Shirakawa-go is a small traditional Japanese village located in Gifu prefecture. The site was designated as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. Building seen in this small mountain village is a style known as gassho-zukuri, thatched roof houses, designed to withstand the heavy snow that covers this region during the winter.
The light-up of Shirakawa-go is very famous because the dates are limited and the village covered in heavy snow creates a spectacular atmosphere.
Because Shirakawa-go is located in the mountains, it is best to use a bus to get there. Especially during the snowy winter season, the drive could be difficult. In addition, the parking is closed to private cars during the light-up event. Consider using a tour bus, or simply a chartered bus from JR Takayama or Kanazawa station.
Light-up schedule for 2015:
- January 17, 2015 (Sat)
- January 24, 2015 (Sat)
- January 25, 2015 (Sun)
- January 31, 2015 (Sat)
- February 1, 2015 (Sun)
- February 7, 2015 (Sat)
- February 14, 2015 (Sat)
(Light-up duration: 5:30pm-7:30pm)
Useful sites on Shirakaga-go:
http://shirakawa-go.org/en/
http://travel.kankou-gifu.jp/en/see-and-do/2/
The post Traveling in Japan: Shirakawa-go, the World Heritage Site in the deep mountains appeared first on YUNOMI.
