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Shirakawa-go Sightseeing Guide

World Heritage Site, Historic Village

Fire prevention in the World Heritage Village

We would like to thank you for coming to Shirakawa-go from all over the world.
The Gassho-style House is a symbol of the World Heritage Site of Shirakawa-go village, and because of the construction material, it is not easy to preserve. In this village, the fire prevention equipment management and fire prevention patrols are organized and carried out by the villagers themselves three times a day to remind everyone of fire prevention.

We hope that you will also help us to protect Shirakawa-go by paying attention to the following points.

Fireworks are strictly prohibited in the World Heritage Village.
Please smoke in the designated smoking area (including electronic cigarettes) in the World Heritage Village.
※Please put your cigarette ends into the receptacle provided.

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Welcome to Shirakawa-go

Shirakawa-go (Shirakawa Village) is a Japanese mountain settlement in what was once considered a wild and unexplored region. Because of the area’s natural environment, with high mountains and heavy snowfall, interaction with neighboring regions was limited. However, this also created the conditions for the development of unique cultural practices and lifestyles. Now registered as a World Cultural Heritage site, we hope that you will enjoy experiencing the culture and traditions that live on in Shirakawa-go today.

What kind of place is the Shirakawa-go UNESCO heritage site? Allow us to introduce the culture and history of gassho style housing.

What are good times to visit Shirakawa-go? Information for planning trips in advance, to help you decide when to visit.

Videos introducing the village of Shirakawa-go. They are viewable in English, as well as languages such as French and Simplified Chinese.

A summary of frequently asked questions from visitors to Shirakawa-go. Please check them to make your visit even more enjoyable.

Shirakawa-go Promotional Video

The comprehensive version of the official video of World Heritage site Hida Shirakawa-go. In addition to the beautiful and nostalgic scenery, this video shows you the “day-to-day life” that has been carefully passed on in this region.

A Manga Guide to Manners in Shirakawa-go

We have put some sightseeing manners you would like to keep in mind into manga form to make your visit more enjoyable. Please read this before visiting Shirakawa-go.

Be careful when using selfie sticks!

Don’t enter private property for social media photos

Refrain from drone photography

Go to the bathroom in designated spots!

Have a flashlight when walking at night!

Lots of insects in rustic Shirakawa-go

Don’t open goods before buying them

How to show you appreciate a meal in Japan

About the wireless emergency broadcast system

Exchange your money for Japanese yen at Shirakawa-go Bus Terminal

Smoke Only In Designated Areas

Pedestrian Only Zone?!

Shirakawa-go Live Camera

A live camera showing scenes in Shirakawa-go “right now”. Enjoy views of the current situation and the changing seasons.

Shirakawa-go Live Camera

RecommendedSeasonal Sights

The rich nature of Shirakawa-go can be enjoyed across the four seasons. Allow us to introduce some recommended sightseeing spots for each season.

A hot spring bath fed by abundant, naturally heated waters, gushing from the foot of Mt. Hakusan

An important cultural asset. Daily life continues to this day in this gassho style house with its distinctive thatched roof.

The open-air museum preserves and exhibits a total of 26 buildings including 9 listed buildings that are designated as important cultural assets of Gifu Prefecture.

Liens

Liens utiles sur les attractions touristiques de Shirakawa-go et ses environs.

Les liens sont à destination de Site Internet externes. Le Bureau du Village de Shirakawa ne peut être tenu pour responsable du contenu de ces sites.