Solo Adventure in Shirakawa-go: Discovering Japan's Timeless Beauty

Echoes of Old Japan

Today was like stepping into a living postcard, a world away from Lyon's bustling streets. Shirakawa-go, with its iconic gassho-zukuri farmhouses, whispered tales of a bygone era. It was a day of simple pleasures, cultural immersion, and breathtaking scenery that I'll cherish long after I've left this enchanting village.

The day began with a traditional Japanese breakfast at Hakusuien. The charming restaurant, nestled in a gassho-style house, offered a warm and inviting start to the day. I opted for a classic teishoku meal, a set meal that included rice, miso soup, pickles, and grilled fish. It was a delightful assortment of flavors and textures, providing a glimpse into the local cuisine. The restaurant’s interior, with its steep rafter roof, added to the authentic experience. It was fascinating to observe the traditional architecture while enjoying a hearty meal. I made a mental note to try and recreate some of these dishes back in Lyon, though I suspect Jean-Pierre might miss his usual croissants.


Experience authentic Japanese dining at Hakusuien in Shirakawa – where tradition meets taste in every dish.

Fueled up and ready to explore, I set out to find the Shirakawago Three Houses. These gassho-zukuri houses represent the pinnacle of traditional Japanese rural architecture. Positioned to catch the best light, they offered a fantastic photo opportunity. I spent a good hour wandering around, snapping pictures from various angles, trying to capture their beauty and the surrounding landscape. The rice paddies in front of the houses added to the picturesque scenery. It was peaceful and serene, a welcome escape from the more crowded areas of the village.


Explore the enchanting Shirakawago Three Houses, a UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing Japan's unique gassho-zukuri architecture amidst breathtaking natural beauty.

Next on my list was the Wooden Walkway. Finding the starting point from the Shirakawa-go Information Center was quite easy. The walkway meandered through lush greenery, offering glimpses of the iconic gassho-zukuri farmhouses nestled amidst rolling hills. The air was crisp and clean, filled with the gentle sounds of nature. As I strolled along, I couldn't help but feel a sense of tranquility wash over me. The Wooden Walkway was a photographer's dream. Every angle offered a postcard-worthy shot, and I found myself snapping away, trying to capture the essence of this serene landscape.


Discover the enchanting Wooden Walkway in Shirakawa, where traditional architecture meets breathtaking Japanese landscapes, perfect for leisurely exploration.

Sometimes, the greatest adventures are found in the quietest of places.

For lunch, I decided to try Nomura, a soba noodle shop. It’s a small, counter-style shop where you can watch the chef prepare the noodles fresh each morning. I ordered a bowl of their signature soba, and it was simply divine. The noodles were perfectly cooked, and the broth was flavorful and comforting. The shop only has 12 seats, so I had to wait a few minutes, but it was well worth it. Chatting with the owner while he prepared my meal was a delightful experience, offering a glimpse into the local culture and traditions.


Experience authentic Japanese soba noodles at Nomura in Shirakawa—where tradition meets flavor in every bowl.

In the late afternoon, I made my way to Tenshukaku for a panoramic view of Shirakawa-go. While there is a shuttle bus, I opted to walk, enjoying the scenery along the way. The view from the top was breathtaking. The entire village of Ogimachi spread out before me, with its gassho-zukuri houses nestled among the rice fields and forests. It was the perfect spot to take in the beauty of Shirakawa-go and reflect on the day's adventures. The observation deck is located in front of the Restaurant Tenshukaku. It’s the only dining place in Shirakawa-go where you can enjoy this unique experience.


Discover the flavors of traditional Japanese cuisine at Tenshukaku, nestled in the scenic village of Shirakawa, Gifu Prefecture.

As evening approached, I decided to have dinner at Yukinko. This charming restaurant is run by two sisters who grew up in Shirakawa-go. They serve a variety of authentic Japanese dishes, with a focus on local and seasonal ingredients. I opted for one of their set meals, which included Hida beef and local mountain delicacies. The food was delicious, and the atmosphere was warm and inviting. Yukinko is near Wada House. Currently, they only serve takeout, so I enjoyed my meal on the terrace.


Experience authentic Japanese cuisine at Yukinko in Shirakawa-go amidst stunning landscapes and traditional architecture.

Before heading back to my guesthouse, I decided to stop by Tenshukaku (the bar, not the observation point) for a drink. It was a quiet little place, perfect for unwinding after a long day of exploring. I ordered a local sake and chatted with the bartender, who shared some interesting stories about the village and its history.

Tomorrow, I plan to visit the Jin Homura Art Museum and explore the Nature Forest. I’m looking forward to delving deeper into the cultural and natural beauty of this region. I also intend to find some unique souvenirs at Kobikiya.

Shirakawa-go is a place that stays with you long after you've left. It's a reminder of the beauty of simplicity, the importance of tradition, and the power of nature. It’s a destination I would recommend to anyone seeking a culturally immersive and soul-stirring travel experience.

And now, as the day comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on the beauty of Shirakawa-go. It's a place where time seems to slow down, where the simple act of walking through a village can feel like an extraordinary adventure. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to experience this unique corner of Japan, a place that has captured my heart and ignited my wanderlust even further.

I must remember to purchase a universal power adapter when I return to Lyon so I won't have to worry about charging my camera and phone on future trips. I also wish I had packed a raincoat, as the weather here can be unpredictable. But these are minor inconveniences in what has been an otherwise perfect trip.

The gassho-zukuri houses are designed to withstand heavy snowfall. The steeply pitched thatched roofs resemble two hands joined in prayer, hence the name “gassho-zukuri”. This architectural style is unique to this region and is one of the reasons why Shirakawa-go was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.

I learned that the Doburoku Festival is held in Shirakawa-go from the end of September to mid-October. This festival celebrates the harvest and offerings are made to the gods of the mountain. Sacred processions are conducted at shrines, along with lion dances and traditional folk singing and dancing. Of course, doburoku, an unrefined sake, is offered to the gods.

Shirakawa-go is a village that respects its traditions and culture. There are rules of etiquette that visitors are expected to follow to preserve the beauty of the village for the future. These include being mindful of noise levels, not littering, and respecting the privacy of the residents.

The winter illumination event in Shirakawa-go is a popular attraction. The village is illuminated at night for a short period, creating a magical winter scene. However, entry is restricted and reservations are required. I will definitely consider visiting again in winter to witness this spectacle, but I will make sure to book well in advance.