Check out these articles
-
Video article 19:29
A young thatch-roofing craftsman preserves the gassho-zukuri tradition in Shirakawa-go, Ono-gun, Gifu Prefecture! World Cultural Heritage buildings filled with the wisdom of our ancestors are created by the high skills of craftsmen.
Art & ArchitectureTraditional Culture- 677 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 4:06
Discover the Origins of Christianity in Japan on the Amakusa Islands in Kumamoto Prefecture! This Historic Location for Christianity in Japan Is a Popular Tourist Attraction Registered as a World Heritage Site
Local PRTravel- 97 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 3:18
Reihoku, Kumamoto- Where Christianity Was Introduced to Japan More Than 450 Years Ago. Introducing Tourist Spots, Gourmet Food, and the Nature of Reihoku, Amakusa, Kumamoto!
Local PRTravelNature- 83 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 3:16
Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine - Learn About One of Japan's Most Famous Power Spots, Located in Yamanashi Prefecture, Where the Sacred Mt. Fuji Resides, and Information About Popular Amulets and Shuin Stamps for Tourists!
TravelArt & Architecture- 292 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 2:08
The Thousands of Years Old Wilson Stump on Kagoshima Prefecture's Yakushima Island Is One of Japan's Most Famous Power Spots, and Also a World Natural Heritage Site! Journey Inside the Stump That Once Towered Over the Island!
Local PRTravelNature- 250 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 1:45
The Beautiful Katsuren Castle Ruins in Uruma City, Okinawa Are Like a Castle in the Sky. Built on a 100-Meter-Tall Plateau Overlooking the Cobalt Blue Ocean, the Castle Is Registered as a World Heritage Site!
Art & ArchitectureTravel- 60 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 3:00
Osaki Koudo - A Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System in Miyagi Prefecture. The Blessing of Water From the Ou Mountains Nurture the Earth and Create a Rich Natural Environment
Local PR- 30 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 6:25
Hiraizumi" in Nishiwai-gun, Iwate Prefecture is a World Heritage Site! A condensed video of Chuson-ji, Motsu-ji and other sightseeing spots and attractions! Flowers blooming after the Great East Japan Earthquake, too!
Travel- 105 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 1:54
The National Museum of Western Art in Ueno, Tokyo. A World Heritage Site Since 2016, Le Corbusier's World-Famous Architecture in Taito City Is Home to Many Famous Works of Art!
Art & Architecture- 65 plays
- YouTube
Shirakawa-Go in Gifu Prefecture and Gokayama in Toyama Prefecture: 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites Featuring Superb Views of Gassho-Zukuri Farmhouses. These Fantastic Snowy Landscapes are Some of Japan's Most Insta-Worthy Spots!
Video introduction of spectacular views of the gassho-zukuri villages of Shirakawa-go in Gifu Prefecture and Gokayama in Toyama Prefecture.
This promotional video, produced by “Discover Nippon,” shows the snowy landscapes of Shirakawa-go (Gifu Prefecture) and Gokayama (Toyama Prefecture).
Shirakawa-go and Gokayama are two popular tourist destinations in Japan known for their Gassho-zukuri farmhouses with a unique sloped roof supported by A-frame crossbeams and thatched with the straw of crops.
The beauty of these farmhouses, with snow capped, thatched roofs, can be seen in the video.
This article will supplement the video by giving information about must-visit places in Shirakawa-go and Gokayama, where you can enjoy ancient Japanese landscapes.
Sightseeing Locations at Shirakawa-go During the Winter
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995, Shirakawa-go is a famous place in northern Gifu Prefecture (known as the Hida Region), home to the thatched-roof Gassho-zukuri farmhouses.
The structure of the steeply sloped roofs can withstand the heavy winter snowfall.
Wada-ke house, a well preserved house located in Ogimachi (the largest village in Shirakawa-go), is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan and is now open to the public as a museum.
There are many other recommended locations, hidden gems, and “instagrammable” places, such as Shiroyama Viewpoint, Ogimachi Castle Observation Deck, Tohyama-ke House Museum and Myo-zenji Temple and House.
Although Shirakawa-go has charms in every season, it's best seen covered in snow.
The illumination during winter makes the village snowscape even more amazing. This can be seen at 3:33 in the video.
The pure white landscape, lit up beautifully, is a sight to behold even on video.
Recommended Tourist Locations in Gokayama
Gokayama is a part of Nanto City in Toyama, an area consisting of nostalgic villages featuring Gassho-zukuri farmhouses.
Ainokura village and Suganuma village are the main attractions of Gokayama, and are both registered as UNESCO World Heritage Sites together with Shirakawa-go.
