Written by Hanana, with photo notes from Hanakiki
Hi, I’m Hanana! Deep in the mountains of Gifu, the village of Shirakawa-go looks like a scene from a fairy tale in winter. Its old farmhouses have steep thatched roofs, piled high with snow. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and on a few special nights in January, the whole village is lit up. Nearby Takayama is the home of Hida beef, one of Japan’s most famous kinds of wagyu.
At a glance
- Where: Shirakawa-go (Ogimachi village), Gifu Prefecture
- When: Snow usually covers the village from December to March
- Access: About 50 minutes by express bus from Takayama, or about 1 hour 15 minutes from Kanazawa
What to eat & try
Hida beef
Hida beef comes from cattle raised in the Hida region of Gifu. It’s known for its fine marbling. You’ll find it served many ways around Shirakawa-go and Takayama:
- Hida beef sushi: Lightly seared slices of beef on rice, sometimes served on a rice cracker. A Takayama favorite; please eat it in front of the shop rather than while walking.
- Hoba miso: A local specialty where beef and vegetables are grilled with miso on a large dried magnolia leaf over a small charcoal stove at your table.
- Hida beef buns and croquettes: Popular snacks sold in the old town of Takayama.
Things to try
- Grill hoba miso yourself: Many restaurants bring the little stove to your table. Stir the miso as it bubbles, and enjoy the smoky smell of the leaf.
- Go inside a gassho house: Some farmhouses are open as museums. You can see the huge timber frame and the attic where silkworms were once raised.
What to see
Gassho-zukuri farmhouses
The houses of Shirakawa-go are called gassho-zukuri, meaning “hands in prayer,” because their steep roofs look like hands pressed together. The design helps heavy snow slide off. Some houses are more than 250 years old. Shirakawa-go, together with nearby Gokayama, became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995.
Winter light-up
On a few Sundays and holidays in January, the village holds a special evening light-up. The snowy farmhouses glow with warm lights. It is very popular, and parking and visits require reservations.
Hanakiki’s photo spot
Hanakiki’s camera note: The Shiroyama viewpoint above the village gives the classic postcard view of the farmhouses in the snow. For the light-up nights, access to the viewpoint is controlled, so check the official guide. In the daytime, walk between the houses and shoot the snow-covered roof lines against the mountains.
Event info
| Event | Dates | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 41st Shirakawa-go Light-up (2027) | Jan 11 (Mon, holiday), Jan 17 (Sun), Jan 24 (Sun), Jan 31 (Sun), 2027, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. | All visits need advance reservations. As of November 2026, car parking reservations are already sold out, and the lottery for lodging has closed |
- The easiest way to go is a reserved light-up bus from Takayama. Nohi Bus runs special light-up buses from the Takayama Nohi Bus Center, sold online by date. Some courses include the viewpoint or a hot spring visit. There is no regular return bus after the light-up, so don’t try to go without a reservation.
- The light-up may be canceled in case of severe weather that disrupts traffic.
Light-up bus from Takayama (Nohi Bus): https://www.nouhibus.co.jp/shirakawa_lightup_2027/
Official website: Shirakawa-go Tourist Association: https://shirakawa-go.gr.jp/
Please check the official website for the latest information before you go.
Travel tips
- Respect the village: Shirakawa-go is a place where people live. Don’t enter private property, and stay on the paths.
- Snow gear: Wear waterproof boots with good grip and warm layers. The village gets a lot of snow.
- Plan your bus: Express buses can fill up in winter. Reserve your seat ahead.
- Combine with Takayama or Kanazawa: Spend a night in Takayama’s old town for the best Hida beef experience.
Book your trip
- Getting there: JR Central (Limited Express Hida from Nagoya to Takayama): https://global.jr-central.co.jp/en/
- Plan your trip: Japan National Tourism Organization: https://www.japan.travel/en/
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