My Spring Trip to Shirakawa-go: A 'Little Switzerland'! 🌸

#holidayitinerary

I always heard that Shirakawa-go is most beautiful in the winter, but I'm here to tell you that you absolutely have to visit in the spring! I was so amazed when I stood in front of the gassho-zukuri farmhouses and saw cherry blossoms, canola flowers, and snow-capped mountains all in the same view. It's a truly unforgettable sight.

My Journey to Shirakawa-go

Getting there was easier than I expected. I traveled from Nagoya to Takayama. I chose the bus because it was cheaper (¥3,400) and only took about 2.5 hours, but you need to make a reservation. From Takayama, I took another bus to Shirakawa-go. The ride was about an hour and cost ¥2,600. Since it was peak season, I made sure to reserve my bus tickets in advance just in case.

My Day in the Village

Tenshukaku Observation Deck: This is an absolute must! The panoramic view of the entire village from here is breathtaking. I took the shuttle bus up, which I highly recommend—it saves you a lot of energy.

Wada House: I decided to visit this ancient gassho-zukuri house to see what life was like for the locals. It was a fascinating glimpse into their history and culture.

My Foodie Finds

I found some great food spots during my visit! I tried the semi-transparent pudding from Purin no Ie, which is supposedly the third-best in Japan, and it was delicious. For lunch, I went to Irori Dining Hall and had the Hida beef set meal and curry pork soba, which were both amazing. I ended my day at Ochudo Coffee, where I enjoyed a hand-drip coffee made by a lovely old lady, served in a cup collected by the owners from their travels. It was the perfect way to relax.

I can confidently say that Shirakawa-go is a hidden gem in the spring, and I highly recommend it for your next trip to Japan!

#japan #japantravel #shirakawago #nagoya #travelguide

Post by Patootie18 | Aug 12, 2025