Rural Tourism in Japan, Visit Shirakawa-Go

Rural tourism offers a unique charm, especially for city people. The hustle and bustle of daily life, air pollution, and urban noise make rural destinations particularly alluring.
In Indonesia, rural tourism is often associated with destinations that feature dense trees, paddy fields, and quaint, old-fashioned houses.
But what about rural tourism in Japan? If you are curious, you can satisfy your curiosity by visiting Shirakawa-Go.

Shirakawa-Go, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Shirakawa-Go is a village located in Ōno District, Gifu Prefecture, Japan. The area is largely mountainous, with 96% of the village covered by mountains. Although this small village sits in an area of only about 356.6 km², it promises an unforgettable experience for those who visit.
● One of the Country’s Snowiest Areas
Shirakawa-Go is one of the snowiest areas in Japan. Snow typically starts falling in early December and continues through late February. The snow depth can reach 1 to 2 m. While such heavy snow can disrupt local daily activities, it creates a magical winter travel destination for visitors.
● Gassho - Zukuri
The houses in this village were built in a uniform style, known as gassho-zukuri. These thatched-roof houses are believed to have been constructed about 250-300 years ago. According to visitgifu.com, gassho (合掌) means ‘hands in prayer’, while -zukuri (-造り) comes from the verb tsukuru (-造る), meaning ‘to build or to create’. Together, they describe the houses' steep roofs, which resemble a monk's praying hands.
● House Structure 
The structure of the houses in the village is not just philosophical—it serves a practical purpose. The thatched roofs, built without nails, are designed to withstand the snow that accumulates during winter.
● UNESCO World Heritage Site 
The houses’ unique architecture, which has endured the test of time for centuries, and other considerations, have earned the village a designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Shirakawa-Go?
Like other parts of Japan, the village experiences all four seasons. So, no matter when you visit, there will be something special to see. However, as mentioned earlier, the village is known for its thick snow during winter. It will make an exceptional sight during the winter time.
There, you will see a blanket of white snow covering the roads and the roofs of the houses, creating an unforgettable scene. But, given the heavy snow, you can already imagine how cold it will be, right? If you are not fond of freezing temperatures, consider visiting during another season. For example, in spring, the cherry blossoms are in full bloom.
Besides enjoying the natural beauty, you can learn about rural life in this village. You can also visit shrines, relax in hot springs, and partake in simple yet enjoyable activities while you are there.
To reach Shirakawa-Go, you can take the Shinkansen to Toyama. Then, continue on a Nohi Bus to Shirakawa-Go. No need to worry about accommodations, as many houses are available for visitors to rent. It will give you the chance to experience staying in one of these unique buildings.
Interested in exploring Japan’s rural life? Plan your trip to Shirakawa-Go soon! But, don’t forget to purchase your Travel Insurance to Japan from MSIG Indonesia before you go.