Exploring the Timeless Beauty of Shirakawa-go with Friends

A Fond Farewell to Shirakawa-go

As my time in Shirakawa-go draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the incredible experiences of the past nine days. It's hard to believe our adventure is already nearing its end! Today was a mix of exploration, cultural immersion, and savoring the last moments of this picturesque village with my friends. I'm already anticipating sharing stories with Andreas and Sophie back in Bonn, and perhaps inspiring them to visit someday.

Our day began with a delightful breakfast at Shiraogi. The aroma of local cuisine filled the air, and we enjoyed a hearty meal featuring regional ingredients like river fish and wild vegetables. I opted for the charcoal grilled fish with salt and soba, while others tried the Hida beef-magnolia leaf barbecue set. It was the perfect way to fuel up for a day of discovery. The warm hospitality of Shiraogi made it a memorable start to our final day in Shirakawa-go.


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

With our bellies full, we set off for a bit of a journey to the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum. Yes, you read that right, dinosaurs! I know it seems a bit out of place considering we are in Japan to see the traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, but my friends insisted, and I must admit, I was intrigued. The drive there was quite scenic, passing through lush countryside and small towns. Located in Katsuyama City, the museum is renowned as one of the world's top dinosaur museums. And it did not disappoint! As someone who appreciates history, even if of the prehistoric kind, I was impressed.


Explore the captivating world of dinosaurs at the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum, where history comes alive through stunning exhibits and interactive experiences.

Sometimes, the most unexpected detours lead to the greatest discoveries.

The museum boasts an impressive collection of dinosaur skeletons, fossils, and life-like models. The main exhibit, Dinosaur World, features 44 full-body dinosaur skeletons, and the robotic dinosaurs throughout the area really brought these magnificent beasts to life. It was fascinating to learn about the Earth's history and the origins of life through the museum's exhibits. I never thought I'd be so captivated by dinosaurs, but the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum is truly a world-class attraction. I can see why it is a must-see for anyone visiting Japan.

After our prehistoric adventure, we headed back towards Shirakawa-go, eager to immerse ourselves in more local culture. Our next stop was the Gokayama Folklore Museum. Nestled within the Suganuma gassho-style village, this museum offered a glimpse into the traditional life of the region. The museum is housed in a gassho-style house with a reconstructed interior. Inside, we explored approximately 300 household items and folk custom documents, including tools and clothing used for gunpowder production and items from the sericulture industry. It was fascinating to see how people lived in this area in the past, and it gave me a deeper appreciation for the history and culture of Gokayama.


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

Following our museum visit, we took some time to shop for souvenirs at Sanrakudo. This charming shop offers a variety of local crafts and delicacies, perfect for bringing a piece of Shirakawa-go back home. I chatted with the friendly owner, who was born in Ogimachi, and even learned a few words of the Shirakawa-go dialect. It was a delightful experience, and I found some lovely gifts for Andreas and Sophie. I know Sophie will love the Japanese character toys.


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

For lunch, we savored a traditional Japanese meal at Masuzono Bunsuke. This small family restaurant is known for its fresh fish dishes, with the chef catching the fish from the pond right after receiving orders. The serene atmosphere and delicious food made it a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the flavors of the region. I tried the sashimi made from Nijimasu, which had a unique and delightful flavor. Masuzono Bunsuke truly embodies the essence of traditional Japanese dining.


Experience authentic Japanese dining at Masuzono Bunsuke in Shirakawa – where tradition meets taste.

As the day drew to a close, we enjoyed a final dinner at Kita no Sho. This charming restaurant and souvenir shop is located in a historic gassho-style building and offers a variety of local dishes. I opted for the miso steak set menu, which was exquisitely paired with Hida beef. The warm hospitality and authentic Japanese dishes made it a memorable dining experience. The restaurant also doubles as a souvenir store, so I picked up a few more local crafts to take home. The serene views of the surrounding landscape added to the tranquil dining experience.


Discover authentic Japanese cuisine at Kita no Sho in Shirakawa—where tradition meets flavor in every dish.

Thinking about tomorrow, it marks the end of our trip. I'm a little sad to be leaving Shirakawa-go, but also excited to return home to Andreas and Sophie in Bonn. This trip has been an incredible experience, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to have explored this beautiful and culturally rich region of Japan with my friends. I've learned so much about the history, traditions, and cuisine of Shirakawa-go, and I'll cherish these memories for a lifetime.

As I prepare to say farewell to Shirakawa-go, I'm filled with a sense of gratitude and appreciation. This journey has been a reminder of the beauty and wonder that exists in the world, and I'm excited to continue exploring and sharing my experiences with all of you. Until next time, safe travels!

I can't wait to share more stories with you all soon!