Solo Cultural Exploration in Shirakawa-go

Stepping Back in Time: My First Day in Shirakawa-go

After months of anticipation, I finally arrived in Shirakawa-go, ready to immerse myself in the unique cultural heritage of this UNESCO World Heritage site. The journey from Brno to Tokyo and then by train was long, but as soon as I stepped off the train and into the fresh, humid air of the Japanese Alps, I knew it was worth it. The promise of exploring traditional Gassho-style farmhouses and capturing the stunning landscapes filled me with excitement.

My first order of business was checking into my guesthouse. I was eager to start exploring, especially since I knew the weather in July could be unpredictable, with a good chance of rain. I had forgotten my raincoat, a rookie mistake, but I was determined not to let that dampen my spirits. After a quick change, I set out to explore the village.

My first stop was Shirakawa-go Gassho-Zukuri Minka-en, an open-air museum showcasing traditional Gassho-style farmhouses. The entrance fee was a reasonable 600 yen, and it was worth every penny. Walking through the museum felt like stepping back in time. The meticulously preserved farmhouses, relocated from various settlements, were arranged to resemble a small, traditional village. I was able to enter several of the houses, marveling at the intricate wooden structures and the ingenious design that allowed them to withstand the heavy snowfall of the region. It was fascinating to see how families lived and worked in these unique buildings.


Explore Shirakawa-go Gassho-Zukuri Minka-en, a captivating open-air museum showcasing Japan's traditional thatched-roof farmhouses amidst stunning natural beauty.

The beauty of Shirakawa-go lies not just in its picturesque landscapes, but in the living history that permeates every corner of this enchanting village.

I spent a couple of hours wandering through Minka-en, taking photos and soaking in the atmosphere. The museum also featured a watermill, a shrine, and several ponds, adding to the charm of the setting. I even tried some soba ice cream, a local specialty, which was surprisingly refreshing on a warm, humid day. As I explored, I made a mental note to pick up a travel adapter tomorrow; my phone was already threatening to die, and I wanted to capture every moment of this trip.

Next, I ventured into the heart of Shirakawa-go: the Ogimachi village. This is where most of the Gassho-style farmhouses are located, and it's a truly breathtaking sight. The village is nestled in a valley, surrounded by lush green mountains. The farmhouses, with their steeply pitched thatched roofs, look like giant hands clasped in prayer, hence the name Gassho-style.


Explore the enchanting Ogimachi Village, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Japan, known for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses and stunning natural beauty.

I strolled through the village, admiring the architecture and the serene atmosphere. Many of the houses have been converted into museums, shops, restaurants, and cafes, offering visitors a glimpse into traditional life and culture. I decided to visit Wada House, the largest Gassho-style house in the village, which is over 300 years old. The entrance fee was 400 yen, and it was well worth it. The house was beautifully preserved, and the exhibits provided a fascinating insight into the history of the Wada family and their role in the village.

By this time, I was starting to feel hungry, so I decided to find a place for lunch. Based on my research, I had several restaurants in mind, and I ultimately chose Shirakawago Restaurant Irori. It was a charming eatery serving rustic and traditional regional dishes. I opted for the Hoba Miso pork set, a local specialty, which consisted of Hida pork grilled on a hoba leaf with miso paste. The flavors were incredible – the pork was tender and juicy, and the miso paste added a rich, savory taste. The set also included rice, miso soup, and pickled vegetables, making for a satisfying and authentic meal.


Experience authentic Japanese cuisine at Shirakawago Restaurant Irori, nestled in the scenic beauty of Shirakawa-go's heritage village.

After lunch, I continued my exploration of Ogimachi, visiting the observation deck for a panoramic view of the village. The view was simply stunning – the farmhouses nestled in the valley, surrounded by rice paddies and mountains, creating a picture-postcard scene. I took dozens of photos, trying to capture the beauty of the landscape.

In the late afternoon, I decided to do some souvenir shopping. I stopped by Sanrakudo, a local shop known for its handcrafted souvenirs and local delicacies. The manager was very friendly and welcoming, and he even taught me a few phrases in the local Shirakawa-go dialect. I picked up a few small gifts for Jana and Maximilian, as well as a couple of souvenirs for myself.


Discover the essence of Japan at Sanrakudo, a charming souvenir store in Shirakawa-go offering handcrafted treasures and local delicacies.

For dinner, I chose to dine at Yamamotoya, a restaurant housed in a traditional Gassho-style farmhouse. The ambiance was cozy and inviting, and the menu featured local specialties. I decided to try the bukkake soba, cold soba noodles with sesame and pickled plum. It was a refreshing and flavorful dish, perfect for a warm summer evening. I also ordered a side of stewed tofu and beef, which was equally delicious.


Discover authentic soba noodles at Yamamotoya in Shirakawa - where tradition meets deliciousness amidst breathtaking scenery.

As the day drew to a close, I reflected on my first day in Shirakawa-go. It had been a day of discovery, immersing myself in the unique culture and history of this remarkable village. From exploring the Gassho-style farmhouses to savoring the local cuisine, every moment had been a delight. I was already looking forward to tomorrow, when I planned to visit Myozenji Temple and the Myozenji Museum. But for now, I was content to relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of Shirakawa-go, grateful for the opportunity to experience this hidden gem of Japan.

Tomorrow, I plan to visit Myozenji Temple and the Myozenji Museum. I also intend to visit the Shiraogi bar in the evening.

Before heading back to my guesthouse, I took one last stroll through the village. The farmhouses were illuminated, casting a warm, golden glow on the landscape. It was a magical sight, and I felt a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunity to experience this unique place. As I walked, I thought about Jana and Maximilian, wishing they could be here with me. I knew they would love Shirakawa-go as much as I did.

I also realized I needed to buy a travel adapter and perhaps a light raincoat tomorrow. The humidity was quite high, and a bit of rain wouldn't surprise me. I made a mental note to check out the local shops for these essentials. As I prepared for sleep, I felt a profound sense of contentment. Shirakawa-go had already exceeded my expectations, and I knew that the next few days would be filled with even more unforgettable experiences.

As I drifted off to sleep, I couldn't help but smile, already anticipating the adventures that tomorrow would bring. Shirakawa-go had cast its spell on me, and I was eager to explore every nook and cranny of this enchanting village.

Looking ahead to tomorrow, I am particularly excited about visiting Myozenji. The temple's thatched roof gate is supposed to be quite impressive, and I am eager to see the intricate transom carvings inside the building. I also plan to spend some time at the Myozenji Museum, learning more about the history and culture of the temple and the surrounding area. I'm also curious about Shiraogi, the bar I plan to visit. It will be interesting to see what the nightlife is like in a small village like Shirakawa-go.

I am also mindful of the weather forecast, which suggests a continued chance of rain. I will definitely make it a priority to purchase a raincoat and a travel adapter in the morning, ensuring that I am well-prepared for whatever the day may bring.

As I close my eyes, I feel a deep sense of gratitude for this incredible journey. Shirakawa-go has already captured my heart, and I know that the memories I am making here will stay with me for a lifetime. I am excited to continue exploring this enchanting village, immersing myself in its rich history and culture, and sharing my experiences with all of you.

Good night from Shirakawa-go! Tomorrow promises to be another day filled with discovery and wonder.