Nestled in the Hida region of Gifu Prefecture, the towns of Takayama and Shirakawa-go have captivated both domestic and international travelers with their deep-rooted traditions and timeless charm. Takayama’s preserved Edo-era streets and the UNESCO-listed gassho-zukuri village of Shirakawa-go offer visitors the rare experience of stepping into another era—where history is not just remembered, but lived.
Your journey begins in Takayama, accessible in about 2.5 hours by limited express train from Nagoya via the JR Takayama Line. Just a short walk from the station lies the Sanmachi Suji District, a beautifully preserved area designated for its traditional architecture. Once a bustling merchant town during the Edo period, its black-latticed facades now house sake breweries, traditional confectioners, and fine craft shops, exuding a quiet dignity that speaks to centuries past.
In the early morning, the Miyagawa Morning Market brings the town to life with stalls selling fresh produce, handmade pickles, and regional folk crafts. More than just a tourist attraction, it is a living part of the community—offering a rare chance to glimpse daily life in this historical town. As you stroll the streets, sampling local delicacies like Hida beef sushi or skewered gohei mochi, the flavors become part of the journey.
From Takayama, it’s a scenic 50-minute bus ride through the mountains to reach Shirakawa-go. This fairytale-like village, nestled in a quiet valley, greets visitors with a breathtaking tableau of traditional thatched-roof farmhouses known as gassho-zukuri. Built to withstand heavy snow and harmoniously blending with the surrounding nature, these architectural treasures offer a serene beauty that transcends seasons—and time itself.
At attractions like the Wada House, visitors can step inside and explore the architecture and lifestyle that define Shirakawa-go’s unique charm. The steep, triangular thatched roofs—designed to withstand heavy snowfall—speak to generations of ingenuity. The exposed wooden beams and interlocked pillars reflect a craftsmanship passed down through centuries. Simply standing beneath the towering roof, or sitting beside the old irori hearth, evokes both nostalgia and a sense of wonder.
From the hillside observation deck, the entire village unfolds like a painting—each season adding its own brushstroke of beauty. In spring, vibrant greenery surrounds the homes; in summer, clear blue skies stretch overhead; autumn brings fiery foliage, and winter cloaks the village in snow. Especially magical is the winter illumination event, when the snow-covered houses are gently lit, casting a dreamlike glow across the valley.
A journey through Takayama and Shirakawa-go is more than sightseeing—it’s a quiet encounter with the living memory of rural Japan. Here, the noise of modern life fades, replaced by the harmony of people, nature, and tradition. It’s in the moments of stillness—listening to the wind, or the soft patter of rain on a thatched roof—where the true luxury of this journey is found.