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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 22 miles away
- Kanazawa 25 miles away
- Tateyama 37 miles away
- Kamikochi 44 miles away
- Hakuba 59 miles away
- Matsumoto 60 miles away
- Tsumago 62 miles away
- The Japanese Alps 63 miles away
- Noto Peninsula 89 miles away
- Yudanaka 91 miles away
- Kyoto 108 miles away
- Kinosaki Onsen 125 miles away
- Nara 127 miles away
- Osaka 134 miles away
- Hakone & Mount Fuji 140 miles away
- Izu Peninsula 151 miles away
- Tottori 159 miles away
- Nikko 159 miles away
- Kamakura 161 miles away
- Mount Koya 162 miles away
- Tokyo 166 miles away
- Tokushima 202 miles away
- Naoshima 207 miles away
- Takamatsu 210 miles away
- Kurashiki 212 miles away
- Matsue 222 miles away
- Iya Valley 230 miles away
- Dewa-sanzan 231 miles away
- Shikoku 258 miles away
- Matsushima 272 miles away
- Hiroshima 283 miles away
- Tohoku 286 miles away
- Matsuyama 289 miles away
- Miyajima Island 294 miles away