Discover Shirakawa

When choosing Shirakawa as a destination, you can plan your trip around its defining cultural and landscape features. Ogimachi, the local architectural tradition, museums, the Doburoku Festival, and the Hakusan-Shirakawa-go White Road offer different perspectives on the region.

Ogimachi and Gassho-zukuri Architecture

Ogimachi in Shirakawa-go is Japan’s largest village ensemble of Gassho-zukuri houses. The houses date back to the 19th century; their beams interlock, and the construction uses no nails. The layout also matters for understanding the architecture: the Gassho houses have been preserved in their original locations and in groups. Ogimachi is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site “Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama.” This means that the architectural impression comes not only from individual buildings but also from the way the groups of houses work together.

Museums and the History of the Houses

The Gassho-zukuri Minkaen Open-Air Museum was established by relocating and preserving Gassho houses no longer in use from the village of Shirakawa. Its aim was to recreate the traditional way of life. Minkaen comprises 25 Gassho houses and a Furusato Experience Center. Preserved Gassho-zukuri houses in Shirakawa-go also serve as museums, providing information about the region’s history, its distinctive architecture, and important industries in Shirakawa-go.

The Ogimachi-Wada House is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan and is the largest house of this style in Shirakawa-go. The Kanda House is believed to be more than 150 years old. The Nagase House displays medical instruments from the Edo period (1603–1867). These examples highlight different aspects, from a house’s size and historical context to a collection associated with a specifically identified period.

Doburoku Festival and Trip Planning

The Doburoku Festival takes place every year from late September into October; the exact dates vary. It is held to pray for a bountiful harvest, the safety of families, and peace in the village. Doburoku is used as ritual sake at the festival and served to visitors. Serving arrangements may vary. If you would like to plan your trip around the festival, check the dates and information about the proceedings for that year.

Viewpoint, Bus Terminal, and Mountain Road

Visitors can climb to the Shirayama viewpoint and look out over the Gassho-zukuri village. Check the latest conditions before your visit.

The Shirakawa-go Bus Terminal is next to the Ogimachi intersection on National Route 156, on the north side of the World Heritage area. It began operating as a stop on a public bus route on October 1, 2016. Check current bus services separately when planning your journey.

The Hakusan-Shirakawa-go White Road is a mountain road connecting Shirakawa-go with the Kaga Onsen area, offering magnificent natural scenery and expansive views. If you plan to take the route, check seasonal opening dates and toll conditions before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Yamagata, Yoro, Tajimi, Kani, Kawabe, Gujo, Nakatsugawa, Tarui.

For the regional travel overview: Gifu Prefecture.