2026 Ono District Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in January)

This winter, you must visit "Shirakawago"❄️🌨️🇯🇵 Shirakawago Village is a World Heritage Site located in Gifu Prefecture, Japan🇯🇵. Every winter, white snow blankets the entire village, creating a breathtakingly beautiful scene beyond imagination🌨️❄️🤍. Both stunning and charming~✨ For those who have never been to this village, you must see it with your own eyes at least once🤍✨

✈️: Airfare Round-trip with Air Asia: 12,000 baht, including 20 kg of luggage. 🏨: Hotel 3 nights at KoKotel Takayama and 2 nights at R&B Nagoya, totaling 6,000 baht per person. 🚈: Train and Bus We took the Meitetsu train to Nagoya, took the Hida train to Takayama, and then the Nohi bus to Kamikochi, Shirakawago, and back to Nagoya. We also traveled within Nagoya by bus and train, totaling approximately 6,000 baht. 🥩: Food If you're in Takayama, don't miss Hida beef. We ate Hida beef almost every meal in Takayama, and it was so delicious. When you go to Nagoya, you can also try eel rice bowls. Nagoya's Tonkatsu Pork Rice with Sauce cost about 10,000 baht. 🛍️: Entrance Fees and Shopping Most of the attractions we visited had no entrance fee. Shopping was up to you. We spent about 10,000 baht. The total cost for the entire trip was about 45,000 baht. 🧡✨ #TravelBudgetShare #Japan #TravelJapan

If you want to experience the authentic and nostalgic atmosphere of Japan surrounded by warm nature, you must visit Shirakawa-go Village in Gifu Prefecture 🏡✨. This World Heritage village has preserved its traditional way of life beautifully, and it’s absolutely charming—like stepping into a Japanese fairy tale 📖🎐. 🏡 Highlights of the village: 🌨️ Gassho-style houses (Gassho-zukuri): These wooden houses with steep triangular roofs resemble hands in prayer and are specifically designed to withstand heavy snowfall ❄️. If you visit during winter, the snow-covered roofs look like a postcard come to life! 🖼️ 🍂 Peaceful and heartwarming atmosphere: Take a slow walk through the village, breathe in the fresh air, and admire the green or snowy mountains (depending on the season). It’s a feeling that’s hard to describe but truly embodies the essence of "authentic Japan" 🍃🧘♀️. 📸 Plenty of photo spots: Every corner of the village exudes a nostalgic Japanese vibe. If you wear a kimono or yukata while strolling around, you’ll look absolutely stunning in your photos 🎎💕. 🌸 Best times to visit: Winter (Dec.–Feb.) ❄️: Thick snow creates a romantic atmosphere, and on certain days, there’s a Light-up event where the village is illuminated beautifully at night. Autumn (Oct.–Nov.) 🍁: The village is adorned with red, orange, and yellow leaves, making every photo a masterpiece. Spring/Summer: Each season has its charm—lush greenery, blooming flowers, and a refreshing ambiance 🌷🌿. 🚗 Getting there: From Takayama City, it’s about a 50-minute bus ride. Or from Kanazawa, it’s equally convenient. Both routes have direct buses to the village.

#GetDiscountsWithoutLuck ❄️ When it comes to Japan in winter, one of the images that always pops into our heads is Shirakawa-go Village. 🏘️✨ We recently had the chance to visit, and my first impression was… “It’s sooooo cold!” 🥶 But as I looked around, I felt an indescribable sense of warmth. The gassho-style houses, covered in white snow, look like a painting from above, and up close, they’re filled with captivating details. 📸💙 Walking through the freezing cold, hearing the crunch of snow underfoot, and the surroundings are so peaceful, it truly feels like you’ve entered another world. ✨

