Shirakawa-go Gassho Village
A UNESCO World Heritage village of steep thatched gassho-zukuri farmhouses, nestled in a mountain valley that turns magical under snow.
When · Where
- When
- 2026/02/15 – 2026/02/15
- Where
- Ogimachi, Shirakawa Village, Gifu（Ogimachi, Shirakawa, Ono District, Gifu）
- City
- Across Japan
- Getting there
- Bus from Takayama or Kanazawa
- Price
- Free
Good to know for visitors
- Getting there
- Bus from Takayama or Kanazawa Open directions in Google Maps ↗
- Booking & entry
- Free to attend — details on the official page (button above).
- Language
- Mostly in Japanese — a translation app on your phone helps.
- Good for
- culture seekers, families
Highlights
- Iconic thatched gassho-zukuri farmhouses
- Hilltop viewpoint over the whole village
- Snowy fairytale scenery in winter
Background & story
Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995, the gassho-zukuri houses were built to withstand the region's heavy snowfall.
Good to know
Day trips from Takayama or Kanazawa are easy. The seasonal winter light-up events require advance reservation.