Murakami House
Shirakawa-go, Japan • 
Underrated
Underrated
Best months to visit
Jan, Feb, Apr
-5°C – 2°C, cold with heavy snowfall; temperatures range from -5°c to 2°c, high crowds, peak season
-5°C – 2°C, cold with heavy snowfall; temperatures range from -5°c to 2°c, high crowds, peak season
Walking required
Yes
Not wheelchair-friendly; walking and stairs involved.
Not wheelchair-friendly; walking and stairs involved.
Value for money
Medium
Admission price is reasonable for the cultural experience.
Admission price is reasonable for the cultural experience.
C
Reviews from other travelers
Summarised by AI
Romantic Setting
Couples found the historical homes and serene setting perfect for a romantic getaway.
Authentic Culture
Visitors felt immersed in the traditional Japanese culture. Very intimate and memorable.
Beautiful Scenery
The snow-covered houses create a breathtaking, picturesque backdrop for couples.
Mobility Issues
Couples with mobility issues found the stairs and uneven terrain challenging.
Limited Privacy
Some couples felt the museum's layout offered limited opportunities for privacy.
Cold Weather
Travelers found the cold weather and potential snow to be a concern.
How to book
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
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Tuesday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Wednesday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Thursday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Friday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Saturday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Sunday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
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
MEDIUM
-10--1°C
December is characterized by cold temperatures and moderate snowfall, with an average temperature of -5°C and snow covering the village, creating a picturesque winter landscape.
December is characterized by cold temperatures and moderate snowfall, with an average temperature of -5°C and snow covering the village, creating a picturesque winter landscape.
Open
Early reservations are recommended, especially for late December, as accommodations can fill up quickly during the holiday season.
Early reservations are recommended, especially for late December, as accommodations can fill up quickly during the holiday season.
Recommended
December transforms Shirakawa-go into a winter wonderland, attracting visitors eager to experience the snow-covered Gassho-style houses. While the scenery is breathtaking, the increased tourist activity and higher prices during the holiday season should be considered when planning a visit.
December transforms Shirakawa-go into a winter wonderland, attracting visitors eager to experience the snow-covered Gassho-style houses. While the scenery is breathtaking, the increased tourist activity and higher prices during the holiday season should be considered when planning a visit.
January
HIGH
-5-2°C
Cold with heavy snowfall; temperatures range from -5°C to 2°C.
Cold with heavy snowfall; temperatures range from -5°C to 2°C.
Open
Limited availability; early booking recommended.
Limited availability; early booking recommended.
Recommended
January offers a picturesque snowy landscape with traditional gassho-style houses blanketed in snow. The winter illumination events attract many visitors, making it a peak season. Accommodations and tours should be booked well in advance.
January offers a picturesque snowy landscape with traditional gassho-style houses blanketed in snow. The winter illumination events attract many visitors, making it a peak season. Accommodations and tours should be booked well in advance.
February
HIGH
-4-3°C
Cold with frequent snowfall; temperatures range from -4°C to 3°C.
Cold with frequent snowfall; temperatures range from -4°C to 3°C.
Open
Limited availability; early booking recommended.
Limited availability; early booking recommended.
Recommended
February continues the winter charm with snow-covered landscapes and ongoing illumination events. It's a peak season with high tourist numbers, so advance reservations are essential.
February continues the winter charm with snow-covered landscapes and ongoing illumination events. It's a peak season with high tourist numbers, so advance reservations are essential.
March
MEDIUM
0-10°C
Cool with occasional rain; temperatures range from 0°C to 10°C.
Cool with occasional rain; temperatures range from 0°C to 10°C.
Open
More availability compared to peak winter months.
More availability compared to peak winter months.
Recommended
March marks the transition from winter to spring. While snow may still be present early in the month, it gradually melts away. Tourist numbers decrease, offering a more relaxed experience.
March marks the transition from winter to spring. While snow may still be present early in the month, it gradually melts away. Tourist numbers decrease, offering a more relaxed experience.
How to get there
Bus
Recommended
Buses from Takayama, Kanazawa, Nagoya, and Toyama arrive at the Shirakawa-go Bus Terminal, a short walk from Murakami House.
Walking
Recommended
The village is pedestrian-friendly, and Murakami House is reachable on foot from the bus terminal or parking areas.
Car
Cars can access Shirakawa-go via the Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway and park at the Seseragi Park Parking Lot, followed by a walk across the Deai Bridge to the village.
Shuttle
A shuttle bus is available within the village, primarily to the Ogimachi Castle Observation Deck.
Taxi
Taxis are available but may be limited and cannot enter the main village during restricted hours.
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