Check out these articles
-
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- 43 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 19:29
Japan's Skilled Thatchers Work Hard To Preserve the Traditional "Gassho-zukuri" Architecture of Shirakawa-go, a World Heritage Site in Gifu Prefecture. The Large Houses, Built by Highly Skilled Craftsmen, Use Techniques That Have Been Passed Down for Generations
Art & ArchitectureTraditional Culture- 204 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- 100 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!
“Shirakawa-Go” and “Gokayama”
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 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- 329 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 4:21
Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture Is an Amazing Tourist Destination Overflowing With Nature! Kamikochi and Matsumoto Castle Are Just Two of the Must-See Destinations! A Look at the Culture, History, and Cuisine of Matsumoto City!
Local PR Travel Nature- 477 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 1:59
Kakurin Temple - The Treasure of Kakogawa, Hyogo and a Treasury of History. This Out of the Way Sightseeing Spot Is a Fascinating Temple With Ties to Prince Shotoku!
Local PR Travel Art & Architecture- 82 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 4:44
Fukushima Oze - A Plateau Brimming With Natural Scenery! Embark on a Journey Through the Beautiful Scenery of Japan's Four Seasons!
Local PR Action & Adventure- 60 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 2:04
Spur-Of-The-Moment Sightseeing in Chiba Prefecture! Wilderness, Historical Buildings, and Amusement Parks! Is It Possible to Have So Many Attractions in One Place?
Local PR Travel- 338 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 3:00
Japan's Largest Lake, Lake Biwa, Shows Us Many Different Faces and Colors Throughout the Day and Year. The Size and Beauty of the Lake, Which Lives up to Its Name as Japan's Largest, Have Fascinated People Since Ancient Times
Local PR- 4 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 4:02
A Myriad of Tourist Attractions Await You in Hidaka Village, Kochi Prefecture! Enjoy a Relaxing Vacation in the Village Alongside the Niyodo River, the Cleanest Stream in Japan!
Local PR Travel- 321 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- 263 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 3:16
Tajimi City in Gifu Prefecture Is a Great Place to Live, and Is Also an Attractive Place to Visit! the City Has Many Facilities Where You Can Get a Taste of Traditional Japanese Crafts, History, and Culture!
Local PR Travel- 251 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 3:37
The Number One Udon Town in Japan! There Are Many Things to Enjoy in Kagawa Prefecture, the "Udon Prefecture" of Shikoku, Besides Udon! We'll Introduce You to All the Popular Tourist Spots, Including Art and Remote Islands Full of Nature.
Local PR Food & Drink- 48 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 5:20
The Healing Hirayu Hot Springs of Takayama, Where Even Takeda Shingen, the Famous Feudal Lord, Relaxed for a Bath. Delicious Foods, Sightseeing, and a Mascot to Show You All the Things You Can Do in the Okuhida Hot Springs Area of Gifu Prefecture!
Local PR- 85 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 1:55
Enjoy the Gorgeous Views of the Glorious Northern Alps of Hakuba Village! This Video Features the Unparalleled Views of the Northern Alps’ Sea of Clouds, and Star Sprinkled Sky; Sights You Can’t Experience Anywhere Else.
Local PR Nature- 258 plays
- YouTube
1 Comment