Shirakawa-go Village 白川郷



Wee Lai visited Shirakawa-go Village, one of the UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites in the world. This small traditional village, located near Takayama, is also one of the snowiest places in Japan, with 95.7% of Shirakawa covered by forest.

The uniqueness of Shirakawa-go Village is its showcase of distinctive Japanese style of buildings called gasshō-zukuri, literally means “clasped-hands” style.

This night scene of Shirakawa-go Village is just so mesmerizing! Oh man! They look like yummy chocolate X’mas log cakes!

Photo credit: Wikimedia

Shirakawa-go Village, a haven in winter.

The mystical mountain range behind the Minka (民家, literally house(s) of the people)- private residences constructed in any one of several traditional Japanese building styles.



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16 Comments

  • Bridge said on June 19, 2008, 12:35 am (Permalink)

    Haha, soooo cold, dont think I can stand it, gotta arm myself with layers and layers of winter clothes.

    What does ur sister do that put her into such wonderful places? Does she work for UNESCO?

     
  • eunice said on June 19, 2008, 12:46 am (Permalink)

    She joined a Japan tour; she’s nothing to do with UNESCO haha!

    Don’t you think the Minka houses look like chocolate X’mas log cakes?! So cute!

     
  • Ann said on June 19, 2008, 1:47 am (Permalink)

    I added you in my site please, let me know when you’re done adding. Love your photos!
    Here’s my URL http://www.mixedandmotions.com/ check it out!

     
  • Budget Traveler said on June 23, 2008, 1:07 am (Permalink)

    Oh..japan is beautiful..and I love those cute houses in the village..I wonder how it feels like to be inside. :)

     
  • eunice said on June 23, 2008, 1:53 am (Permalink)

    @Budget Traveler – First I think the houses are like X’mas log cakes! Now I think if I were to stay inside, it reminds me of Hansel and Gretel! HA!

     
  • Mrs. Jessy Hoan said on October 10, 2009, 11:27 am (Permalink)

    Hi Wee Lai! Your photos on Shiragawa-go are great.

    I am planning to go Shiragawo-go village and intend to stay there for 1 night with my hubby and son (8 years old), any suggestion on which hotel I should stay. I am thinking of Takayama resort Gifu Hotel which breakfast and dinner are included but slight pricey. Any suggestion. Thank you.

    Mrs. Hoan

     
  • xj said on October 31, 2009, 11:20 pm (Permalink)

    hey.. I am planning trip to Japan this coming December.. can I check with you, is it difficult to find bus to go up to shirakawa-go? When and where do you buy the bus tix? Hope to hear from you soon! Thank you!

     
  • Mrs. Jessy Hoan said on November 1, 2009, 6:58 pm (Permalink)

    Hi xj! You can buy the ticket online or at Nohi Bus Centre which is next to Takayama Station. You may visit http://www.nouhibus.co.jp/english to check out the Timetable and price.

     
  • Jessy Hoan said on November 29, 2009, 12:27 pm (Permalink)

    Hi XJ! Did you manage to check out the website on Nohibus to Shirakawago? I will be staying a night at the village on 3 Dec’09. Also its cheaper to buy a 7-day Japan Railpass if you are travelling few places.

     
  • xj said on November 30, 2009, 8:16 am (Permalink)

    hello!

    thank you for ur advice =) i am at kanazawa on the 28th and 19th dec.. not too sure whether there will still be buses to go to Shirakawago, shall check out when i am there.. and yes i will be getting the 7-day JR pass =D Thank you for your info!!

    xj

     
  • Jessy Hoan said on November 30, 2009, 11:05 pm (Permalink)

    Not sure if you stay in Singapore. If you have not bought the 7-day Railpass, you can get it from H.I.S. International, Tel: 62221230, #17-02 Amara Corporate Tower, (Tanjong Pagar) at 5% off. I only know it today (too bad i already got mine last week at JTB).

     
  • xj said on December 1, 2009, 9:19 am (Permalink)

    Yea I am living in Singapore, thank you for informing me =D

     
  • Jessy Hoan said on December 1, 2009, 10:54 am (Permalink)

    Hi XJ!

    I am departing for Osaka tonight and will be staying at Takayama 1 night and Shirakawago Village for another night……….etc……. Will post my photos when return to Singapore on 16 December. Enjoy your trip.

     
  • eunice said on December 1, 2009, 11:18 am (Permalink)

    @Jessy, XJ: Have a safe and enjoyable journey! Do share your photos with us when you are back! :D

     
  • xj said on December 1, 2009, 5:30 pm (Permalink)

    Have a safe and fun trip!

     
  • Jessy Hoan said on January 27, 2010, 5:30 pm (Permalink)

    Hi XJ and Eunice,

    Shirakawago Village is an eye opener. As aware it is surrounded by trees and stream. We stayed in the house of Ootaya. The food is fantastic. My 8-year old son finished the whole course. We also went to the nearby Onsen at The Inn Shirakawagou-Onsen (http://www.shirakawagou-onsen.jp/).

    I want to show some photos to you but I do not know how to attach from here?

     

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