Exploring the Timeless Beauty of Shirakawa-go with Isabella

Gassho-Style Serenity

Today marked the beginning of our adventure in Shirakawa-go, and what a start it has been! Isabella and I have been dreaming about visiting this UNESCO World Heritage site for years, and it has already exceeded our expectations. The air is fresh, the scenery is breathtaking, and the sense of stepping back in time is palpable. I am eager to share all the wonderful details of our first day in this enchanting village, a place where tradition and nature intertwine seamlessly.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Shirakawago Restaurant Irori. The restaurant itself is a traditional gassho-zukuri building, which immediately set the tone for our day. The aroma of local delicacies filled the air as we were seated around an *irori*, a traditional sunken hearth. I decided on the Hida beef set, and Isabella opted for the grilled tofu set. My Hida beef, cooked on a ceramic board, was incredibly tender and flavorful. Isabella raved about her grilled tofu, noting its unique local Shirakawa-ko tofu taste. Sipping on green tea, we planned our itinerary, eager to soak in as much of Shirakawa-go as possible. It was a delightful way to start our day, fueling us for the adventures ahead. The staff were incredibly friendly, explaining the history and significance of the *irori*, adding a personal touch to our dining experience.

The best journey takes you home, even if it's to a place you've never been before.

After breakfast, we headed to the Gassho-Zukuri Minka-en, an open-air museum showcasing relocated gassho-zukuri houses. As we crossed the Deai Suspension Bridge, the views of the Shogawa River and the surrounding mountains were simply stunning. The museum itself felt like stepping into a living postcard. Each house told a story, with artifacts and exhibits detailing the traditional way of life in this region. Isabella, ever the librarian, was particularly fascinated by the intricate details of the thatched roofs and the ingenious design that allows them to withstand heavy snowfall. I was captivated by the craftsmanship and the resourcefulness of the villagers. We spent hours wandering through the museum, peeking into the houses, and imagining what life must have been like centuries ago. The serene atmosphere and the meticulous preservation of these historic structures left us in awe. We learned about the importance of silk production in the region, the communal efforts involved in maintaining the thatched roofs, and the deep connection the villagers have with nature. One of the highlights was Yamashita House, an 18th-century gassho-zukuri house which offered a unique glimpse into the past. The museum truly brought the history of Shirakawa-go to life.


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

Next on our list was the 合掌村 Ogimachi village itself, the heart of Shirakawa-go. Wandering through the village felt like walking through a movie set. The gassho-zukuri farmhouses, with their steeply pitched roofs resembling praying hands, dotted the landscape against the backdrop of lush green rice paddies. We strolled along the main street, taking in the sights and sounds of this vibrant community. Local shops lined the street, selling everything from handcrafted souvenirs to local delicacies. We even stumbled upon a small festival, with villagers dressed in traditional attire, adding to the authentic charm of the experience. The air was filled with the sounds of traditional music and the laughter of children. It was a truly immersive experience, and we felt privileged to be a part of it. One thing that struck me was the sense of community and the pride the villagers have in their heritage. It was evident in the way they maintained their homes, preserved their traditions, and welcomed visitors with open arms. We stopped by a local teahouse for a refreshing break, sipping on matcha and savoring traditional sweets. It was the perfect way to recharge before continuing our exploration.


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

For lunch, we chose Soba Wakimoto, a charming restaurant known for its handmade soba noodles. The restaurant was bustling with activity, and we had to wait a bit for a table, but it was well worth it. I ordered the Hida beef mini bowl set, and Isabella went with the cold soba with tempura. My Hida beef was incredibly tender, perhaps even better than the Wagyu I had in Kobe! Isabella's cold soba was refreshing and the tempura was perfectly crispy. The restaurant had a cozy atmosphere, and the staff were friendly and welcoming. It was a delightful culinary experience that perfectly complemented our day of exploration. The soba was prepared right in front of us, adding to the authentic feel of the meal. We learned that the restaurant is family-owned, with the grandma or the nephew often serving customers. It was this personal touch that made the experience so memorable.


Savor authentic handmade soba noodles in Shirakawa's scenic Ogimachi village, where tradition meets breathtaking views.

After lunch, we decided to do some shopping at Sanrakudo. The shop was filled with local crafts and delicacies. I picked up a few handcrafted treasures as souvenirs for our family back in Edmonton. Isabella found a beautiful silk scarf, a perfect reminder of our time in Shirakawa-go. The shop owner, a friendly man born in Ogimachi, shared some interesting facts about the local dialect and culture. It was a delightful interaction that added to our appreciation of the region. Sanrakudo offered a wide array of Shirakawa-go sweets, folk crafts, and original merchandise. It was the perfect place to find unique and meaningful gifts.


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

As the sun began to set, we made our way to Tenshukaku for dinner. The restaurant is located at the Shiroyama Tenshukaku Observation Deck, offering panoramic views of the village. The view was simply breathtaking! The gassho-zukuri farmhouses were bathed in golden light, creating a magical scene. The food was delicious, and the ambiance was romantic and serene. It was the perfect way to end our first day in Shirakawa-go. The menu featured local ingredients, and we savored every bite while taking in the stunning scenery. The observation deck provided a unique vantage point, allowing us to appreciate the beauty of Shirakawa-go from above. It was a moment we will cherish forever.


Discover authentic Japanese flavors at Tenshukaku in Shirakawa—where culinary tradition meets stunning mountain views.

Tomorrow, we plan to visit Myozenji Temple and the Myozenji Museum. I am eager to learn more about the religious and cultural aspects of this region. We might even venture to Koshiyama for a drink in the evening, depending on how tired we are from exploring. For now, I am content to reflect on the beauty and tranquility of Shirakawa-go, a place where time seems to stand still, and tradition is cherished above all else. I am grateful for the opportunity to experience this hidden gem with Isabella, my partner in life and adventure.

Our first day in Shirakawa-go was nothing short of magical. From the delicious local cuisine to the stunning scenery and the warm hospitality of the villagers, every moment was a treasure. I am excited to see what tomorrow brings, and I look forward to sharing more of our adventures with you. Until then, *adios* from Shirakawa-go!

I almost forgot! I did forget to pack my portable power bank and a travel adapter for the Japanese outlets! Lucky Isabella had hers, and was kind enough to share. A rookie mistake on my part, but a good reminder to always double-check the essentials.