Is Shirakawago worth visiting?

In Shirakawago you are set free to explore with map in hand. It is an amazing place, certainly worth the visit. I have been to Japan many times and I have never seen a town like this. You can pay a few hundred yen to enter the homes.

Why is Shirakawago famous?

Declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1995, they are famous for their traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, some of which are more than 250 years old.

Do people live in Shirakawago?

About 2,000 people living in Shirakawa-go, most of them clustered into a handful of communities. Of these villages, Ogimachi is the most picturesque. With a population of only 800, Ogimachi is a relic of Japan’s past, rare indeed in a nation that seems hell-bent on rushing into the 21st century.

What is significant about Shirakawago?

Shirakawa-go is one of the areas in Japan that’s known for experiencing particularly heavy snowfall. About 2 meters of snow can fall during wintertime, which means that the roofs would have to withstand the weight of all that snow, but luckily the steepness of the roof helps the snow fall off.

What is the best time to visit shirakawago?

Winter (December to February) Winter in Shirakawago is really cold, but it’s considered as the best season to visit there as the whole village turns into a magical snow wonderland. From mid December, snow starts falling down around the village.

What does Shirakawa mean?

white river
Shirakawa (written 白川 or 白河; “white river”) is a Japanese surname. Notable people with the surname include: Emperor Shirakawa (白河天皇, 1053 – 1129), 72nd Emperor of Japan.

What does Shirakawa mean in English?

Shirakawa (written 白川 or 白河; “white river”) is a Japanese surname. Notable people with the surname include: Emperor Shirakawa (白河天皇, 1053 – 1129), 72nd Emperor of Japan.

When was Shirakawa go built?

Early prototypes were built from around 1700, as silk and gunpowder production in the village flourished during the Edo era. The design evolved into the form currently seen around the village in around 1800.

Can I use JR pass to Shirakawa-go?

From Takayama to Shirakawago Hourly buses operate between Takayama and Shirakawago. The JR Pass is not valid on these buses, and some require seating reservations.