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Shirakawago is nestled in the remote Shogawa River valley of Gifu Prefecture, 350km from Tokyo. Surrounded by Mount Hakusan, Shirakawago seems completely isolated from the bustling modern life.
Shirakawago means "village of white rivers." The name evokes images of snow-covered roads in winter. However, it's not just winter that's fairytale-like; nature's benevolent hand transforms Shirakawago with the changing seasons, each season possessing its own unique charm: in spring, the village awakens to the sounds of birds and vibrant flowers; in summer, the rice fields and trees are lush and full of life; and in autumn, the forests are woven with the golden and red hues of changing leaves and pampas grass.
In spring, Shirakawago is ablaze with the vibrant colors of cherry blossoms. (Photo: Internet)
In summer, the trees and plants are lush and green. Photo: Internet.
In autumn, the trees in Shirakawago change their leaves. Photo: Japan Web Magazine.
In winter, the ancient village is covered in snow. Photo: Internet
What makes Shirakawago attractive to tourists from all over the world, besides its natural beauty, is the tranquil rural charm of the old Japanese villages that still remains today; where the techniques and wisdom of their ancestors are reflected in every house, and the way of life is carefully preserved by the residents from generation to generation.
Gassho-zukuri houses - the harmonious lifestyle of the people of Shirakawa-go.
Shirakawa is characterized by its more than 100 ancient houses clustered together at the foot of the mountain, nestled amidst rice fields and a gentle stream, witnessing the village's changing seasons. These houses are built in a traditional style.gassho-zukuriCommon in the agricultural villages of old Japan.Gassho: praying hands;zukuri: architectural style). NameGassho zukuriThe house is named after the distinctive shape of its roof, resembling hands clasped together in prayer for a peaceful life for the people.
Homegassho zukuriArchitecture is not just about physical structures, but also about a way of life maintained from generation to generation. It reflects the harmonious coexistence of humans with nature and harsh climates.
The wooden houses have thatched roofs about 80cm thick, and a sloping structure to prevent heavy snowfall in winter. The houses are built facing east-west to maximize sunlight exposure, while also protecting them from strong north-south winds during storm season and facilitating rainwater runoff. The roof, weighing up to 60 tons, is capable of withstanding 2-3 meters of snow in winter but remains cool in summer.
Locals thatch the roofs of their gassho zukuri houses. The roofs are replaced every 30 years. (Photo: Internet)
The most unique feature is that the roofs are made entirely of natural materials such as straw and wood taken from the surrounding forests, without the use of nails or any metal materials. Despite the harsh weather, these houses remain intact.gassho-zukuriThey have survived for hundreds of years. Every 30 years, the thatched roofs are replaced.
The largest village in Shirakawago is Ogimachi. Here, Wada House is the oldest gassho-zukuri house. Dating back to the 1800s, it was the home of a wealthy silk merchant family, where many generations lived. Although Wada House is still used as a residence, a portion of it is open to tourists.
At Wada House, visitors can fully experience daily life in a traditional Japanese village. The upper floor displays equipment used in silk production. On the ground floor, an irori (traditional Japanese fireplace) is used for heating, cooking, and drying clothes. The wooden floor provides ventilation, allowing heat and smoke from the irori to rise to the upper floors, filling the house with a pleasant aroma.
As time goes by, the people here still preserve and maintain many ancient rituals and customs dating back to the 17th century.
Winter fairy tale land
Shirakawa-go is known as the place where artist Fujiko Fujio conceived and created the classic manga series Doraemon. And Shirakawa in winter itself is like a scene straight out of a fairy tale.
From December to March each year, across the hillsides, roads, and rooftops...gassho-zukuriCovered in white snow, the area is also bathed in a blanket of white. On the nights of the "Shirakawa-go Winter Light Up" festival, the houses are illuminated with magnificent lights, the golden glow emanating from them shimmering amidst the falling snow. This scene has stolen the hearts of countless visitors to this rural area.
The village of Shirakawago is illuminated for the "Shirakawa-go winter light up" festival only six times a year. Photo: Supparuj Taechatanont
Shirakawago's winter scenery is often described as fairytale-like due to its magical beauty under the snow. Photo: Internet.
Each year, Shirakawago is illuminated only six times over three weeks, from January to February. Despite the difficult journey and harsh weather, thousands of tourists flock here to witness this once-in-a-lifetime spectacle. This year, the ancient village of Shirakawago will be lit up on Sunday evenings from January 16th to February 20th, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM. Reservations for the lighting system are required. To enjoy a panoramic view of Shirakawa-go, visitors can walk or take a bus to the observation deck, the most beautiful photo spot in this ancient village.
Because of its values and role in Japanese culture, Shirakawa Village was recognized as a World Cultural Heritage site by UNESCO in 1995.
If you feel life is hectic and rushed, come to Shirakawago to immerse yourself in the traditional Japanese village life and discover that time can even stand still.
