Shirakawa-go Historic Village

▶ Enjoying Traditional Wisdom, Craftsmanship, and Majestic Nature
Shirakawa-go, nestled in the great nature of Mt. Hakusan, offers hot springs, camping grounds, and ski resorts that make the most of the region's natural blessings. Visitors can enjoy nature walking to appreciate the seasonal landscapes. The "Gassho-zukuri Minka-en," where 25 traditional gassho-style houses have been relocated, provides unique experiences such as traditional plant dyeing, straw sandal making, and soba noodle making, which are special to this village. At the former Toyama family house, designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan, there are events to experience making local bento boxes created by popular eateries in the village, and "Suttate-jiru," a local dish made from crushed soybeans using a stone mill, seasoned with a broth based on miso or soy sauce, often enjoyed during celebrations and festive occasions in Shirakawa-go.

Additionally, the "Wada House," a representative thatched-roof gassho-style residence that has been lived in for about 300 years, also designated as an Important Cultural Property, allows visitors to view the gassho-style houses and exhibits of artifacts and tools used by the locals which showcase their wisdom and craftsmanship. Hirase Onsen, located just 15 minutes by car from the gassho village, draws its spring water from a source at the foot of Mt. Hakusan 13km away. At the Daitakugawa Park, you can enjoy rich natural wonders such as lush beech forests and emerald green lakes.

▶ Shirakawa-go: A Place of Historic Festivals and Local Performing Arts
In the Hida region, Shirakawa Village is set in a rugged mountainous area, with the Shogawa River flowing between steep slopes that have formed villages along its banks. Shirakawa Village is also known as one of Japan's heaviest snow areas, historically being called a hidden region because of the winter isolation from surrounding areas. Events to preserve traditions of prayer for harvests and offerings within the village are held in Shirakawa-go.
Among them, the "Doburoku Festival" is a historic festival unique to Shirakawa-go, held in the bountiful autumn. Various shrines in Shirakawa Village host events featuring sacred rites, lion dances, folk songs and dances related to history and local legends. As the name suggests, "doburoku" (a type of unrefined sake) is served during the festival and also offered to attendees as a notable feature of the event.
In May, the "Rice Planting Festival" showcases traditional rice planting scenes. Young maidens from Shirakawa-go perform hand planting while singing planting songs against the backdrop of gassho-style houses. Furthermore, on New Year’s Day afternoon, members of the Shirakawa-go Harukoma Preservation Society dress as the Seven Lucky Gods or dancers and visit the gassho village, dancing to songs in a performance called "Harukoma," embodying the region's rich history and tradition through various events.

▶ The Four Seasons of Shirakawa-go
Spring
As temperatures rise, snow begins to melt around March. Cherry blossoms bloom from mid-April to early May, signaling a gradual warm-up.
Summer
With the sprouting of fresh greenery and the sight of lush mountains, Shirakawa-go offers a refreshing experience that is hard to find in urban environments.
Autumn
The autumn landscape of Shirakawa-go is adorned with vibrant colored leaves. Visitors can enjoy the picturesque scenery when the entire village transforms into hues of autumn, with the best time for viewing foliage being from late October to mid-November.
Winter
During this snow-laden season, Shirakawa-go hosts winter illumination events, showcasing an enchanting and beautiful landscape covered in a pristine white blanket of snow.