Exploring the Cultural Heritage of Shirakawa-go with Hans

Discovering the Soul of Rural Japan

Our arrival in Shirakawa-go felt like stepping into a painting, a scene lifted straight from a history book. The air was fresh, carrying the scent of damp earth and distant woodsmoke. It was a day of exploration, of immersing ourselves in the unique culture and architecture that define this UNESCO World Heritage site. I was excited to share this experience with Hans, knowing his appreciation for history and sustainable living would make this day even more special.

Our journey from Berlin to Tokyo and then onward to Shirakawa-go was quite long, but the anticipation kept us energized. I even managed to doze off a bit on the train, dreaming of gassho-zukuri farmhouses. We were both eager to see firsthand the iconic thatched-roof structures that have drawn travelers to this remote mountain village for decades. I also made a mental note to buy a Japanese phrasebook, as I had forgotten to pack it. And a portable power bank would have been great as well, as I already had to be careful with my phone battery.

Our first stop was the Shirakawa-go Gassho-Zukuri Minka-en, an open-air museum showcasing relocated gassho-zukuri houses. As we walked through the entrance, it felt like stepping back in time. The museum is home to twenty-five gassho-style houses, and nine of them are important cultural properties of the prefecture. The sun played peek-a-boo with the clouds, casting an ethereal glow on the landscape. The architecture was incredible. Each farmhouse, with its steeply pitched roof resembling hands clasped in prayer, told a story of resilience and adaptation to the region's heavy snowfall. I could only imagine what it must look like here in the winter! The ingenuity of using only straw and wood from the surrounding forest, without any nails or metal, to construct these homes left me in awe.


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

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

We wandered through the museum, exploring the interiors of several houses. The layout was fascinating, with multiple levels designed to accommodate large families and various agricultural activities. We saw traditional tools and artifacts, offering a glimpse into the daily lives of the villagers throughout history. I tried to picture families gathering around the irori (sunken hearth) during the long winter months, sharing stories and warmth. It reminded me of my childhood home in Alcalá de Guadaira, where family gatherings were always the heart of our lives. Hans was particularly interested in the structural engineering of the houses, marveling at how the roofs were designed to withstand heavy snowfall and minimize wind resistance. He even started sketching some of the roof designs in his notebook. I could tell his software engineer mind was already working on some kind of virtual model.

Lunchtime found us at Shirakawago Restaurant Irori, a charming eatery known for its traditional regional dishes. The restaurant itself was in a gassho-zukuri house, adding to the immersive experience. We sat at a table near the irori, the traditional sunken hearth, which added a cozy ambiance to the setting. The menu featured local specialties, and we decided to try the Hida beef cooked on a ceramic board set meal, with perfectly cooked Hida beef, and the Hoba miso pork, a regional dish of miso paste mixed with mushrooms and vegetables, cooked on a magnolia leaf. The Hida beef was tender and flavorful, and the Hoba miso pork had a unique, sweet, and nutty taste. It paired perfectly with the local Hida pork. Everything tasted so fresh and authentic. I also ordered a side of grilled tofu skewers, which were topped with a sweet miso glaze. We savored every bite, feeling grateful for the opportunity to experience such culinary delights.


Experience authentic Japanese cuisine at Shirakawago Restaurant Irori, nestled in the scenic beauty of Shirakawa-go's heritage village.

After lunch, we strolled through the village, exploring the quaint streets and soaking in the atmosphere. We stopped by Sanrakudo, a local shop known for its handcrafted souvenirs and local delicacies. I was on the lookout for a special memento to remind me of our visit. The shop was filled with an array of traditional crafts, from wooden toys to intricately woven textiles. I decided to purchase a small Sarubobo doll, a faceless monkey doll traditionally made by grandmothers and mothers for their children and grandchildren, as a symbol of good luck and protection. Hans picked up a package of Shirakawa-go Buckwheat Baked Sweets, as he has a sweet tooth.


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

For dinner, we chose Yamamotoya, a restaurant that transforms into a guesthouse during the winter months. It was another opportunity to dine in a traditional setting. I opted for the bukkake (cold soba with sesame and pickled plum), while Hans tried the Lady's Set, which included cold soba, a small dish of stewed tofu and beef, and three pieces of bracken mochi. My soba was refreshing, and Hans enjoyed the variety of flavors in his set. The soba noodles were thin and easy to eat. The stewed tofu and beef were also quite good. I was also really happy to have the chance to taste some local sake.


Discover authentic soba noodles at Yamamotoya in Shirakawa - where tradition meets deliciousness amidst breathtaking scenery.

As the day drew to a close, we reflected on our experiences. Shirakawa-go had exceeded our expectations, offering a glimpse into a world where tradition and nature intertwine. The gassho-zukuri houses were not just architectural marvels but also symbols of a community's enduring spirit. The local cuisine was a celebration of fresh, seasonal ingredients, prepared with care and respect for time-honored recipes. I was grateful for the opportunity to share this journey with Hans, whose curiosity and appreciation for different cultures always enhance our travels.

Tomorrow, we plan to explore more of Ogimachi and visit the Myozenji Museum to delve deeper into the history and culture of this remarkable village. We also plan on having breakfast at Hiiragi, lunch at Zensuke, and dinner at Gassho. And maybe have a drink at Shiraogi. I am already looking forward to it!

Before heading back to our guesthouse, we took a final stroll through the village. The air was cool and still, and the only sounds were the gentle rustling of leaves and the distant murmur of a stream. As I looked up at the gassho-zukuri houses silhouetted against the twilight sky, I felt a sense of peace and connection to this unique place. Shirakawa-go had captured a piece of my heart, and I knew I would carry its beauty and spirit with me long after we left. It reminded me that sometimes, the greatest adventures are found in the simplest of places. The experience today reinforced my commitment to sustainable living and environmental conservation, reminding me of the importance of preserving cultural heritage for future generations. As we walked back to our accommodation, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to explore such a special place with my wonderful husband, Hans. It was a perfect start to our fifteen-day adventure in Japan.