Nagoya l A Fairytale Village in the Snow - Shirakawa-go Travelogue

Visiting Shirakawa-go in winter feels like stepping into a fairytale world. For transportation, we booked the Nohi Bus online in advance. It's recommended to take the first bus up the mountain to avoid crowds and minimize waiting time for the shuttle bus to the observation deck. Upon arrival, the first thing we did was head straight to the observation deck to overlook the arrangement of gassho-style houses and snow-covered rooftops. The view was magnificent and serene, compelling us to take photo after photo. Within the village, although three of the houses are farther apart and require some walking, they are well worth visiting. The wooden structures of the houses combined with the snowy scenery make for excellent photo opportunities and convey a deep sense of local history. There are also small shops in the village selling souvenirs and snacks, which are worth exploring. If you wish to stay overnight in Shirakawa-go, be sure to book accommodations in advance. Prices range from 6,000 to 10,000 yen per person. We ultimately chose to stay in Takayama and took an early bus to Shirakawa-go. Initially, we planned to head to Kanazawa after visiting Shirakawa-go, but due to the Toyama Bay earthquake on New Year's Day 2024, we canceled our Kanazawa and Toyama plans and returned to Takayama instead. As for food, due to the infrequent shuttle schedules and being too engrossed in photography, we didn't have a proper meal in the village. We simply grabbed a wagyu rice ball from a snack stand to stave off hunger. If time permits, it's recommended to try the local specialty snacks at the village's small shops. Overall, Shirakawa-go is especially enchanting under a blanket of snow. Whether it's for photography, strolling, or appreciating the charm of historical architecture, it leaves a lasting impression. Shirakawa-go in winter is a fairytale world worth waking up early to explore at a leisurely pace.