How to Prepare for a Smooth Trip to Japan (Beginner’s Guide) Toon’s 10-day trip to Japan just ended recently, traveling solo from Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, Himeji, all the way to the World Heritage villages in the central region of the country. Japan is so lovely! But before the trip, there were quite a few worries, especially since it was the first time handling everything by herself—from tickets to trains. So, I want to share “what you should prepare” for beginners who are about to visit Japan without missing a beat! ⸻ 📌 1. Passport with at least 6 months validity remaining Many people forget to check this before booking tickets! I recommend checking your passport right away. If it’s close to expiring, renew it as soon as possible to be safe. ⸻ 📌 2. Apps you should download on your phone I used these apps every day and felt I couldn’t do without them: • Navigation app (to check train routes/walking directions) • Translation app for reading menus/signs • Regional train schedule website • Accommodation booking app • Japan entry registration website (should be done in advance) • Trip planning app that can track expenses and show tourist spot maps Download them before traveling—it will make everything run much smoother. ⸻ 📌 3. SIM/Internet is a must! I chose to use roaming from my regular network provider because I didn’t want the hassle of changing SIM cards. But if you prefer, you can use an eSIM or buy a Japanese SIM card. Just make sure you have internet from day one—it will make navigation and using services so much easier. ⸻ 📌 4. Prepare enough cash Although Japan accepts credit cards at big stores, small shops, buses, and markets usually only accept cash. I carried about 50,000 yen (around 12,000 baht) for food, small souvenirs, and the rest I paid by card. ⸻ 📌 5. Comfortable shoes are very important! Each day, I walked no less than 20,000 steps. I chose to wear sneakers with soft soles and comfort (some days I even added extra insoles) because I once wore fashion shoes and the pain almost made me unable to keep walking… ⸻ 📌 6. Important documents to carry with you I printed all documents and put them in a thin plastic folder to carry with me, just in case officials ask, I can present them immediately: • Passport • QR Code for entry registration • Accommodation booking information • Long-distance train tickets (if any) • Travel insurance ⸻ 🌸 Summary: Going to Japan isn’t as hard as you think if you prepare everything before departure. I’m a beginner too, but just by checking these lists, I was able to travel smoothly without any hiccups! If you’re preparing for your trip, try checking these off. You’ll definitely have a comfortable and fun time in Japan! ⸻ #PrepareForJapanTrip #TravelJapan #TravelJapanSolo

#TravelPlan Share a travel plan in Nagoya, Takayama, Shirakawa-go, Japan, you can really travel in every season. Day 1: 📍Go through immigration, get your bags, take the train into the city, leave your bags at the hotel first. 📍Lagoland, the first Legoland theme park in Japan. 📍Nagoya Castle, the symbol of Nagoya, an old castle. 📍Kinshachi Yokocho, find something to eat. 📍Walk around Nagoya Tower. Day 2: 📍Kakuozan Nittai-ji Temple, a Thai temple in Nagoya. 📍Travel to Takayama by bus, about 2.45 minutes. 📍Walk around Takayama, eat Hida beef barbecue. Day 3: 📍Shirakawa-go, a world heritage village in Japan. Take a bus from Takayama for about 50 minutes and you will arrive. The recommended highlight is the three houses of Shirakawa-go. Day 4: 📍Miyagawa Morning Market, a morning market along the Miyagawa River, with a lot of food and things to sell. In the river, there are also koi swimming back and forth for you to see. Open from around 06.00-12.00 hrs. 📍Nakabashi Bridge, the red bridge, a must-see photo spot 📍Takayama Jinya 📍Take the bus back to Nagoya 📍Osu Shopping Street, shopping for souvenirs Day 5: 📍Check out, go to the airport 📍Return to Thailand #Nagoya #Takayama #Shirakawago #TravelPlan #TravelJapan

For those who are into hardcore hiking, this trail is quite challenging due to its steep path. The distance to the summit is 6.9 km (elevation 1500 m). You can either do a day hike or stay in a hut. If you plan to do a day hike, it's recommended to start before 8:00 AM as the total hiking time is around 7-8 hours. Despite the steep path, the views along the way are stunning. Starting from lush green forests, you will see beautiful autumn foliage as you ascend, and there are also scenic ridge walks that are truly impressive. 🚗Travel: We drove from Takayama city and set the destination to Hirasedo Trail, which took about 1 hour and 20 minutes.

