Exploring the Enchanting Gassho-Zukuri Villages of Shirakawa-go

A Day of Cultural Immersion in Shirakawa-go

Today, Lena and I delved deeper into the heart of traditional Japan right here in Shirakawa-go. It was a day filled with historical insights, artistic appreciation, and, of course, delicious food. It's amazing how much you can learn and experience in just one day when you open yourself up to the local culture.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Soba dojo Restaurant. It’s quickly becoming our go-to spot for a morning meal. The soba was excellent, as always, providing the perfect fuel for a day of exploration. I even managed to snag one of their handmade buckwheat pillows as a souvenir – Lena thinks I'm getting obsessed with buckwheat, but I find it incredibly comfortable!


Experience authentic soba noodles in the heart of Shirakawa-go's breathtaking landscape at Soba Dojo.

After breakfast, we headed to the Hida no Sato Open Air Museum. This place is like stepping into a time capsule. The museum features traditional houses from the Hida region, relocated and preserved to showcase the architectural styles and ways of life from the Edo period. Walking through the village, I felt a strong connection to the past. It’s incredible to see how people lived in these gassho-zukuri farmhouses, ingeniously designed to withstand the heavy snowfall of this region. Lena, with her keen eye for detail, was fascinated by the intricate woodwork and the ingenious use of space in these traditional homes. We spent hours wandering through the museum, peeking into the houses, and imagining what life must have been like centuries ago. I was particularly impressed by the demonstrations of traditional crafts, like weaving and dyeing. It's inspiring to see these skills still being practiced today.


Discover the enchanting Hida no Sato Open Air Museum in Takayama, where traditional architecture and local culture come to life amidst stunning natural beauty.

The past is never dead. It's not even past.

Next on our itinerary was the Museum Hida. While smaller than the open-air museum, Museum Hida offered a more focused look at the arts and crafts of the region. The exhibits included pottery, lacquerware, and textiles, each telling a story of the local culture and traditions. I was captivated by the intricate details of the lacquerware pieces, while Lena was drawn to the vibrant colors and patterns of the textiles. It's amazing how much artistry and skill went into creating these everyday objects. We even considered buying a small piece of lacquerware as a memento, but decided to wait and see what other treasures we might find during our trip.


Discover Hida's rich woodworking heritage at Museum Hida in Takayama, where art and tradition come together in a stunning showcase.

For lunch, we decided to try Shiraogi, a local restaurant known for its traditional cuisine. The restaurant had a cozy, welcoming atmosphere, and the menu featured a variety of regional specialties. I opted for the Hida beef set, while Lena chose the soba noodles with mountain vegetables. The Hida beef was incredibly tender and flavorful, melting in my mouth with each bite. Lena's soba noodles were equally delicious, the perfect combination of savory and refreshing. We savored each bite, soaking in the ambiance of the restaurant and enjoying the company of our fellow diners. It was a truly authentic culinary experience, a taste of the local culture that we won't soon forget.


Discover authentic teishoku dining at Shiraogi in Shirakawa - where every meal tells a story steeped in tradition.

As the afternoon wore on, we decided to take a break and explore the town a bit more. We wandered through the streets, admiring the traditional architecture and browsing the local shops. I picked up a few souvenirs for friends and family back home, while Lena found a beautiful hand-painted fan that she couldn't resist. We also stopped at a local tea house for a cup of matcha and a traditional Japanese sweet. It was the perfect way to relax and recharge before our final activity of the day.

In the evening, we headed to Kita no Sho for dinner and drinks. This restaurant and bar is housed in a beautifully preserved gassho-zukuri farmhouse, creating a unique and atmospheric setting. For dinner, I had the miso steak set menu. The local brew was a perfect complement to the meal, adding a touch of warmth and complexity to the flavors. Lena enjoyed the salted roasted seafood set menu. After dinner, we lingered at the bar, sipping on local sake and chatting with the friendly staff. It was a great way to unwind after a long day of exploring and to soak in the ambiance of this charming village.


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.

Reflecting on the day, I feel incredibly grateful for the opportunity to experience the culture and traditions of Shirakawa-go. It’s a place where the past and present coexist in perfect harmony, where the beauty of nature and the ingenuity of human craftsmanship come together to create something truly special. As we head back to our accommodation, I can't help but feel a sense of anticipation for what tomorrow will bring. We are planning to visit the Gyokusenin Maru Garden and the Gokayama Folklore Museum. I'm particularly excited about the garden, as I've heard it's a hidden gem of natural beauty. And Lena is looking forward to learning more about the local folklore at the museum. I'm sure it will be another day filled with unforgettable experiences. I need to remember to buy an umbrella and a Japanese phrasebook tomorrow though, as I keep forgetting these trip essentials!

Good night from Shirakawa-go!

P.S. I think Lena is planning to drag me to Ichihi tomorrow, apparently it's a great shopping spot!