Exploring Shirakawa-go: A Family Adventure in Japan's Historic Village

A Day of Discovery in Shirakawa-go

Today was a deep dive into the heart of traditional Japan, a day filled with the charm and history that makes Shirakawa-go so special. It’s hard to believe we’re already on Day 3 of our family adventure! The crisp October air and the stunning landscapes have truly captivated us. I was particularly excited to explore the architectural wonders and share the stories behind them with Klaus and Ama.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Yukinko. It's a cozy spot run by two sisters, and I loved chatting with them. We enjoyed some delicious dumplings and Gohei Mochi on their terrace. It was the perfect way to fuel up for a day of exploring. Ama enjoyed her rice cake, although it was quite a new experience for her. She definitely preferred the dumplings, and I was happy to share.


Experience authentic Japanese cuisine at Yukinko in Shirakawa-go amidst stunning landscapes and traditional architecture.

With our stomachs full and spirits high, we set off to explore the famed Shirakawago Three Houses. The walk there from the bus terminal was lovely, a gentle stroll that allowed us to soak in the atmosphere of the village. The houses themselves were magnificent, standing proudly with their gassho-zukuri roofs, a testament to the ingenuity of the Edo period. The surrounding mountains provided a breathtaking backdrop, painting a picture of tranquility and timelessness. We spent a good amount of time wandering around, taking photos, and simply admiring the unique architecture. I made sure to capture Ama in front of the houses; these are memories I want to cherish forever. This village is beautiful in all seasons, but I can imagine the winter months must be absolutely stunning with the snow-covered roofs.


Explore the enchanting Shirakawago Three Houses, a UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing Japan's unique gassho-zukuri architecture amidst breathtaking natural beauty.

It felt like stepping into a living postcard, each corner revealing a new facet of Japan's rich cultural heritage.

Next on our itinerary was the Hida no Sato Open Air Museum. This museum is a treasure trove of traditional houses relocated from various villages in the Hida region. Each house offered a glimpse into the past, showcasing the tools, utensils, and lifestyles of the people who lived here during the Edo period. I was particularly fascinated by the gassho-zukuri farmhouses, marveling at their steep thatched roofs designed to withstand heavy snowfall. The museum was more than just a visual experience; the indoor fireplaces were lit, filling the air with a comforting, smoky aroma. We even saw artisans working on traditional crafts like Hida quilting and wood carving. Ama was absolutely captivated by the sarubobo dolls and wanted to take one home! I happily obliged, knowing it would be a cherished souvenir from our trip.


Explore traditional thatched-roof houses and immerse yourself in the rural heritage of the Hida region at this open-air museum in Takayama.

For lunch, we ventured to Masuzono Bunsuke, a restaurant known for its fresh river fish. The setting was idyllic, a gassho-zukuri building overlooking a serene garden. Klaus was particularly excited about this meal, as he loves fresh fish. The chef takes pride in serving fish that he catches live from the pond right after receiving the order. We savored the Iwana and Nijimasu, prepared in various styles. The sashimi was incredibly fresh. Ama tried a little bit of the grilled fish and seemed to enjoy it, which was a pleasant surprise. I was so happy to see her trying new things and embracing the local cuisine.


Experience authentic Japanese dining at Masuzono Bunsuke in Shirakawa – where tradition meets taste.

As the day began to wind down, we decided to stop by Koshiyama for a drink. It's a charming guesthouse with a restaurant, and the atmosphere was incredibly welcoming. I enjoyed chatting with the owner and other guests, sharing stories and travel tips. The autumn weather was a little chilly, but the conversations kept us warm. Klaus enjoyed a local beer, while Ama sipped on some apple juice, happy to relax after a long day of exploring. I was happy to unwind and savor the moment, reflecting on the incredible experiences we had shared today.


Discover Koshiyama in Shirakawa for authentic soba noodles and unique antiques, a perfect blend of culinary delight and cultural charm.

For dinner, we chose Nomura, a soba shop known for its handmade noodles. The shop was small and cozy, with only counter seating. We watched as the chef prepared the soba right in front of us, a testament to the dedication and craftsmanship that goes into each dish. The soba was delicious, perfectly cooked and incredibly flavorful. Ama enjoyed the noodles, and Klaus and I savored every bite, appreciating the simplicity and authenticity of the meal. It was the perfect way to end a perfect day.


Experience authentic Japanese soba noodles at Nomura in Shirakawa—where tradition meets flavor in every bowl.

October in Shirakawa-go brings pleasant temperatures during the day, but it can get cooler in the evenings. We were fortunate to have mostly clear weather today, with a bit of sunshine filtering through the clouds. However, rain is common in October, so I'm glad I packed an umbrella, even though I had forgotten it back in Potsdam. I hope I remember to buy one tomorrow, or we might get wet!

Looking ahead to tomorrow, we plan to visit Myozenji Temple and explore the Wooden Walkway. I'm excited to delve deeper into the spiritual side of Shirakawa-go and discover more hidden gems. I'm also planning to check out the local shop Ichihi. I have a feeling I'll find some unique souvenirs to take back home. I am also hoping to find a portable toddler bed for Ama. It would make our nights here much easier. I am sure I can find that at Ichihi.

Today was a day of immersion, a chance to step back in time and experience the beauty and simplicity of traditional Japanese life. Shirakawa-go has captured my heart, and I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings. I am so happy to be sharing this experience with my family, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

I'm off to bed now, dreaming of thatched roofs and soba noodles. Goodnight from Shirakawa-go!