From our trip to the autumn leaves from the north to the south, I would like to review the autumn leaves in the ancient villages that can be reached from Tokyo. Update on the autumn leaves from 3 villages 05.11.2023 1. #shirakawago (pictures 1-23) 2. #ainokura (pictures 24-28) 3. #suganuma (pictures 29-33) Today is Sunday, so there are a lot of people visiting Shirakawa-go. The long line of cars makes you have to look for a parking spot all the time. If you are bringing a car, it would be better to come early in the morning. #autumn leaves #travel in Japan by yourself

Visiting Wada House in Shirakawago is like stepping back in time! It's this gassho-zukuri farmhouse that was turned into a museum about the rural life in that village. If you love Japanese culture and history, you’ve got to visit Shirakawago. I gotta tell you, the village looks straight outta a fairytale. The roof is covered in thatched straw and the wooden beams are sturdy. Inside, you'll find all these cool old artifacts and antique furniture from the Wada family. It's like they froze time! But wait, it gets better. The surroundings are so stunning! Imagine going there in winter when everything's covered in fluffy white snow. It's like a dreamland. I visited in May, so it was all green, but the village still looked beautiful nevertheless. If you're into history or just wanna escape the city chaos, you gotta check out the Shirakawago Wada House. It's a chill spot to soak up some Japanese rural vibes and appreciate the pure beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage gem. #mytriplog #Japan #shirakawago #Takayama

Address - 1178 Hagimachi, Shirakawa-mura, Ono-gun 501-5627 Gifu Prefecture Ambiance/Facilities - one of the better cafe in shirakawago if you want to get your coffee fix. Conveniently located near the bus station. Very nice place to chill and relax. Highly recommend. Highlights - serves good variety of coffee. Just be warned there’s only 1 server/boss, but he is very friendly but please be prepared to wait Avg. Price per Person - 5sgd Rating - 4.5/5

Located in GIFU Prefecture, Shirakawago is a picturesque and charming village nestled in the Japanese Alps, known for its traditional Gassho-style houses and stunning natural beauty. Gassho-style architecture, characterized by steep thatched roofs that resemble hands joined in prayer. This most distinctive feature of the village's traditional houses were designed to withstand heavy snowfall, a common occurrence in the region. Some of the buildings are over 250 years old, you may visit and gain insights into the local culture and history. The changing seasons bring varying delights to Shirakawago. In winter, when the village is blanketed in snow, it transforms into a magical winter wonderland, creating a postcard-worthy scene. Spring, summer and autumn showcase the region's natural beauty with cherry blossoms, lush paddy fields and colorful foliage, respectively. To preserve its cultural significance, the number of tourists allowed at certain times might be limited, so it's advisable to plan the trip and book accommodations in advance. Several viewpoints, like the Shiroyama Observatory, offer breathtaking panoramic views of the village and the surrounding landscape. Shirakawago is not just a destination; it's an enchanting journey back in time. The tranquility, natural beauty, and historical significance of this village create an unforgettable experience, making it a must-visit place for those seeking an authentic glimpse into Japan's rich cultural heritage and rural charm. How to get there: HIDA Bus transports between the cities of Kanazawa/Takayama to Shirakawago regularly. You may take a day trip or plan to stay overnight at a local guest house. #japan #gifu #shirakawago #travel #unesco #worldheritage #summer #日本 #白川郷 #世界文化遺產

#TravelJapan: Visiting Shirakawa-go Village, a famous World Heritage village in Japan, during the autumn foliage season is another highlight worth experiencing. Shirakawa-go is part of Shirakawa Village, located in the northwest of Gifu Prefecture in the Chubu region. It was founded around 1919 and consists of 16 villages. The most popular area for tourists is “Ogimachi Village”, which is the largest village and is known as “Shirakawa-go Village”. A very famous feature here is the ancient Japanese houses with high roofs in the form of praying hands called “Shirakawa-go”, which are hundreds of years old and have been well preserved to the present day. In addition, the houses are open as museums for visitors and tourists can stay overnight as “Homestays”, which is an opportunity to experience the lives of the villagers living here. It is something that cannot be missed. #ilovetrips #shirakawago #shirakawago #japanisightseeing

#wecreate A UNESCO World Heritage site in Gifu, Japan, the Japanese village is known for their traditional Gassho-zukuri houses amidst the mountains and greenery and the traditional rural village feel. A total of over 100 of such houses are in the Ogimachi village and many of the houses are still lived by the locals, and some converted to restaurants, cafes, and souvenir stores. Do leave at least around 2 to 3 hours to walk around the village, including visiting the Ogimachi Observatory for a view of the village.

