Declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1995, Shirakawa-go is famous for its gassho-zukuri houses. These houses with its high thatched and intertwined roofs, are said to resemble hands interlocked in prayer.

This style of building has been around for centuries, with some of the current existing buildings said to be over 250 years old, and are made to withstand heavy snow conditions that hit this area every winter.

Ogimachi, one of the neighbourhoods in Shirakawa-go, is most famous for its houses. The houses used to be farm and silkworm houses, and have been remade into minshuku (local Japanese inns), souvenir shops, restaurants and museums. Many of the houses have been moved to the Gassho-zukuri Minkaen, an outdoor museum, for preservation purposes.  

In winter the centuries-old houses are lit up in Ogimachi. The light on the houses, combined with the meters high snow on the roofs and the streets, make for a magical town.

The illumination nights are favorites for both national and international tourists so expect crowds. You have to time your visit to Shirakawa-go carefully as the houses are only illuminated on Sundays and Mondays of February and January between 17:30 and 19:30.

Opening Hours:
March to Nov.・8:40 – 17:00
Dec. to Feb.・9:00 – 16:00

Price:
Per person (13+)・¥600
Per child (-12)・¥400

Phone:
+81-576-96-1231

Address:
2499 Ogimachi, Shirakawa-go, Ono District, Gifu Prefecture 501-5600

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While Shirakawa-go is a popular destination for both Japanese and foreign tourists, to get to the countryside town takes time as it lays in a mountainous, secluded region. You can choose to travel via public transportation, taking the Shinkansen, train and express bus (see option 1, 2, 3, and 4), or via private charter from your location in Japan (option 5).

Option 1: Tokyo Station → Toyama Station → Shirakawa-go (±14,500)

1. From Tokyo Station to Toyama Station (2 hours 10 minutes):
Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen* from Tokyo Station to Toyama Station.
*The Hokuriku Shinkansen is covered by the Hokuriku Arch Pass, the JR East Pass, and the nationwide JR Pass.

2. From Toyama Station to Shirakawa-go Station (1 hour 25 minutes):
From Toyama Station, take the Nohi express bus* heading for Hida-Takayama and get off at Shirakawa-go after 100 minutes.
*This bus is not operated by JR so separate tickets need to be purchased (¥1,700 one-way)

Option 2: Tokyo Station → Kanazawa Station → Shirakawa-go (±15,800)

1. From Tokyo Station to Kanazawa Station (2 hours 30 minutes):
Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen* from Tokyo Station to Kanazawa Station.
*The Hokuriku Shinkansen is covered by the Hokuriku Arch Pass, the JR East Pass, and the nationwide JR Pass.

2. From Kanazawa Station to Shirakawa-go Station (1 hour 15 minutes):
From Kanazawa Station, take the bus* heading for Hida-Takayama and get off at Shirakawa-go after 100 minutes.
*This bus is not operated by JR so separate tickets need to be purchased (¥1,850 one-way).

Option 3: Nagoya Station → Shirakawa-go (±3,800)

1. From Nagoya Station to Shirakawa-go (2 hours 50 minutes):
From Nagoya Station, there are several express buses* like i.e. Gifu Bus or Willer Bus bound for Shirakawa-go and Takayama.
*These bus lines are not operated by JR so separate tickets need to be purchased (±¥3,900 one-way)

Option 4: Osaka Station → Kanazawa Station → Shirakawa-go (±15,800)

1. From Osaka Station to Kanazawa Station (2 hours 45 minutes):
Take the JR West Shinkansen* from Osaka Station to Kanazawa Station.
*The JR West Shinkansen is covered by the Hokuriku Arch Pass, the JR-West Kansai Hokuriku Area Pass, and the nationwide JR Pass.

2. From Kanazawa Station to Shirakawa-go Station (1 hour 15 minutes):
From Kanazawa Station, take the bus* heading for Hida-Takayama and get off at Shirakawa-go after 100 minutes.
*This bus line is not operated by JR so separate tickets need to be purchased (¥1,850 one-way).

Option 5: Your location in Central Japan like i.e. Tokyo Station or Nagano Station → Shirakawa-go
If you want to travel to the Snow Monkey Park in a convenient, comfortable way, a customized private charter from your preferred location in Japan to the Park is the best method of transport.