Exploring Shirakawa-go: A Journey Through Japan's Timeless Village

A Day of Tranquility and Taste in Shirakawa-go

Today was all about immersing ourselves in the serene beauty and local flavors of Shirakawa-go. Isabella and I set out to explore hidden gems, seeking tranquility in gardens and forests, and savoring the authentic tastes of this charming village. It was a day of simple pleasures and delightful discoveries.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Morizen. I opted for the Hoba Miso set, a local specialty that I’ve quickly grown to love. There's something about grilling miso on a magnolia leaf that just speaks to the soul. Isabella, ever the traditionalist, enjoyed a classic Japanese breakfast with grilled fish and rice. Fueled up and ready, we set off to explore the natural beauty around Shirakawa-go.

A Garden of History: Gyokusenin Maru Garden

Our first stop was a bit of a journey from Shirakawa-go, as we ventured to explore the Gyokusenin Maru Garden. This traditional-style garden is located on the grounds of Kanazawa Castle and offers a serene escape into meticulously designed landscapes. The garden's history is quite fascinating; it was originally landscaped in 1634 by Maeda Toshitsune, the third lord, for Gyokusenin, the wife of the second Lord of Kaga. The garden served as a private courtyard for the feudal lords.


Explore the serene Gyokusenin Maru Garden in Kanazawa, a historical oasis of Japanese landscape artistry and tranquility.

Walking through the garden, Isabella and I were struck by the sense of verticality created by its stepped design. The stair-like waterfall that flows from one of the distinctive stone walls was particularly captivating. The attention to detail in the stonework and the way the water cascaded down the rocks was truly impressive. It was easy to imagine the lords of the domain strolling through here, enjoying a moment of peace away from the castle's responsibilities.

The beauty of a garden lies not just in its design, but in the sense of peace it brings to the soul.

We took a break at the Gyokusen-an teahouse, which overlooks the garden. Sipping on green tea and enjoying traditional sweets while gazing at the meticulously maintained landscape was a perfect way to appreciate the garden's beauty. Isabella, with her librarian's love for history, was particularly fascinated by the garden's restoration in 2015, which aimed to bring it back to its Edo-period glory.

Into the Woods: Nature Forest

After the structured beauty of Gyokusenin Maru Garden, we craved something a little wilder, so we headed back towards Shirakawa-go to explore the Nature Forest. While Shirakawa-go is famous for its iconic gassho-zukuri farmhouses, the surrounding mountainous forests make up almost 96% of the village's area. These forests offer a different kind of beauty, one that speaks to the soul through the rustling of leaves and the dappled sunlight filtering through the canopy.


Explore the breathtaking Nature Forest in Takayama, Gifu, where nature meets cultural heritage in a tranquil setting.

As we walked along the trails, we were surrounded by lush greenery. The air was fresh and clean, carrying the scent of damp earth and pine needles. It was a welcome contrast to the more manicured landscapes we had seen earlier in the day. I couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe at the sheer scale of the forest, a reminder of nature's enduring power and resilience.

Isabella, ever the keen observer, pointed out various species of plants and trees, sharing her knowledge of local flora. We even spotted a few birds flitting through the branches, their songs adding to the forest's symphony. Although it wasn't quite the same as seeing the submerged forest of Lake Shirakawa in Yamagata Prefecture, which I read about, with its white willow trees mirrored in the water, this forest had its own unique charm.

Lunch at Gassho: A Taste of Tradition

By lunchtime, we had worked up quite an appetite, so we made our way to Gassho for a traditional meal. The restaurant itself was a charming spot with a cozy atmosphere. I decided to try their special ramen, which featured an exceptionally thick soup base. It was rich and flavorful, a perfect comfort food after our morning of exploration. Isabella opted for the Hida beef set, eager to savor the local specialty. The beef was tender and succulent, melting in our mouths with each bite.


Experience authentic Japanese cuisine at Gassho in Shirakawa - where tradition meets taste in a picturesque setting.

While the restaurant was quite busy, we enjoyed the lively atmosphere and the chance to observe locals and tourists alike enjoying their meals. It was a reminder of how food can bring people together, creating a shared experience that transcends cultural boundaries.

Evening Drinks at Kita no Sho

As the day drew to a close, we decided to unwind with a couple of drinks at Kita no Sho. This spot is known as both a restaurant and a souvenir shop, offering a taste of local flavors and crafts. We settled in at the bar, eager to sample some local brews. I opted for a local sake, while Isabella chose a plum wine. Both were delicious, offering a perfect end to a day of exploration and discovery.


Discover authentic Japanese cuisine in the heart of Shirakawa at Kita no Sho, a delightful restaurant and souvenir shop that showcases local flavors and crafts.

The bar had a cozy, intimate atmosphere, with friendly locals chatting and laughing. We struck up a conversation with a couple who were visiting from Osaka, sharing stories of our travels and experiences in Japan. It was a reminder of the connections we make along the way, the unexpected friendships that enrich our journeys.

As we sipped our drinks, we reflected on the day's adventures. From the serene beauty of Gyokusenin Maru Garden to the wild charm of the Nature Forest, and the delicious flavors of Gassho and Kita no Sho, it had been a day of simple pleasures and delightful discoveries. Shirakawa-go had once again captured our hearts, reminding us of the beauty and tranquility that can be found in the most unexpected places.

Tomorrow, we plan to visit the Hida no Sato Open Air Museum and Takayama Jinya. I'm particularly excited about the open-air museum, as it promises a glimpse into the region's architectural heritage. And of course, we'll be sure to sample more of the local cuisine. We plan on having breakfast at Arai, lunch at Morizen again because we loved it so much, and dinner at Kita no Sho. Before heading back to our cozy accommodation, we'll stop by Kinu Yukari for some souvenir shopping.

This trip has been a wonderful reminder of why we love to travel – the chance to explore new places, experience different cultures, and create lasting memories with the people we love. And as I sit here, penning these thoughts with Isabella by my side, I can't help but feel grateful for the adventures that lie ahead.

Before I turn in for the night, I wanted to share a little something that really resonated with me today:

Sometimes, the greatest adventures are found not in grand gestures, but in the quiet moments of discovery.

Good night from Shirakawa-go. Until tomorrow!