#japan #gifu #shirakawago This is the Shirakawa-go village in Gifu prefecture, a world heritage site. It takes a little over an hour to travel from Kanazawa station by bus. You can alternatively travel by bus from Takayama or Toyama. You can stay overnight in a guest house and enjoy the peacefulness and calmness of this little town. It is better to go early to avoid the crowd. It just looks a beautiful little town from a book 😍

16/11/68, Fukushima Prefecture, Rakawa-go, Japan, first time.

If you're in Osaka and want a change of scenery, I highly recommend visiting Shirakawa-go! 🏡✨ It's a very charming old village with Gassho-style houses like something out of a fairy tale. Walking around and taking pictures is incredibly enjoyable. The atmosphere is peaceful, the weather is nice, and it's a short trip that gives you a truly authentic Japanese experience. Anyone who loves nature and culture should definitely come! 💖 #Shirakawago #OsakaTrip #DreamVillage #JapanTrip #OsakaTravel

Review of Shirakawago Village ❄️🏡 This small village nestled in the mountains is as beautiful as something out of a fairy tale, especially during winter when the Gassho-zukuri roofs are covered in a blanket of white snow. The atmosphere is peaceful, warm, and authentically Japanese. You can stroll around and take photos everywhere. The ancient wooden houses contrasting with the thick, soft snow are so beautiful you won't want to take your eyes off them. I recommend going up to the viewpoint for a stunning panoramic view of the entire village. If you love cold weather, natural scenery, and the charm of traditional Japanese culture, this is a destination you must visit at least once in your life ✨ #OsakaTravel

❄️ Step into a winter wonderland at Shirakawago, Gifu! This UNESCO village transforms into a snow-covered fairytale, where gassho-zukuri thatched houses peek out from glistening drifts and every turn feels postcard-perfect. My personal highlight? Smiling amid fluffy snow with those iconic wooden rooftops behind me—a true “only in Japan” moment! No wonder it’s a magnet for nature lovers and architecture buffs alike. 🧭 Perfect Route: Start at the main viewpoint for sweeping panoramas of the entire village—the best time is right after fresh snowfall when everything sparkles. Then, stroll through charming lanes to admire close-up details of Chinese architectural influences and picturesque rime-covered trees. Cross the Shogawa River bridge for unique angles by the water. 🌟 Must-Dos: - Pop into a traditional house museum to feel the warmth of an irori hearth. - Sip local amazake (sweet rice drink) at a cozy café to thaw out your fingers. - Wander slowly—spot the iced-over ponds and listen for the hush that falls over the village in winter. 📸 Top Photo Spots: - Main viewpoint near the observation deck: classic panoramic village shot. - Riversides for house reflections in icy water. - Close-up with architectural details or rime-coated branches for natural beauty shots. 🔎 Practical Tips: - Address: 517 Hatogaya, Shirakawa-mura, Ono-gun, Gifu - Hours: 09:00–17:00, open year-round - Arrive early to beat the bus crowds and capture that snow before footprints appear. - Wear snow boots—it’s slippery with compacted ice. - Bring a power bank (cold drains phones fast!). #Shirakawago #Gifu #WinterWonderland #JapanTravel #SnowVillage

The real thing is even more beautiful than the pictures! It's a must-see highlight of Shirakawa-go (you haven't truly been to Shirakawa-go if you don't walk all the way here!). The highlight is the "Three Gassho-zukuri Houses" perfectly lined up, with rice fields in front (covered in pristine white snow in winter), and a backdrop of mountains and pine forests. It's like a painting and much more peaceful than the main area. I recommend visiting in winter when the snow is fluffy; it's like stepping into a fairytale. Just standing and looking at it is worth the walk. Getting there: Take a bus (Nohi Bus / Hokutetsu Bus) from Kanazawa or Takayama to Shirakawa-go Bus Terminal, then walk for about 15-20 minutes (walk south of the village, further in towards the Chubei restaurant). #shirakawago #Sankoya #ThreeGasshoZukuriHousesShirakawago

Shirakawa-go is a small village that feels like it came straight out of a fairy tale, located in the mountains of Gifu Prefecture. The village is known for its unique Gassho-zukuri houses with steep thatched roofs. If you're looking for a destination that brings peace to your heart and effortlessly puts a smile on your face, give yourself the chance to visit this beautiful village at least once. Here, simple homes, surrounding nature, and a slower pace of life await. This is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll, breathing in fresh air, listening to the wind, and creating cherished memories. Whether you're here to find solace, capture stunning photos, or simply escape the chaos, this village welcomes you with warmth and unpretentious beauty. Come and experience it for yourself, and you'll understand that... some happiness is simpler than you think.

