Cultural Immersion in Shirakawa-go: A Journey Through Time

Reflections of Tranquility

Today, Nang and I set out to explore more of Shirakawa-go's hidden gems, venturing beyond the iconic farmhouses to discover the natural and artistic beauty that this region holds. It was a day of quiet contemplation, punctuated by moments of awe and inspiration. The kind of day that reminds you why you travel in the first place – to find peace and new perspectives.

Our morning began with a delightful breakfast at Gassho. The traditional Japanese cuisine was the perfect start to a day of exploration. I always appreciate how the Japanese incorporate local ingredients into their meals, and this morning was no exception. After breakfast, we decided to take a leisurely stroll to Midorigaike Pond.

The walk to Midorigaike Pond was beautiful, with lush greenery surrounding us. As we approached, the pond's serene surface reflected the clear sky above. The emerald-green water was mesmerizing, a result of the hot-spring minerals seeping from below. It was easy to see why this pond has been a site of religious worship since medieval times. Legend has it that the pond is home to a mountain deity, and drinking its water could extend one's life. I didn't test that particular legend, but I certainly felt a sense of peace just being there.


Discover the tranquil beauty of Midorigaike Pond in Gifu, Japan, a serene haven perfect for nature lovers and photographers.

Nature always wears the colors of the spirit.

Next on our list was the Water Lily Pond. It was conveniently located near the Ogimachi bus stop, next to the Wada House. The water lilies were in full bloom, creating a stunning display of colors. Nang, who has a keen eye for photography, was in her element, capturing the beauty of the flowers from every angle. We spent a good hour just wandering around the pond, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.


Discover tranquility at the Water Lily Pond in Shirakawa, where vibrant blooms and serene waters create a perfect getaway for nature lovers.

After our tranquil time by the water, we were ready for lunch. We chose Soba Wakimoto, known for its handmade soba noodles. The restaurant was bustling, a popular spot especially during peak times like this. Luckily, we managed to get a table and ordered their famous Hida beef mini bowl set and conger eel tempura. The soba was delicious, and the tempura was perfectly crispy. It was the perfect meal to refuel us for the afternoon's adventures.


Savor authentic handmade soba noodles in Shirakawa's scenic Ogimachi village, where tradition meets breathtaking views.

With our bellies full, we headed to the Jin Homura Art Museum. This museum is a celebration of traditional Japanese art and culture, showcasing the works of local artists. The museum itself is a work of art, with its gassho-style architecture blending seamlessly into the surrounding landscape. Inside, we were treated to a diverse range of exhibitions that reflected the rich heritage of the area.


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

I was particularly struck by Homura's use of vivid colors to illustrate the intersection between societal matters and various artistic themes. It was fascinating to learn that Homura had spent 20 years in Shirakawa-go, drawing inspiration from the gassho-zukuri houses for his dynamic and multi-dimensional works. The contrast between the contemporary art and the traditional architecture of the museum was truly remarkable.

After immersing ourselves in art, we decided to do some shopping at Kobikiya. This souvenir shop, located next to the Wada House, is a treasure trove of local crafts and delicacies. Nang picked up some doburoku yokan jelly, made with unrefined sake, while I opted for a cute little thatched-roof home-shaped knickknack. We also couldn't resist getting a couple of sarubobo lucky amulet dolls, a Shirakawa-go specialty.


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

For dinner, we had reservations at Nomura, a soba restaurant. It was a small, intimate place, with only 12 seats. We watched as the chef freshly prepared the soba noodles right in front of us. The noodles were delicious, and the atmosphere was warm and inviting. It was a perfect end to a perfect day.


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

As I sit here reflecting on our day, I'm filled with a sense of gratitude. Shirakawa-go has a way of slowing you down, of making you appreciate the simple things in life. The beauty of nature, the artistry of human hands, the warmth of a shared meal – these are the things that make travel so enriching. And sharing these experiences with Nang makes it all the more special.

Tomorrow, we plan to explore the Nature Forest, visit the Hida no Sato Open Air Museum, and delve into the history at the Takayama City Museum. I'm looking forward to another day of discovery and immersion in this beautiful region of Japan. Good night from Shirakawa-go!

The day reminded me of something I once read:

The best journey in life is the journey back to yourself.