Visit UNESCO World Heritage Village of Shirakawa-go
Takayama, Japan • 
Popular
PopularRecommended for Guided tour
Best months to visit
Jan, Feb, May
-5°C – 4°C, january in shirakawa-go is characterized by cold temperatures and significant snowfall, creating a picturesque winter landscape, high crowds, peak season
-5°C – 4°C, january in shirakawa-go is characterized by cold temperatures and significant snowfall, creating a picturesque winter landscape, high crowds, peak season
Walking required
Yes
Uneven terrain; not wheelchair accessible; walking required.
Uneven terrain; not wheelchair accessible; walking required.
Value for money
Medium
Admission fees are reasonable, but transport costs add up.
Admission fees are reasonable, but transport costs add up.
Highlights we curated for you
See what similar travellers think of this activity
C
Reviews from other travelers
Summarised by AI
Romantic Getaway
Couples loved the picturesque setting and tranquil atmosphere. Perfect for photos!
Breathtaking Beauty
Visitors felt the village was a fairytale. Very romantic and a must-see for couples.
Cultural Immersion
Couples enjoyed exploring the historic homes, gaining insight into the past.
Crowded Experience
Travelers found it crowded, especially on weekends. Hard to enjoy the intimacy.
Time Consuming
Couples noted the travel time to reach the village made it a long day trip.
Limited Privacy
With many tourists, couples found it hard to find quiet, private moments.
How to book
Recommended to book a few days in advance.
ViatorRECOMMENDED
Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Access
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
2h - 3h
4.8
from
USD 45
per_person
BOOK
GetyourguidePremium Experience with Hotel Pickup
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before
4h - 5h
4.9
from
USD 70
per_person
BOOK
KlookPrivate Full-Day Tour
Non-refundable
8h - 10h
5.0
from
USD 120
per_person
BOOK
Hours of operation
Monday
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Tuesday
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Wednesday
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Thursday
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Friday
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Saturday
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Sunday
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
In-depth experience
May contain spoilers
Watch curated videos from fellow travellers for a glimpse of what to expect.
Discover the food-lover's paradise in Shirakawa-go, your ultimate guide.
Uncover the wonders of Shirakawa-go with this travel guide.
Embark on a captivating virtual journey through the enchanting Shirakawa-go.
When to visit
We've analysed user reviews and geographical data, and identified the best and worst months to visit.
Month
Crowd Level
Weather
Availability
Our recommendation
December
LOW
2-10°C
December brings cold temperatures with average highs around 10°C and lows near 2°C. Snowfall is common, transforming the village into a winter wonderland.
December brings cold temperatures with average highs around 10°C and lows near 2°C. Snowfall is common, transforming the village into a winter wonderland.
Open
Accommodations are more readily available; however, some businesses may have reduced hours or closures during the holiday season.
Accommodations are more readily available; however, some businesses may have reduced hours or closures during the holiday season.
Recommended
December offers serene snowy landscapes and a peaceful atmosphere. Ensure to dress warmly and check for any seasonal closures or reduced services.
December offers serene snowy landscapes and a peaceful atmosphere. Ensure to dress warmly and check for any seasonal closures or reduced services.
January
HIGH
-5-4°C
January in Shirakawa-go is characterized by cold temperatures and significant snowfall, creating a picturesque winter landscape.
January in Shirakawa-go is characterized by cold temperatures and significant snowfall, creating a picturesque winter landscape.
Open
Advance reservations are required for the Winter Light-Up events; some accommodations may be fully booked.
Advance reservations are required for the Winter Light-Up events; some accommodations may be fully booked.
Recommended
January offers a unique opportunity to experience the village's traditional gasshō-zukuri houses illuminated against the snowy backdrop. Ensure to book accommodations and event tickets well in advance.
January offers a unique opportunity to experience the village's traditional gasshō-zukuri houses illuminated against the snowy backdrop. Ensure to book accommodations and event tickets well in advance.
February
HIGH
-5-5°C
February continues to be cold with frequent snowfall, maintaining the village's winter charm.
February continues to be cold with frequent snowfall, maintaining the village's winter charm.
Open
Advance reservations are required for the Winter Light-Up events; some accommodations may be fully booked.
Advance reservations are required for the Winter Light-Up events; some accommodations may be fully booked.
Recommended
February's snowy scenery and illuminated events provide a magical experience. Early planning is essential due to high demand.
February's snowy scenery and illuminated events provide a magical experience. Early planning is essential due to high demand.
March
MEDIUM
-2-10°C
March sees a gradual warming trend with melting snow and the onset of early spring.
March sees a gradual warming trend with melting snow and the onset of early spring.
Open
Some winter-specific attractions may close as the snow melts.
Some winter-specific attractions may close as the snow melts.
Recommended
March offers a transition from winter to spring, with fewer crowds and the chance to witness the village's changing landscape.
March offers a transition from winter to spring, with fewer crowds and the chance to witness the village's changing landscape.
How to get there
Bus
Recommended
Car
Taxi
Additional info
Here's what you need to know about this experience
Mobility
Wheelchair Accessible
Walking Required
Stairs Present
Seating Available
Flat Terrain
Hiking Required
Elevator Available
Mobility Scooter Friendly
Ramps Available
Pregnancy
Suitable for pregnancy
Allowed during pregnancy
Pets
Pets not allowed
Driving
Driving License Required
Idp Required