Exploring the Timeless Beauty of Shirakawa-go with Family

Whispers of Tradition and Art

Today in Shirakawa-go was a beautiful blend of cultural immersion and tranquil exploration. From the vibrant art at the Jin Homura Art Museum to the peaceful ambiance of Ishiura Shrine, every moment felt like stepping deeper into the heart of Japan. And of course, no day is complete without savoring the local cuisine that makes this region so unique.


Explore the Jin Homura Art Museum in Shirakawa, where traditional and contemporary Japanese art come together in a stunning cultural experience.

The day began with a hearty breakfast at Shiawaseya Kichibei. Maximilian and Elena joined me, and we enjoyed a traditional Japanese breakfast, which was the perfect way to fuel up for our day of exploring. The simplicity and freshness of the ingredients always amaze me. It's so different from the breakfasts I'm used to back in Bielefeld, but I've come to appreciate the subtle flavors and nourishing qualities.

Our first stop was the Jin Homura Art Museum. The museum itself is housed in a traditional gassho-zukuri building, which immediately caught my eye. The architecture alone is worth the visit, but the art inside was equally captivating. Jin Homura's work is vibrant and thought-provoking, a fascinating contrast to the rustic setting. I loved how his pieces seemed to draw inspiration from the surrounding landscape and the cultural heritage of Shirakawa-go. Elena was particularly intrigued by the colorful paintings, and it was wonderful to see her engaging with art in such a meaningful way.

Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.

After the museum, we headed to Ishiura Shrine. The shrine offered a serene escape, surrounded by lush greenery. The air was so fresh and clean, a welcome change from the city. We took our time wandering through the grounds, admiring the traditional architecture and the peaceful atmosphere. Elena enjoyed exploring the small paths and discovering hidden corners of the shrine. I found myself reflecting on the importance of spirituality and tradition in Japanese culture. It's something I deeply admire and try to incorporate into my own life, even in small ways.


Explore the serene beauty and cultural richness of Ishiura Shrine, a must-visit Shinto shrine in Kanazawa, Japan.

For lunch, we decided to try Masuzono Bunsuke, a restaurant known for its fresh river fish. The setting was idyllic, with a view of a garden and a small pond. Maximilian and I opted for the set meal, which included grilled rainbow trout, sashimi, and sweet simmered fish. The fish was incredibly fresh, and the flavors were delicate and delicious. Elena, who can be a bit picky, surprised us by enjoying the grilled fish. It was a lovely, relaxing meal, and a perfect way to recharge after our morning adventures.

In the afternoon, we explored Kobikiya, a charming souvenir shop located next to the Wada House. The shop was filled with local crafts and specialties, including doburoku unrefined sake products and sarubobo dolls. Elena was immediately drawn to the colorful sarubobo dolls and insisted on getting one as a memento of our trip. I picked up some doburoku yokan jelly to bring back to Germany as a gift for friends. It's always nice to share a taste of the places we visit with the people we love.


Explore Kobikiya in Shirakawa-go for unique souvenirs and a glimpse into Japan's rich cultural heritage.

As the day drew to a close, we had dinner at Nomura, a soba restaurant known for its handmade noodles. The restaurant had a cozy, family-run atmosphere, and we watched as the chef prepared the soba right in front of us. The noodles were perfectly cooked, and the broth was flavorful and comforting. It was a simple but satisfying meal, and a fitting end to a day filled with cultural exploration and culinary delights.

One of the things I appreciate most about traveling is the opportunity to learn and grow. Today, I was reminded of the importance of slowing down, appreciating the beauty around us, and connecting with different cultures. It's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life, but experiences like these help me to reset and refocus on what truly matters. I feel grateful for the chance to share these moments with my family and to create memories that will last a lifetime.

Tomorrow, we plan to visit the Gokayama Folklore Museum and the Hida Takayama Retro Museum. I'm excited to continue exploring the cultural heritage of this region and to discover more hidden gems. I'm also looking forward to trying some new restaurants and perhaps even visiting a local bar. Until then, oyasumi nasai from Shirakawa-go!

It's interesting how travel changes you. Before moving to Germany, I never imagined I'd be so drawn to the quiet beauty of rural Japan. Cholula, with its pyramids and vibrant markets, always felt like home. But now, places like Shirakawa-go resonate with a different kind of peace, a serenity that I find myself craving more and more. Perhaps it's the contrast to the fast-paced world of marketing, or maybe it's simply the charm of experiencing something so different from my upbringing. Whatever the reason, I'm grateful for these moments of reflection and connection.

Maximilian and I were discussing our next adventure over dinner. He's been reading about the local sake breweries and is keen to try some of the regional varieties tomorrow. Elena, on the other hand, is already planning her souvenir shopping spree. It's these little things – the shared excitement and the anticipation of new discoveries – that make traveling as a family so special. Each of us brings a unique perspective and a different set of interests, and together, we create a tapestry of experiences that enriches us all.

As I sit here writing, the sounds of Shirakawa-go are slowly fading into the night. The gentle breeze rustling through the trees, the distant murmur of the river, and the occasional chirp of insects create a soothing symphony that lulls me into a state of tranquility. It's moments like these that remind me of the importance of disconnecting from the digital world and reconnecting with nature. I often find that my best ideas and insights come to me when I'm surrounded by the simplicity and beauty of the natural world.

I'm also thinking about my grandmother back in Cholula. She always encouraged me to explore the world and to embrace new experiences. She believed that travel broadens the mind and nourishes the soul. I can almost hear her voice now, filled with warmth and wisdom, reminding me to savor every moment and to appreciate the beauty that surrounds me. I miss her dearly, but I know that she's with me in spirit, guiding me on my journey and inspiring me to live life to the fullest.

And speaking of inspiration, I'm already jotting down ideas for my next blog post. I want to capture the essence of Shirakawa-go and to share its magic with my readers. I want to convey the sense of peace and tranquility that I've experienced here and to encourage others to seek out similar experiences in their own lives. I believe that travel has the power to transform us, to open our hearts and minds, and to connect us with something larger than ourselves. And that's why I'm so passionate about sharing my travel experiences with the world.

So, as I prepare to drift off to sleep, I'm filled with gratitude for this beautiful day in Shirakawa-go. I'm grateful for the chance to explore its cultural treasures, to savor its culinary delights, and to connect with its people. I'm grateful for the opportunity to share these experiences with my family and to create memories that will last a lifetime. And I'm grateful for the inspiration that this journey has given me and for the chance to share it with you, my dear readers. Goodnight from Shirakawa-go. May your dreams be filled with beauty, peace, and inspiration.