Shirakawa-go

Deep in the remote mountains of Gifu Prefecture

lies a little village

Its houses are of gasshō-zukuri (合掌造) style

characterized by thatched and steeply slanting roof

resembling two hands joined in a prayer.

The Village of Shirakawa-go has been UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995

The best way to get there is by car or by bus from Toyama, Takayama or Kanazawa.

Leaving the bus station behind, cross a long foot bridge

turn left onto the main street

where you can find household items for souvenirs

For bird’s eye views of the village, head to the hilltop overlook (click the photo to enlarge)

You can either take the bus or walk

We enjoyed our walk with mountain scenery

And more farmhouses in view

It became magical when the snow started to fall

There’s even a restaurant serving fresh river trout along the way

As long as you can get someone to note your presence. Otherwise, the view outside is equally pleasant.

You can also take the walking trail and reach the top in 15 minutes

The entrance is next to a snow field with this farmhouse

and this farmhouse

You won’t miss it because you will see people walking that way

And people in the field taking pictures 🙂