Exploring the Timeless Beauty of Shirakawa-go

A Day of Discovery

Today was a day of quiet contemplation and artistic appreciation in the heart of Shirakawa-go. Leaving behind the familiar comforts of our guesthouse, Hans-Peter and I embarked on a journey to explore the cultural treasures nestled within this UNESCO World Heritage site. It was a day filled with serene landscapes, spiritual reflections, and delightful culinary experiences, painting a vivid picture of Japan's rich heritage.

Our morning began with a hearty breakfast at Keyaki. The warmth of the restaurant was inviting, offering a delightful array of traditional Japanese dishes. I opted for a classic Teishoku meal, complete with rice, miso soup, and a selection of local side dishes. Hans-Peter, ever the adventurous one, chose a Hida region menu item, which included Magnolia miso. The flavors were comforting and nourishing, setting the perfect tone for the day ahead. Feeling energized, we set off to explore the cultural gems of Shirakawa-go.

Our first destination was the Hatotani Hachiman Shrine. As we approached, a sense of tranquility washed over me. The shrine, dedicated to Hachiman, the god of war and protector of Japan, stood majestically against a backdrop of rolling hills and lush greenery. The crisp mountain air carried whispers of ancient stories, beckoning us to explore further. We took a Nohi Bus from the Shirakawa-go bus terminal to the Hatotani bus stop, and walked the rest of the way to the shrine.

In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.

The shrine grounds were a haven of natural beauty. Towering cedar trees stood as silent sentinels, their presence exuding a powerful sense of history. We explored the stone monuments that depicted the shrine's history, learning about the area's spiritual significance. I found myself particularly drawn to a spring near the torii gate, believed to be the reason this place was first considered sacred. The water, said to be the raw water for doburoku, tasted incredibly pure and refreshing.
We participated in a traditional ritual, immersing ourselves in the local culture. The experience was both humbling and enlightening, deepening our appreciation for Japan's spiritual traditions. Although we visited on a weekday, without the bustle of a festival, the shrine's serene atmosphere allowed for quiet contemplation and reflection. It was easy to imagine the sacred processions and vibrant celebrations that take place here during the Autumn festival. It was a shame that we are visiting before the Doburoku festival which occurs in October.


Discover tranquility at Hatotani Hachiman Shrine in Shirakawa, Gifu. Immerse yourself in nature and explore Japan's rich spiritual heritage.
Next on our itinerary was the Jin Homura Art Museum. Located a short walk from the Shirakawa-go bus terminal, the museum's gassho-style building immediately captured my attention. The architecture harmonized beautifully with the surrounding landscape, creating a sense of timeless elegance. Inside, we discovered a world of artistic expression that both challenged and inspired us.
The museum showcases a diverse collection of works by Jin Homura, an artist known for using vivid colors to illustrate the intersection between societal matters and various artistic themes. I was particularly struck by the contrast between the contemporary art pieces and the traditional gassho-zukuri architecture. Homura's works, characterized by a flaming, multi-dimensional, and dynamic touch, were clearly inspired by the gassho-style house itself. Hans-Peter, with his background in art restoration, was fascinated by the techniques and materials used by the artist. He was explaining to me that Jin Homura donated the house to serve as a museum.


Discover contemporary art in a traditional Gassho-style farmhouse at the Jin Homura Art Museum in Shirakawa-go, a unique cultural experience.
After immersing ourselves in the world of art, our stomachs began to rumble. We decided to have lunch at Masuzono Bunsuke. This charming restaurant, located in the heart of Shirakawa, is known for its traditional Japanese dining experience. As we stepped inside, we were greeted with warm hospitality and led to a table overlooking the garden.

I opted for a set meal featuring fresh river fish. The fish, swimming in a tank fed by natural spring water, was prepared in various cooking styles. Each dish was a testament to the region's culinary heritage, showcasing the flavors of Gifu Prefecture. Hans-Peter chose the 'Iwana no Kotsuzake' – hot sake with a whole iwana fish – a unique delicacy that he thoroughly enjoyed.


Experience authentic Japanese dining at Masuzono Bunsuke in Shirakawa – where tradition meets taste.
With our appetites satisfied, we decided to indulge in some souvenir shopping. We strolled through the village, browsing the local shops for unique treasures to take home. It was lovely to be able to walk to the shops. We stopped at Kataribe, a charming souvenir shop located near the suspension bridge. The shop offered a variety of Shirakawa-go specialty products, Hida's local sake, and local key chains. I picked up a beautiful silk scarf as a memento of our trip, while Hans-Peter chose a bottle of local sake to share with friends back in Berlin. I found a post card with a photo of the gassho-zukuri farmhouses illuminated at night against a snowy white landscape.


Explore Kataribe Souvenir Store in Shirakawa for authentic Japanese crafts and unique gifts that embody the spirit of traditional culture.
For dinner, we chose Tanaka-ya. This soba noodle shop is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Shirakawa-go. Known for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses and breathtaking natural scenery, Tanaka-ya stands out as a culinary gem. We savored freshly made soba noodles, prepared using locally sourced ingredients that reflected the region's rich agricultural heritage. The serene environment, complemented by the rustic charm of the surrounding architecture, created an inviting atmosphere for a memorable dining experience. The chilled soba with dipping sauce was particularly refreshing, a perfect end to a day of exploration. We found the restaurant to have a nice and quiet atmosphere.


Experience the essence of Japan at Tanaka-ya, where handmade soba noodles meet breathtaking views in Shirakawa-go.
As the day drew to a close, we returned to our guesthouse, our hearts full of memories and our minds enriched by the cultural experiences we had shared. Shirakawa-go had once again captivated us with its timeless beauty and spiritual charm. Thinking about tomorrow's itinerary, I'm excited to visit the Hida Takayama Museum of Art and the Hida no Sato Open Air Museum in Takayama. It promises to be another day of discovery, adding new layers to our understanding of Japan's rich cultural heritage.

“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Perhaps tomorrow we will also visit the Gassho bar for a drink.