Shirakawa-go (World Heritage Site, Gassho-style Village) | Ono District, Gifu Prefecture "Snow, trees, smoke from the hearth. A place where the authenticity of quiet life remains"

[Shirakawa-go (World Heritage Site, Gassho-style Village) | Ono District, Gifu Prefecture
"Snow, wood, smoke from the hearth. A place where the 'authentic' quiet life remains."]

— Shirakawa-go is more than just an area of old houses.
Here, rows of "gassho-style houses still inhabited" stand side by side, revealing both life and culture.
Thatched roofs, the scent of firewood, and the silence enveloped in snow.
Even in a tourist spot, you'll feel like you're visiting somewhere.
There's no flashy production. Simply, the natural scenery and atmosphere are soothing.

⸻

📍 [Location & Access]
・Address: Ogimachi, Shirakawa Village, Ono District, Gifu Prefecture
・Access: Approximately 1-1.5 hours by highway bus from Takayama Station or Kanazawa Station
・Car: Approximately 5 minutes from Shirakawa-go IC on the Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway / Parking available (paid)

🕰️ [Sightseeing Hours]
・Wander around the village at your leisure (best time from morning until sunset)
・The Observatory and Folk House Garden are open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (may vary depending on the season)

💰 [Cost]
・No admission fee (free to walk around the town)
・Interior tours of Gassho-style houses such as the Wada and Kanda residences: Approximately 300-400 yen

⸻

🏠 Recommended Points
• Gassho-style architecture is still in use
　→ Not only can you see it, but you can enter the buildings where people live and feel the warmth of the hearth

• The village changes with the seasons
　→ Spring: Fresh greenery and the lingering scent of snow / Summer: Deep greenery and rice paddy landscapes
→ Autumn: Thatched roofs floating among the autumn leaves / Winter: Snow-covered landscapes and silence (light-up events are also held)

• Panoramic view from the Ogimachi Castle Ruins Observatory
→ An absolute must-see spot. Looking down on the entire area, it's like a diorama.

• The local cuisine is simple yet powerful.
→ Enjoy flavors that make the most of the ingredients, such as gohei mochi, Hida beef, and wild vegetable soba noodles.

⸻

📸 Tips
- Winter: Warm winter clothes and non-slip shoes are essential (heavy snowfall).
- Mornings and early mornings are quieter, with fewer tourists, making for a great time to take photos.
- Much of the village is privately owned, so please be mindful of your manners and stroll quietly.
- Private lodgings are recommended. At night, the village becomes deserted and becomes a different world.
・The observation deck can be reached by foot or shuttle bus (please check if walking is difficult on snowy days).

⸻

#Shirakawago #Gassho-zukuri

#AbsolutelyFreeTrip