Exploring the Timeless Beauty of Shirakawa-go with Isabella

Embracing the Soul of Shirakawa-go

Today was a day of deep immersion into the heart of Shirakawa-go. Isabella and I set out to explore the cultural and spiritual landmarks of this enchanting village, eager to uncover the stories woven into its ancient shrines and traditional homes. The journey was a beautiful blend of historical discovery and culinary delights, offering a true taste of rural Japanese life.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Hiiragi. The restaurant is known for its Hida beef, A4 and A5 graded, delivered directly from Hida Takayama Ranch, and uses edible wild plants picked in Shirakawa-go. It was the perfect way to fuel up for a day of exploration. I opted for a traditional Japanese breakfast set, complete with grilled fish, miso soup, and pickled vegetables. Isabella chose the Hida beef skewers, which she declared were melt-in-your-mouth delicious. The friendly atmosphere and the warmth of the staff made it a memorable start to our day. It reminded me of the simple, hearty meals I enjoyed growing up in Trinidad, Uruguay, where fresh, local ingredients were always at the heart of our family table.

With our bellies full, we ventured towards our first destination: the Hatotani Hachiman Shrine. Nestled amidst lush greenery, the shrine exuded a sense of tranquility and reverence. The gentle rustling of leaves and the soft chirping of birds created a serene ambiance. As we approached the entrance, I couldn't help but feel a sense of peace wash over me. The shrine, dedicated to Hachiman, the god of war and protector of Japan, stood as a testament to the enduring spiritual traditions of the region.


Explore the serene Hatotani Hachiman Shrine in Shirakawa, Gifu, a peaceful retreat that showcases Japan's spiritual heritage amidst breathtaking nature.
We took our time exploring the shrine grounds, admiring the intricate details of the architecture and the meticulous craftsmanship of the wooden structures. The vibrant colors of the torii gates stood out against the backdrop of the surrounding forest, creating a picturesque scene. We watched as locals and tourists alike offered prayers and paid their respects, each seeking blessings and guidance. Isabella, ever the keen observer, pointed out the subtle differences in the architectural styles compared to other shrines we had visited in Japan. Her librarian's eye for detail always enriches our travels.

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

After spending a peaceful morning at the shrine, we made our way to the Shirakawago Three Houses. This iconic spot offers a postcard-perfect view of three traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses standing side-by-side. The steep, thatched roofs of the houses create a striking zigzag pattern against the landscape. As we approached the viewpoint, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at the ingenuity and resilience of the people who built these remarkable structures.


Explore the enchanting Shirakawago Three Houses, a UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing Japan's unique gassho-zukuri architecture amidst breathtaking natural beauty.
We spent a good hour at the Three Houses, taking photos from every possible angle and simply soaking in the beauty of the scene. The houses seemed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding nature, their wooden frames and thatched roofs echoing the colors and textures of the trees and fields. It was a scene that encapsulated the essence of Shirakawa-go: a harmonious blend of human ingenuity and natural beauty. I thought about how these houses, with their unique design to withstand heavy snowfall, were a testament to sustainable living, a concept I deeply admire.

Lunch beckoned, and we headed to Arai. This cozy restaurant is known for its Hida beef set menu, which features succulent slices of beef cooked on a hot plate right at your table. The aroma of the sizzling meat filled the air as we stepped inside, instantly whetting our appetites. The owner, a kind and welcoming older lady, greeted us with a warm smile and led us to our table. As we waited for our meal, we chatted with her about the history of the restaurant and the local traditions of Shirakawa-go. She shared stories of her family and the challenges they faced in preserving their heritage. Her passion and dedication were truly inspiring.


Experience authentic Japanese cuisine at Arai in Shirakawa, where traditional dishes meet stunning cultural heritage.
The Hida beef set was an absolute delight. The beef was tender and flavorful, melting in our mouths with each bite. The set also included a variety of side dishes, such as tofu, pickled vegetables, and miso soup, each adding a unique layer of flavor to the meal. Isabella particularly enjoyed the tofu, commenting on its delicate texture and subtle sweetness. We savored every moment, relishing the taste of authentic Japanese cuisine and the warmth of the restaurant's atmosphere. It was a culinary experience that transported us back in time, allowing us to savor the flavors of rural Japan. This reminded me of the asados back home in Uruguay, where sharing good food with family and friends is a cherished tradition.

As the afternoon wore on, we decided to explore the village a bit more, wandering through the narrow streets and admiring the traditional architecture. We stumbled upon a local craft shop, where we watched artisans creating intricate wooden carvings and delicate paper crafts. The skill and precision of their work were truly remarkable. I picked up a small wooden carving of a gassho-zukuri house as a memento of our visit, a tangible reminder of the beauty and craftsmanship we had encountered.

For dinner, we chose Morizen, a restaurant known for its original dishes cooked with unique local ingredients. The restaurant is located a little away from the Gassho Village so it is a quiet place. The menu featured a variety of Hida cuisine, including grilled fish, simmered vegetables, and hearty stews. I opted for the Hida beef stew, a comforting and flavorful dish that warmed me from the inside out. Isabella chose the grilled fish, which was cooked to perfection and served with a side of fragrant rice. The meal was a perfect ending to a day of exploration, a culinary journey that celebrated the flavors of Shirakawa-go. As we ate, we reflected on the day's experiences, sharing our favorite moments and discussing the cultural nuances we had observed.


Experience authentic Japanese flavors at Morizen in Shirakawa – where tradition meets taste amidst stunning landscapes.
To cap off our day, we decided to experience a bit of local nightlife at Gassho, a bar known for its cozy atmosphere and selection of local sake. The bar was tucked away in a quiet corner of the village, its entrance marked by a traditional lantern. As we stepped inside, we were greeted by the friendly bartender, who poured us each a glass of chilled sake. The sake was smooth and refreshing, with a subtle sweetness that lingered on the palate. We sipped our drinks and chatted with the other patrons, learning about their lives and experiences in Shirakawa-go. The atmosphere was relaxed and convivial, a perfect way to unwind after a day of sightseeing. I even tried a local craft beer, pleasantly surprised by its unique flavor profile. Isabella enjoyed the sake, comparing it to the ice wine from her home province of Quebec. It was a delightful end to a day filled with cultural immersion and culinary delights.


Discover the flavors of Japan at Gassho, a charming restaurant in Ogimachi offering traditional dishes in a stunning setting.
As we walked back to our accommodation under the starlit sky, I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the experiences we had shared. Shirakawa-go had truly captured our hearts, its timeless beauty and rich cultural heritage leaving an indelible mark on our souls. The warmth of the people, the charm of the village, and the flavors of the local cuisine had created a tapestry of memories that we would cherish forever.

Tomorrow, we plan to visit the Jin Homura Art Museum and the Myozenji Museum, continuing our exploration of Shirakawa-go's cultural treasures. I'm also looking forward to browsing the local crafts at Ebisu-ya. As I drift off to sleep, I can't help but wonder what new adventures await us in this enchanting village. Good night from Shirakawa-go!