Kanazawa continues to attract visitors with its historic streets and cultural attractions. But in addition to its stay, the Gassho-zukuri village(合掌造り) of Shirakawa-go(白川郷), which can be visited a short distance from Kanazawa, is also a must-see destination for many tourists. Shirakawa-go is the perfect place for a day trip from Kanazawa, and its unique scenery and history will make your trip even more enjoyable.
Shirakawa-go is known for its Gassho-zukuri village, with its beautiful landscapes that can be described as the original landscape of Japan. These Gassho-zukuri houses are characterized by their unique architectural style, which arranges wooden beams in a steep triangular shape and their steeply pitched thatched roofs. These roofs are designed to withstand heavy snowfalls in winter, preventing the houses from collapsing under the weight of the snow. Such ingenuity is the fruit of many years of wisdom and skill of the people of Shirakawa-go.
In 1976, Shirakawa-go was selected as an Important Preservation Area for Groups of Traditional Buildings, and in 1995, together with Gokayama, it was inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. With this registration, Shirakawa-go became widely known both at home and abroad, and is visited by many tourists every year. In particular, the Gassho-zukuri village gives visitors the feeling of stepping back in time and provides a deep insight into Japanese rural culture and lifestyle.
One of the most famous villages in Shirakawa-go is Ogimachi(荻町集落) Village. This village is where people still actually live today, and visitors can get a sense of the history and culture that lives on today, rather than just as a tourist attraction. In Ogimachi Village, efforts continue to preserve the appearance of the private houses by adhering to the three principles of ‘do not sell, do not rent, and do not destroy’. This has ensured that the landscape of Shirakawa-go has remained unchanged and its value has been preserved.
The spirit of ‘Yui’(結い) is also valued in Shirakawa-go. ‘Yui’ means mutual support, and the people of Shirakawa-go, who have lived in a harsh natural environment for centuries, have always lived with a spirit of mutual help. For example, re-thatching the roofs of the Gassho-zukuri houses is carried out in cooperation with the entire village, and the wisdom and skills of the predecessors are passed on to the next generation. This kind of joint work is a valuable opportunity to remind us of the importance of people working together and helping each other, even in modern society.
Shirakawa-go is also a place where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the four seasons. In spring, the fresh green foliage is beautiful, while in summer the cool weather is relaxing. In autumn, the autumn leaves are magnificent, and in winter, the entire landscape is covered in snow, making it look like something out of a storybook. In winter, the snow-covered Gassho-zukuri houses are lit up, creating a magical atmosphere that attracts many tourists.
Access to Shirakawa-go from Kanazawa is very convenient. By public bus, it takes about one and a half hours to reach Shirakawa-go from the west exit of Kanazawa Station (Bus Stop #4). The fare is around 2000-4000 JPY(per person for one way), making it an easy one-day rounded trip. If you are visiting with a group of around 10-15 people, the use of a chartered bus is recommended (fare is around 105,000JPY for group). Using a chartered bus reduces the stress of traveling and allows you to adjust your travel schedule as you wish, making your trip more comfortable.
Chartered bus (Kanazawa – Shirakara-Go Rounded trip)
Staying in Kanazawa and visiting Shirakawa-go as a day trip from there is a great way to make the most of your time and enjoy the luxury of two different attractions at once – Kanazawa and Shirakawa-go. We invite you to experience the beauty of Shirakawa-go, where history and nature are in harmony, and to experience the unique local culture and lifestyle to create unforgettable memories.
Google map: Kanazawa station <–> Shirakawa-go
Bus reservation: Japan Bus Online
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