This trip was easy with the Nohi Bus from Takayama, but if you have a JR Takayama–Hokuriku Area Pass, you can ride for free! It's a relaxing 50-minute ride, enjoying the views of the snow-covered mountains. The first thing you notice upon escaping is the incredibly refreshing, cold air. The highlight that left me speechless was the sight of Shirakawago village covered in pristine white snow. The contrast with the unique Gassho-zukuri style houses – those with thick thatched roofs and piles of snow on top – was truly charming and captivating. Walking around the village, I understood why it's been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995. The atmosphere is magical, peaceful, and beautiful, like a painting. I was so moved I didn't want to leave. If you're in the Takayama area, you absolutely must make time for this place. It's an unforgettable experience worth visiting at least once in your life! 🚍🌨️🏔️ Tip: Don't forget to walk up (or take the shuttle) to the viewpoint at the top! The best viewpoint from above, offering a panoramic view of the entire village! #TravelTalk #GetDiscountsWithoutRelyingOnLuck

Exploring Ono District’s Iconic Shirakawago—rainy-day ice cream happiness! 🍦🏔️ If you love charming villages and scenic backdrops, Shirakawago in Ono District totally deserves a spot on your Gifu itinerary. Even in December, the traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses look magical, especially against misty mountains and a cloudy sky. The whole vibe is cozy and authentic—perfect for a chill wander or those travel snaps. Must-See: Shirakawago Historical Village Address: 517 Hatogaya, Shirakawa-mura, Ono-gun 501-5629, Gifu Prefecture Opening Hours: 09:00–17:00 (opens year-round, so winter visits are totally doable!) My tip: Don't skip local ice cream—even on a rainy December afternoon. It might not snow much, but that drizzle and chilly air actually make the creamy treat taste even better. Snag a cone, stroll past traditional thatched rooftops, and soak up the rural atmosphere. Getting In & Around: Easiest way: Take the bus either from Takayama or Kanazawa directly to Shirakawago. The station is within walking distance of the village. Once you're there, it's super walkable! Bring an umbrella and water-resistant shoes if December clouds roll in. Food Finds: Definitely try fresh soft-serve sold at local stands near the entrance. It’s smooth, mild, and pairs with mountain air perfectly—even if the weather’s not Insta-sunny. Essential Info: Bring cash—most village stores are cash-only. Layer up! While December is chilly, heavy snow usually starts later, so dress for cool rain instead. #Shirakawago #GifuTrip #JapanVillage #RainyDayTravel #tripdotcom

I've been to this town twice in early December, both trips in different years. But in 2025, the snow came very early, and I got to see it in full bloom. I loved it and really want to go again! #ShirakawaGo

Shirakawa-go in winter is covered in heavy snow, blanketing everything in white. Yet, there is one thing that still "stands firm" amidst the cold. 🏠 This type of house is called "Gassho-zukuri" (合掌造り), which literally translates to "prayer hands construction"—because the steeply sloped roofs resemble hands clasped in prayer. The steep design is intentional, allowing snow to slide off and preventing the roof from collapsing during the heavy snowfall of winter. But it’s not just about the snow. Inside, the house is ingeniously divided into functional levels. The top floor was once used for silkworm farming, making these homes suitable for both "humans" and "silkworms" to coexist under one roof! Many might think this village is a "museum," but in reality, many of these houses are still inhabited to this day.

