What this area is like
A World Heritage village of steep thatched farmhouses. Climb to the Shiroyama viewpoint for the classic view; some houses are open as museums or inns.
People live here: stay on paths and respect private property. Winter light-up evenings need reservations.
Choose your next step
Places to see in this area
Shirakawa-go (Ogimachi village)
A World Heritage village of steep thatched gassho-zukuri farmhouses, where people still live and farm.
- Access
- Nohi bus from JR Takayama Station, about 50 minutes. Buses also run from Kanazawa. Reserve seats in busy seasons.
- Hours
- Visit between 8:00 and 17:00, as residents ask.
- Fee
- Free to walk. Some houses and the observatory shuttle charge.
- Address
- Ogimachi, Shirakawa-mura, Ono District, Gifu
The Shiroyama observatory gives the postcard view. Winter light-up evenings require advance booking.
Wada House
The largest gassho-zukuri house in the village, home to a former village-head family and open on two floors.
- Access
- About 3 minutes on foot from the Shirakawa-go bus terminal.
- Hours
- 9:00–17:00. Closed on irregular days.
- Fee
- Adults ¥400; children ¥200. Cash only.
- Address
- 997 Ogimachi, Shirakawa-mura, Gifu
There are no toilets inside; use the bus terminal facilities first.
How to plan your time here
- A half day is enough for a walk through the village, one house and the observatory.
- Travel Takayama → Shirakawa-go → Kanazawa by bus to see both towns without backtracking.
Information checked 26 October 2026. Plans are JapaLens editorial suggestions, not on-site reviews. Hours and fees can change; check the official page before you go.