The Iwase-ke House and Murakami-ke House are two buildings of high cultural value, with both being designated Important Cultural Properties of Japan.
The best time to visit Gokayama is either in winter, when the village is covered in snow, or during the Ainokura Gokayama Music Festival in June.
If you like Tofu, be sure to try the Gokayama Tofu. It's a local specialty made using pure mountain water and locally grown soybeans.
Access to Shirakawa-Go and Gokayama
Many people visit Shirakawa-go and Gokayama by bus tour or car, as there are no railway lines running through the area.
If you're planning on staying overnight, the hotels around Hirase Onsen in Shirakawa-go or Gokasansou in Gokayama are the best options.
Some of the Gassho-zukuri farmhouses now function as an inn.
It's a great way to experience a traditional Japanese home that has tatami mat floors and an “Irori” (Sunken Hearth), used for both cooking and heating.
The video shows the inside of a Gassho-zukuri farmhouse from 6:53. Staying in a traditional Japanese home guarantees a unique experience.
Summary of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama
Shirakawa Village in Gifu Prefecture and Nanto City in Toyama Prefecture have released live informational cameras that allow you to check out Shirakawa-go and Gokayama at all times. Consider checking them out before you head out for sightseeing.
Enjoy seeing the nostalgic Japanese villages snow capped by snow. It's a scene you won't come across often.
Shirakawa-go Tourist Office
http://ml.shirakawa-go.org/en/
-
Video article 2:40
Japan's highest mountain! This video shows the highlights of "Narusawa Village" in Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture, which is rich in nature at the foot of Mt! Numerous spectacular natural views made it a must-visit tourist spot for everyone.
Local PR Nature- 156 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 2:01
The Konan Wisteria Festival - One of Japan’s Largest Wisteria Festivals, Located in Konan, Aichi Prefecture. The 75m Long Wisteria Trellis Creates a Mystical World of Gorgeous Flowers!
Local PR Travel- 786 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 3:56
The Vast Wilderness of Kumamoto Prefecture, and Its Historic Cultural Assets, Will Have You Feeling Like You're on Another Planet. Sightseeing, Gourmet Food, and Festivals; It's a Place You've Gotta Visit at Least Once!
Local PR Travel Things to Do- 131 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 2:00
Asahikawa Is One of Hokkaido's Most Popular Tourist Destinations. Nature, Gourmet Food, Stunning Winter Views, and the Charm of the Asahiyama Zoo Will Steal Your Heart!
Local PR Travel- 130 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 3:18
Outstanding Views of Flowers and Nature in Biei and Furano, Hokkaido. The Scenic View of Lavenders and Poppies, Together With the Natural Scenery of the Surrounding Area, Will Make Your Trip Unforgettable!
Local PR Travel Nature- 515 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 3:24
Onomichi, Hiroshima Prefecture Is a Port City With Breathtaking Ocean and Mountain Views! Here's a Roundup of the Must-See Sights in a City of History and Culture With a Distinct Japanese Feel!
Local PR Travel- 767 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 1:06
The World of Iga and Koka Ninja! What Is It About Ninja That Fascinates People Around the World? Enjoy Realistic Ninja Experiences in Mie and Shiga Prefectures, the Homes of Ninja!
Local PR Things to Do- 618 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 9:24
Shirakawa-Go in Gifu Prefecture and Gokayama in Toyama Prefecture: 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites Featuring Superb Views of Gassho-Zukuri Farmhouses. These Fantastic Snowy Landscapes are Some of Japan's Most Insta-Worthy Spots!
Local PR Travel Art & Architecture- 559 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 2:25
Kintaikyo Bridge in Iwakuni, Yamaguchi. The Mystical Scenery of the 350-Year-Old Bridge Floating Under the Summer Night-Sky, Lit up by Iwakuni Cormorant Fishing, Is a Must-See!
Local PR Art & Architecture Travel- 311 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 1:55
Video of mountain climbing in the Hakuba mountain range of the Northern Alps, including the spectacular natural scenery, sea of clouds, and star-filled sky in Hakuba Village, Kitaazumi-gun, Nagano Prefecture, which you should see at least once!
Local PR Nature- 542 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 2:56
Uenohara, Yamanashi: A 1-Hour Day Trip Destination From Tokyo. Nature, Local Cuisine, and Hot Springs to Unwind From Your Travels. The Beautiful Uenohara Awaits Your Arrival!
Local PR Travel- 200 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 2:44
Enjoy the Wilderness of Tokyo’s Akiruno City! Healing Scenery, Full of Greenery and Plenty of Negative Ions!
Local PR- 411 plays
- YouTube
6 Comments