Exploring the Enchanting Gassho-Zukuri Villages of Shirakawa-go

Tranquility and Tradition in Shirakawa-go

Day 7 in Shirakawa-go was a beautiful blend of serene gardens, historical insights, and delightful culinary experiences. Lena and I set out to explore more of this enchanting region, eager to uncover its hidden gems and savor its local flavors. It was a day that truly immersed us in the heart of traditional Japan.

Our morning began with a hearty breakfast at Soba dojo Restaurant. As a software developer who appreciates efficiency, I was impressed by the restaurant's self-service system. The staff were incredibly attentive, and the soba was simply outstanding. The texture was perfect, and the taste was authentic. Lena, with her keen eye for design, admired the pleasant interior decor. We both agreed it was a great start to the day, fueling us for our adventures ahead.

After breakfast, we headed to Gyokusenin Maru Garden in Kanazawa. As someone who enjoys photography, I was excited to capture the beauty of this meticulously designed landscape. The garden was a tranquil oasis, with its carefully arranged stones, serene ponds, and vibrant greenery. Lena was particularly captivated by the historical significance of the garden, noting how it reflected the artistry and precision of Japanese landscape design. We spent a leisurely couple of hours wandering through the garden, taking in the peaceful atmosphere and capturing its beauty through our lenses. The way the sunlight filtered through the trees, casting intricate shadows on the moss-covered stones, was simply magical.


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

The beauty of a garden lies not just in its aesthetic appeal, but in the tranquility and harmony it brings to the soul.

Next on our itinerary was the Gokayama Folklore Museum. The museum offered a fascinating glimpse into the history and culture of the Gokayama region. I found the exhibits on traditional tools and techniques used in local industries particularly interesting. Lena was drawn to the displays showcasing the daily life of the villagers, gaining a deeper understanding of their customs and traditions. We learned about the unique gassho-zukuri farmhouses, designed to withstand the heavy snowfall of the region, and the importance of community in preserving this traditional way of life. The museum provided a valuable context for understanding the cultural significance of Shirakawa-go and its surrounding areas.


Discover the traditions and heritage of Gokayama at the Folklore Museum, where history comes alive amidst stunning rural landscapes.

For lunch, we decided to try Tenshukaku, a restaurant known for its panoramic views of Shirakawa-go. Getting there involved a short shuttle bus ride, but the view from the top was well worth the effort. As we savored our meal, we were treated to a breathtaking vista of the gassho-style houses nestled amidst the lush green landscape. The restaurant itself had a cozy atmosphere, and the staff were friendly and welcoming. We tried some of the local specialties, including Hida beef burgers, which were absolutely delicious. It was a perfect spot to relax and recharge while taking in the stunning scenery.


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

After lunch, we took a stroll through the village and stopped by Ichihi, a local shop known for its unique crafts and delicacies. As someone who appreciates sustainability, I was drawn to the locally made products, each reflecting the rich heritage of the region. Lena, always on the lookout for unique souvenirs, found a beautiful hand-painted fan that she couldn't resist. We chatted with the shop owner, learning about the traditional techniques used to create these crafts and the importance of preserving them for future generations. It was a delightful experience that added a personal touch to our visit.


Explore Ichihi, a charming souvenir store in Shirakawa-go, offering unique local crafts and delicacies that capture Japan's rich heritage.

As the day drew to a close, we made our way to Morizen for dinner. This restaurant was recommended to us for its authentic local cuisine, and it did not disappoint. We tried a variety of dishes, each bursting with flavor and showcasing the region's culinary traditions. The ambiance was warm and inviting, and the staff were attentive and knowledgeable. It was a perfect ending to a day filled with exploration and discovery. Lena particularly enjoyed the Hoba miso pork, which had a deep, sweet, and nutty flavor that paired perfectly with the local Hida pork.


Experience authentic Japanese flavors at Morizen in Shirakawa – where tradition meets taste amidst stunning landscapes.

Reflecting on the day, I realized how much we had experienced and learned about Shirakawa-go and its surrounding areas. From the serene beauty of Gyokusenin Maru Garden to the historical insights gained at the Gokayama Folklore Museum, every moment was a treasure. The culinary delights we savored throughout the day added another layer of richness to our experience, allowing us to truly immerse ourselves in the local culture.

Tomorrow, we plan to continue our exploration of the region, with visits to the Wooden Walkway and Nishi Chaya District. We're also looking forward to trying out some local restaurants and bars, eager to discover more of what this enchanting region has to offer. I’m particularly excited about visiting the Nishi Chaya District, known for its well-preserved teahouses and geisha culture. Lena is keen on exploring the local crafts and shops, hoping to find more unique souvenirs to take back home. We're both eager to see what new adventures await us as we continue our journey through Japan.

As I write this, Lena is already researching our next destination, her eyes sparkling with excitement. It's moments like these that remind me how lucky I am to share these adventures with her. Together, we explore, we learn, and we create memories that will last a lifetime. And as we continue our journey through Japan, I know that there are many more incredible experiences waiting just around the corner.

