The picturesque village with its centuries-old Gassho-zukuri farmhouses and the beautiful Japanese Alps in the background is as close to a Japanese dreamscape as you’re going to get.
Planning a trip to Japan with your squad? Here’s one place—off the beaten path—that you’ll definitely want to visit on your trip: Shirakawa-go.
Accessible via Nagoya, this UNESCO World Heritage Site hidden in the Japanese Alps (key word: hidden) is far from the madding crowd. Walking into this idyllic village in the Gifu Prefecture is like stepping right into one of the prettiest postcards you’ve ever seen.
Gassho-zukuri translates to “hands in prayer” and refers to how the thatched roofs of these historic structures look like the hands of Buddhist monks in prayer. Because this area was once quite isolated, you will not find this type of architecture outside Shirakawa-go except at neighboring Gokoyama. These are the only two places in Japan where these unique structures can be found.
You and your friends can stay in one of the farmhouses that have been converted into inns to get a better feel of the place and to fully experience what life is like in this charming village.
During the autumn, Shikarawa-go is bathed in the warm glow of the gold, red, and orange leaves of the season, making it an excellent time to visit. (Your #wefies are going to be legendary.)
Even locals from other prefectures visit this place during the autumn just to see the magnificent fall colors. You and your besties can enjoy the cool, crisp fall weather as you walk around visiting the many shrines and museums in the area.
You can also take part in the Doburoku Festival, which they celebrate every year sometime in mid-October. During the festival, you can watch the villagers performing lion dances and other forms of folk entertainment. You are also welcome to partake in doburoku, a type of unrefined sake.
Now wouldn’t that be an excellent way to end your visit to Shirakawa-go? With a toast to your friendship. Kampai!
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