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For most of their history, the Shirakawago Villages have lain hidden in the deep, snowbound valleys of the northern Alps, under the shadow of sacred Mt Hakusan.
The traditional style of housing, the Gassho Zukuri, designed with steep, thatched roofs to withstand the weight of snow, has survived in this area long after it has disappeared from other, more accessible, areas.
History
The region was opened up in the 1960s when the river upstream from the villages was dammed, and the subsequent highway into the mountains constructed. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995, and consequently the number of visitors, and gift shops, has increased dramatically. That said, the village is still a fascinating remnant of an older Japan, and well worth a day trip from Takayama.
For the more adventurous it is even possible to stay overnight in one of the traditional houses.
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Suggested itinerary featuring Shirakawago
This sample itinerary will give you an idea of what is possible when you travel in Shirakawago, and showcases routes we know work particularly well. Treat this as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.
Places near Shirakawago
- Takayama 36 kilometers away
- Kanazawa 40 kilometers away
- Tateyama 59 kilometers away
- Kamikochi 71 kilometers away
- Hakuba 95 kilometers away
- Matsumoto 96 kilometers away
- Tsumago 100 kilometers away
- The Japanese Alps 101 kilometers away
- Noto Peninsula 143 kilometers away
- Yudanaka 146 kilometers away
- Kyoto 174 kilometers away
- Kinosaki Onsen 201 kilometers away
- Nara 204 kilometers away
- Osaka 216 kilometers away
- Hakone & Mount Fuji 225 kilometers away
- Izu Peninsula 242 kilometers away
- Tottori 256 kilometers away
- Nikko 256 kilometers away
- Kamakura 259 kilometers away
- Mount Koya 260 kilometers away
- Tokyo 266 kilometers away
- Tokushima 325 kilometers away
- Naoshima 333 kilometers away
- Takamatsu 337 kilometers away
- Kurashiki 340 kilometers away
- Matsue 357 kilometers away
- Iya Valley 370 kilometers away
- Dewa-sanzan 372 kilometers away
- Shikoku 414 kilometers away
- Matsushima 438 kilometers away
- Hiroshima 455 kilometers away
- Tohoku 459 kilometers away
- Matsuyama 464 kilometers away
- Miyajima Island 473 kilometers away