This trip has been more than just a vacation; it's been a journey of discovery, a celebration of culture, and a testament to the power of shared experiences. And as we continue to explore the enchanting villages of Shirakawa-go and beyond, I am filled with a sense of gratitude and anticipation for all that lies ahead.

A Traditional Japanese Dinner

Ending the day with a delightful dinner at Morizen, savoring authentic local cuisine and reflecting on the day's discoveries.

After a day of exploring gardens and museums, Lena and I were ready for a relaxing evening and a delicious meal. We had heard great things about Morizen, a local restaurant known for its traditional Japanese cuisine, and we were eager to try it out. As we walked through the quaint streets of Shirakawa-go, the air was filled with the gentle sounds of nature and the warm glow of lanterns. It was the perfect setting for a memorable dining experience.

Upon arriving at Morizen, we were greeted by the friendly staff and led to a cozy table in the corner. The restaurant had a warm and inviting atmosphere, with traditional Japanese decor and soft lighting. We immediately felt at ease and ready to enjoy our meal. As we perused the menu, we were struck by the variety of local specialties and traditional dishes. It was clear that Morizen was committed to showcasing the region's culinary heritage.

We started with some appetizers, including edamame and pickled vegetables, which were both fresh and flavorful. For our main courses, Lena decided to try the Hoba miso pork, a local specialty that we had heard so much about. The pork was cooked on a magnolia leaf with a sweet and savory miso sauce, creating a unique and delicious flavor combination. I opted for the grilled fish, which was cooked to perfection and served with a side of rice and miso soup. The fish was incredibly tender and flavorful, and the rice and miso soup were the perfect accompaniments.

As we savored our meal, we reflected on the day's adventures and the incredible experiences we had shared. From the serene beauty of Gyokusenin Maru Garden to the historical insights gained at the Gokayama Folklore Museum, every moment had been a treasure. The culinary delights we had savored throughout the day added another layer of richness to our experience, allowing us to truly immerse ourselves in the local culture.

The staff at Morizen were incredibly attentive and knowledgeable, providing us with insights into the dishes and the local ingredients. They were also happy to share stories about the region and its culinary traditions, adding a personal touch to our dining experience. It was clear that they were passionate about their food and proud to share it with visitors from around the world.

As we finished our meal, we felt a sense of contentment and gratitude. Morizen had provided us with a truly authentic and memorable dining experience, allowing us to savor the flavors of Shirakawa-go and connect with its culinary heritage. It was the perfect ending to a day filled with exploration and discovery.

As we walked back to our accommodation, hand in hand, we couldn't help but smile. We had experienced so much in just one day, and we were eager to see what new adventures awaited us in the days to come. Shirakawa-go had captured our hearts with its beauty, its history, and its culinary delights, and we knew that we would cherish these memories for a lifetime.

Exploring Local Crafts at Ichihi

Discovering unique souvenirs and local crafts at Ichihi, a charming shop in Shirakawa-go, and connecting with the region's rich heritage.

After a delightful lunch at Tenshukaku, Lena and I decided to explore the village and see what local crafts and souvenirs we could find. We had heard about Ichihi, a charming shop known for its unique crafts and delicacies, and we were eager to check it out. As we strolled through the quaint streets of Shirakawa-go, we were struck by the beauty of the traditional gassho-style houses and the peaceful atmosphere of the village.

Upon arriving at Ichihi, we were greeted by the friendly shop owner and immediately drawn to the variety of locally made products on display. From hand-painted fans to intricate wooden carvings, every item reflected the rich heritage of the region. Lena, always on the lookout for unique souvenirs, was particularly captivated by the hand-painted fans, each one a work of art in its own right. I, with my appreciation for sustainability, was drawn to the locally made crafts, each one reflecting the region's commitment to preserving its traditions.

As we browsed through the shop, the owner shared stories about the traditional techniques used to create these crafts and the importance of preserving them for future generations. He explained how the local artisans used natural materials and traditional methods to create unique and beautiful items that reflected the region's cultural heritage. It was fascinating to learn about the history and craftsmanship behind these products.

Lena eventually decided to purchase a beautiful hand-painted fan, its delicate design capturing the essence of Shirakawa-go's natural beauty. I found a set of locally made wooden coasters, their intricate carvings reflecting the region's artistic traditions. As we made our purchases, we chatted with the shop owner about our trip and our impressions of Shirakawa-go. He was delighted to hear that we were enjoying our time in the village and eager to share more about its history and culture.

As we left Ichihi, we felt a sense of connection to the region and its people. We had not only found unique souvenirs to take back home, but we had also gained a deeper understanding of the local culture and the importance of preserving its traditions. It was a delightful experience that added a personal touch to our visit.

As we continued our exploration of Shirakawa-go, we couldn't help but smile. We had discovered a hidden gem in Ichihi, a place where we could connect with the region's rich heritage and find unique treasures to remind us of our time in this enchanting village. And as we continued our journey through Japan, we knew that we would always cherish these memories and the connections we had made along the way.