Shirakawa-go: A place where tradition and beauty are fused│Gifu Japan

Shirakawa-go is a place where Japan’s beautiful scenery and traditional culture are fused.

Located in Gifu Prefecture, Shirakawa-go is world-famous for its Gassho-zukuri style village, and has been registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its beauty and traditional value.

In this article, we will introduce all the charms of Shirakawa-go and provide you with the information you need when visiting.
Enjoy the fusion of Japanese tradition and beauty in Shirakawa-go.

Overview and characteristics of Shirakawa-go

Shirakawa-go is a gassho-style village located in Gifu Prefecture, and is a World Heritage Site that preserves traditional Japanese scenery.

Shirakawa-go is divided into Shimo-Shirakawa-go and Kamishirakawa-go, and the Ogimachi district of Shirakawa Village is especially famous for its Gassho-zukuri style village.

This landscape was designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings in 1976, and was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995.

The charm of gassho-zukuri

Gassho-zukuri is a traditional Japanese architectural style, in which the roofs are arranged in a way that joins hands.

This architectural style was developed to cope with the harsh winter temperatures.

Gassho-style architecture has a long history, and its beauty and tradition remain strongly in the Ogimachi district of Shirakawa-go.
Visitors are impressed by its beauty.

Beautiful scenery in all seasons

In Shirakawa-go, you can enjoy beautiful scenery throughout the four seasons.

The cherry blossoms are in full bloom in the spring, the landscape is lush with greenery in the summer, and the autumn leaves are brightly colored in the fall.

In addition, the snowy scenery becomes spectacular in winter, and the area is illuminated at night in January and February every year, creating a fantastical beauty.

Roadside station Shirakawago

Roadside Station Shirakawago is located on National Route 156 in Gifu Prefecture and is easily accessible.
This is a place that exquisitely combines the tradition of gassho-zukuri construction with the convenience of a roadside station, and also houses the Shirakawago Gassho Museum.

■Location
411 Iijima, Shirakawa Village,Ono District
■Inquiry：05769-6-1310
■Business hours:
[Souvenir shop] 8:30-17:00
[Restaurant] 9:30-16:00
[Museum] 8:30-16:50
■Closed: Year-end and New Year holidays (12/29-1/1)
■Website：rs-shirakawago.jp

Information about “Shirakawa-go”

Basic Info	Shirakawago ■Location Ogimachi, Shirakawa Village, Ono District, Gifu Prefecture ■Inquiries 　Tel:05769-6-1311 ■Website 　www.vill.shirakawa.lg.jp
Map

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Summary

Shirakawa-go is a gem of Japan, known for its gassho-style architecture and traditional scenery, and has been registered as a World Heritage Site.

It is worth a visit for its beautiful scenery in each season, the magical charm of the illuminated area at night, and the sightseeing spots in the area.

With convenient access and a wide range of accommodation options, make sure to have a great time when visiting Shirakawa-go.

Enjoy the fusion of Japanese tradition and beauty in Shirakawa-go.

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