Traveling to Japan in middle age, we now enjoy exploring more local and suburban areas rather than just shopping. 🆓 This time, starting from Nagoya, we took a small adventure to Takayama and Shirakawa-go to experience the romantic autumn scenery! November isn't the coldest yet, so no rush for hot springs. Wait until the snow blankets the area for a perfect visit! 🧊 From Takayama to Shirakawa-go, you can take the Nohi Bus (Platform 4), which takes only 50 minutes. During autumn, the mountains are covered in a mix of red and yellow leaves 🍁, creating a dreamy and romantic atmosphere! (Avoid Wednesdays as many places are closed.) Upon arriving at Shirakawa-go, the must-see attraction is the UNESCO World Heritage Gassho-zukuri houses! The ancient wisdom of using thatched roofs is truly impressive 🔝—thick yet breathable, odorless, and durable. Respect! If you don't have a full day to visit Shirakawa-go, consider heading to Hida Folk Village instead for a more relaxed experience and photo opportunities. 🆗 Hida Folk Village is super accessible: - Take the Nohi Bus from Platform 1, about 10-15 minutes. - Or take a taxi/walk, which takes about 30-40 minutes on foot. This is a paid cultural village that offers a glimpse into the ancient life of Hida. The Gassho-zukuri houses are well-maintained and picture-perfect, making it a paradise for photography enthusiasts 📸! Upon entry, you'll receive a map to plan your visit and enjoy the highlights at your own pace. Chill and take it all in! Useful Info: Hida Folk Village Address: 1 Chome-590 Kamiokamotomachi, Takayama, Gifu 506-0055, Japan Opening Hours: Year-round 08:30–17:00 Shirakawago Three Houses Address: Ogimachi, Shirakawa, Ono District, Gifu 501-5627, Japan If you love taking your time to explore and enjoy the scenery, this route is perfect for you! Take advantage of the dry autumn weather and capture the stunning fall foliage. 💕

#GetDiscountsWithoutLuck ✈️ Inviting you to Shirakawa-go Village 🏡, a World Heritage Site in Japan that feels like you've stepped into a fairytale! 🇯🇵 The Magic of Gassho-zukuri Houses Shirakawa-go, located in the mountains of Gifu Prefecture, is known for its unique traditional architecture: the traditional "Gassho-zukuri" houses, with their steep roofs resembling hands 🙏. These houses were cleverly designed to withstand heavy winter snowfall! Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995, it's a must-see destination in Japan! 📸 A unique and beautiful destination in every season! Shirakawa-go's beauty changes with the seasons, captivating visitors year-round: • 🌸 Spring: Lush green fields contrast with the vibrant colors of flowers and cherry blossoms. Enjoy the picturesque village views that brighten the winter. • ☀️ Summer: Enjoy a lush, green atmosphere, dotted with soothing green rice paddies. This is the perfect time to stroll around the village. • 🍁 Autumn: The village's scenery is saturated with orange, red, and yellow colors from the changing leaves, making it a truly beautiful and romantic time of year. • ❄️ Winter (Highlight!): The entire village is blanketed in pure white snow. 🌨️ The gassho-zukuri houses under the thick snow are a sight straight out of a postcard! Especially during the Light Up Festival, when each house is lit up at night, it's a sight you absolutely must see! ✨ 📍 Must-See Spots • Ogimachi Castle Viewpoint: The best spot for panoramic views of Ogimachi's main village, home to 59 houses. • Wada House: One of the largest and oldest gassho-zukuri houses open to the public. • Shirakawa Hachiman Shrine: The quiet village shrine. 🚌 Getting to Shirakawa-go This village is located in a remote area. But getting there isn't complicated: • From Nagoya: Take the train to Takayama, then take the Nohi Bus for about 50-60 minutes. • From Kanazawa: Take the bus for about 1 hour and 15 minutes. #Shirakawago #Shirakawago #WorldHeritage #WorldHeritageVillage #Japan #TravelJapan • #GasshoZukuri (for the houses with hands clasped together)

Today, we are visiting Gifu! We went during Valentine's Day, a time when the snow is thick and beautiful in Shirakawa-go village. It takes about 2.5 hours to travel from Nagoya. The atmosphere of this World Heritage site is truly stunning. ~~ Don't forget to try the ice cream! It's a delightful experience in the cold weather. In the evening, we visited Takayama village, an ancient Japanese village over 100 years old. This place is famous for Hida beef, a premium quality beef. We tried it, and it was fresh, tender, and absolutely delicious. Don't miss it!💕💕 The village closes at 5 PM, so make sure to go early.

#Shirakawago