Hello, Lykkers! Are you yearning for a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life? Village travel offers a unique chance to immerse yourself in tranquility, tradition, and natural beauty.
Today, let's embark on a virtual journey to one of the world's most charming destinations, Shirakawa-go.
Nestled in the mountainous region of Gifu in Japan with considerable snowfall, Shirakawa-go is renowned for its unique traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, literally meaning praying hands. These houses stand out without a nail with their steeply angled thatched roof, evoking the image of two hands clasped in prayer.
Serving as museums, they transport you back to the previous Japan with a rich demonstration of Japanese crafts. Lodging in the guesthouse, you live a traditional Japanese life. More wonderful, you can view a picturesque fairy-tale landscape if you visit the village during winter with all the houses blanketed in snow. Climbing up to the peak of a mountain or any high platform and overlooking the village, you will view a scene from a delicate Japanese painting!
How to Get There
1. Driving
The easiest and fastest way is to drive a car from Takayama to Ogimachi, Shirakawa-go's main village. It takes approximately 45 minutes to arrive and costs 1000 yen to park your car in closet lots.
2. Taking a Bus
If you do not have a car, the bus is a good choice as a train is inaccessible there. It's recommended to take a bus to Shirakawa-go Bus Terminal from 2 nearby cities. And then just take a 7-minute walk.
From Takayama: 1 hr 18 min and ¥2600
From Kanazawa: 2 hr 25 min and ¥2810
After arriving, parts of tourists choose to have a day trip when there are not so many indoor shopping stores or entertainment facilities, but for peace and tranquility seekers, staying overnight and traveling at a slow pace is worth trying. There are accommodations for you.
Where to Stay
1. Guesthouse Shirakawa-go Inn
Rated 8.1, this budget accommodation in the village offers a standard twin room for around ¥11,500 per night. Located just 492 feet from Shirakawago, it provides breathtaking mountain vistas right outside your window every morning. Despite the long distance to the airport, a free bus shuttle service is available, making it a super good value!
2. Way Shirakawa-go
In addition to free WiFi and parking, this accommodation offers various kitchen appliances such as a microwave, toaster, and refrigerator, allowing you to cook for yourself. Prices start from ¥13,490 per night, depending on the room type and travel dates. For more details, visit the website: Booking.com. Be sure to check the specifics before you set out.
Where to Eat
1. Hiiragi
This restaurant offers a variety of local specialties, but the highly recommended dish is the hôba miso yaki, priced at ¥1300. This dish features a combination of onions, pickled ginger, meat, and tofu, all toasted together on a melt grill. The ingredients are mixed to create a unique and delicious flavor that is sure to be a highlight of your dining experience.
Tips: The restaurant's operating hours can be irregular, so it is recommended to contact them at +81 576-961-110 for confirmation. For a better experience, consider dining earlier or later during lunchtime to avoid the crowd, as the restaurant does not accept delivery or reservations.
2. Ochiudo
With the decorations of a traditional Japanese cafe and the architectural style of Gassho-zukuri, this restaurant is popularised among locals, offering sorts of drinks and snacks with each from ¥500 to ¥1300. Sitting and sipping a curry rice tea, tourists can watch the fire gleaming at the sunken hearth and hear water bubbling during winter. How cozy! It deserves trying!
Lykkers, ready to swap the concrete jungle for these idyllic settings where time slows down? Don't wait any longer! Pack your bags and set off on your next adventure!
