About Shirakawa Village

The Ogimachi district of Shirakawa Village, located in Gifu Prefecture, is an area that preserves the traditional Japanese rural landscape and was registered as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Historic Villages of Shirakawago and Gokayama" in 1995. The area is dotted with thatch-roofed gassho-zukuri houses, which have been part of Japanese farming culture since the Edo period.

Gassho-zukuri houses are characterized by their steeply pitched roofs, an architectural style unique to areas where heavy snowfall occurs in winter. The houses in the Ogimachi area attract tourists from all over the world with their beauty and functionality. Especially in winter, the scenery of snow and Gassho-zukuri houses is so beautiful that it seems as if one has wandered into a picture book, attracting many photographers and tourists.

One of the best places for sightseeing is the view from the "Shirakawa-go Observatory". From the observatory, you can see the entire Ogimachi district and enjoy beautiful scenery from season to season. The scenery is especially fantastic during the fall foliage season and winter lighting events.

The Ogimachi district is also home to important cultural properties such as the "Wada Family" and the "Nagase Family" where visitors can tour the interior of traditional houses. In these houses, visitors can learn more about the lifestyle and building techniques of the time, and will be impressed by the structure, function, and beautiful details of the gassho-style houses.

In addition, there are many workshops and events that allow visitors to experience the traditional culture of the region. For example, there are a variety of programs that allow visitors to learn hands-on, such as making local crafts and experiencing local cuisine. This allows visitors to better understand and enjoy the culture and traditions of Shirakawa-go.

The Ogimachi district of Shirakawa Village is an attractive tourist destination for its historical value, beautiful scenery, and rich cultural experiences. Visitors can spend a spiritually enriching time experiencing Japanese rural culture that has continued since the Edo period. When visiting Gifu, be sure to visit the Ogimachi district and enjoy its charms.