In 1995,Shirakawa-goRecognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage, it has become one of the most popular tourist attractions in the land of the rising sun. Located at the foot of Mount Hakusan, the entire village is divided into two areas: Shirakawago in Gifu Prefecture, and Gokayama in Toyama Prefecture. There are a total of 114 ancient houses built in the style of thatched roof houses, Gassho-zukuri style - a traditional architectural style dating back to the late 17th century in Japan, very suitable to withstand the harsh climate of this region.
In addition to the Ogimachi area with its distinctive Gassho-zukuri architecture, other popular attractions here include the Wada House built during the Edo period (1603-1868), the Shirakawa Kaido main street, the viewing platform of Ogimachi-jo Castle, and the Tenshukaku Observatory. (Photo: Takahiro Taguchi)
According to the excavated documents here, traces of gunpowder manufacturing and silk production had flourished in this village since the 1700s, or 322 years ago. Up to now, the oldest house in Shirakawago village is more than 400 years old, and is still preserved almost intact. Except for the renovation of the inside of some houses to become restaurants, museums, souvenir shops or guesthouses for guests; the habits and customs of the villagers are still not much different from hundreds of years ago. Therefore, people also call the ancient village of Shirakawa "The place where time cannot touch".
One of the reasons why Shirakawa-go village still attracts a large number of tourists in winter, despite the cold, is the "Shirakawa-go Winter Light-up" festival. This tradition only takes place on 6 weekends in the first two months of the year. (Photo: Debbzie Leksono)
Many people consider Shirakawago to be the hometown of Doraemon, because artist Fujiko Fujio drew the first strokes of the manga series in this ancient village. Besides its hundred-year-old history and culture, this place also attracts tourists with its natural beauty. In spring, Shirakawago is covered with cherry blossoms. In summer, the village is painted green by the surrounding rice fields. In autumn, cosmos flowers flutter, covering the roofs with romantic red and yellow. And in winter, everything is white, the steps are covered in snow, making the whole village of Shirakawago look like a fairyland.
Let's see the snow in Shirakawago village, in the winter of early 2022:
