Shirakawa-go Sightseeing Guide
World Heritage Site, Historic Village
For all visitors to Shirakawa-go.Shirakawa-go Tourism Etiquette Website.
The Art of Responsible Tourism
 Parking lot CLOSED at Ogimachi Castle Site Observatory
Please click here for more information. 

Ogimachi Castle Site Observatory Parking Space

Shuttle Bus Depot

Tourist Vehicles Parking

Tourist vehicles can only use the parking if a space is available. Please note that the car park is for short visit.

関連: せせらぎ公園駐車場
Related URL: How to get to Shirakawa-go
*See Guide to Parking Areas.

Fire prevention in the World Heritage Village

 We would like to thank you for coming to Shirakawa-go from all over the world.
The Gassho-style House is a symbol of the World Heritage Site of Shirakawa-go village, and because of the construction material, it is not easy to preserve. In this village, the fire prevention equipment management and fire prevention patrols are organized and carried out by the villagers themselves three times a day to remind everyone of fire prevention.

 
We hope that you will also help us to protect Shirakawa-go by paying attention to the following points.
  • Fireworks are strictly prohibited in the World Heritage Village.
  • Please smoke in the designated smoking area (including electronic cigarettes) in the World Heritage Village.
    ※Please put your cigarette ends into the receptacle provided.

designated smoking area
Click to open the PDF file.

 

Welcome to Shirakawa-go

Shirakawa-go (Shirakawa Village) is a Japanese mountain settlement in what was once considered a wild and unexplored region. Because of the area’s natural environment, with high mountains and heavy snowfall, interaction with neighboring regions was limited. However, this also created the conditions for the development of unique cultural practices and lifestyles. Now registered as a World Cultural Heritage site, we hope that you will enjoy experiencing the culture and traditions that live on in Shirakawa-go today.
What Kind of Place is Shirakawa-go?
What kind of place is the Shirakawa-go UNESCO heritage site? Allow us to introduce the culture and history of gassho style housing.
For First-time Visitors
What are good times to visit Shirakawa-go? Information for planning trips in advance, to help you decide when to visit.
Watch a Video on Shirakawa-go
Videos introducing the village of Shirakawa-go. They are viewable in English, as well as languages such as French and Simplified Chinese.
Shirakawa-go FAQ
A summary of frequently asked questions from visitors to Shirakawa-go. Please check them to make your visit even more enjoyable.

Shirakawa-go Promotional Video

The comprehensive version of the official video of World Heritage site Hida Shirakawa-go. In addition to the beautiful and nostalgic scenery, this video shows you the “day-to-day life” that has been carefully passed on in this region.

A Manga Guide to Manners in Shirakawa-go

We have put some sightseeing manners you would like to keep in mind into manga form to make your visit more enjoyable. Please read this before visiting Shirakawa-go.
Be careful when using selfie sticks!

 Be careful when using selfie sticks!

Don’t enter private property for social media photos

 Don’t enter private property for social media photos

Refrain from drone photography

 Refrain from drone photography

Go to the bathroom in designated spots!

 Go to the bathroom in designated spots!

Have a flashlight when walking at night!

 Have a flashlight when walking at night!

Lots of insects in rustic Shirakawa-go

 Lots of insects in rustic Shirakawa-go

Don’t open goods before buying them

 Don’t open goods before buying them

How to show you appreciate a meal in Japan

 How to show you appreciate a meal in Japan

About the wireless emergency broadcast system

 About the wireless emergency broadcast system

Exchange your money for Japanese yen at Shirakawa-go Bus Terminal

 Exchange your money for Japanese yen at Shirakawa-go Bus Terminal

Smoke Only In Designated Areas

 Smoke Only In Designated Areas

Pedestrian Only Zone?!

 Pedestrian Only Zone?!

Shirakawa-go Live Camera

A live camera showing scenes in Shirakawa-go “right now”. Enjoy views of the current situation and the changing seasons.
Shirakawa-go Live Camera

RecommendedSeasonal Sights

Liens