최종 검수 완료 · 안내된 엔화(¥) 요금은 참고용입니다. · Prices are approximate and for orientation only.
Overview & City Profile
Shirakawa (白川村, Shirakawa-mura; lit. 'White River Village') is a village located in Ōno District, Gifu Prefecture, Japan. It is best known for being the site of Shirakawa-gō, a small, traditional village showcasing a building style known as gasshō-zukuri. Together with Gokayama in Nanto, Toyama, it is one of UNESCO's World Heritage Sites. As of 1 January 2019, the village had an estimated population of 1,630 in 588 households and a population density of 4.6 persons per km2.
Within Gifu Prefecture (Chubu region), Shirakawa-go (白川村) serves as a unesco heritage village in gifu prefecture. Travelers exploring Gifu often combine a stop in Shirakawa-go with regional highlights such as Preserved Edo streets of Takayama, UNESCO thatched farmhouses of Shirakawa-go, Gero Onsen (one of Japan's Three Famous Springs), Gifu Castle, Gujo Hachiman, and Magome-juku.
| 항목 | 상세 정보: Shirakawa-go (白川村) |
|---|---|
| 일본어 표기 | 白川村 (Shirakawa-go) |
| 행정 구역 지위 | UNESCO heritage village in Gifu Prefecture |
| Prefecture & Capital | Gifu Prefecture (Capital: Gifu) |
| 일본 지방 구분 | Chubu |
| 인구 | 1,511 residents |
| 총면적 / 인구밀도 | 356.64 km² · 4.2 people per km² |
| 시 승격 / 설립 | 1897-04-01 |
| 좌표 | 36.2709°N, 136.8986°E |
Getting to Shirakawa-go & Getting Around
Via the regional hub (Gifu Station, Gifu-Hashima (Shinkansen) & Takayama Station): 20m from Nagoya Station to Gifu on JR rapid trains; 2h 25m from Nagoya to Takayama on the scenic JR Limited Express Hida.
- Local rail & IC cards: Once in Gifu Prefecture, JR regional lines and local private railways connect Gifu with Shirakawa-go. Nationwide IC cards (Suica, Pasmo, Icoca) work on major urban and JR commuter gates; for rural branch lines or local buses, keep ¥1,000 bills and ¥100 coins handy for the onboard fare box.
- Luggage & station lockers: Main stations in Gifu have coin lockers for day-trippers. If you are stopping in Shirakawa-go en route between larger bases, check your suitcase dimensions in our Luggage & Locker Checker or forward big bags ahead with Takkyubin.
- Driving & car rental: While city centers around Shirakawa-go are accessible by train and taxi, renting a car from a major Shinkansen station or airport in Gifu can be rewarding for reaching mountain gorges, coastal viewpoints, and countryside onsen. Read our Renting a Car in Japan Guide.
Shirakawa-go & Gifu의 대표 음식 및 특산물
Shirakawa-go에서는 Gifu현과 Chubu 지방의 풍부한 미식 전통을 만날 수 있습니다. 방문 중 꼭 맛봐야 할 대표 특산물은 다음과 같습니다:
- Hida wagyu beef (nigiri, skewers,朴葉みそ hoba-miso on magnolia leaf) — a signature specialty across Gifu Prefecture.
- Takayama ramen — a signature specialty across Gifu Prefecture.
- Gohei mochi (walnut-miso grilled rice cakes) — a signature specialty across Gifu Prefecture.
- Ayu (sweetfish) from clear rivers — a signature specialty across Gifu Prefecture.
For dietary restrictions or food allergies, open our Japanese Phrasebook & Show-to-Staff Cards to display clear Japanese dietary explanations at restaurants in Shirakawa-go.
Best Time to Visit & Seasonal Highlights
April 14–15 & October 9–10 for the Takayama Festival; May–October for Gujo Odori & Nagara River cormorant fishing (ukai); Jan–Feb for snow-draped Shirakawa-go.
Regional highlights across Gifu Prefecture that pair well with a visit to Shirakawa-go include: Preserved Edo streets of Takayama, UNESCO thatched farmhouses of Shirakawa-go, Gero Onsen (one of Japan's Three Famous Springs), Gifu Castle, Gujo Hachiman, and Magome-juku.
Shirakawa-go 여행 실용 팁 및 주의사항
- Tourist information center (観光案内所): Look for the Kankō Annaijo counter at the regional hub (Gifu Station, Gifu-Hashima (Shinkansen) & Takayama Station) or major stations in Gifu Prefecture for free walking maps, bus timetables, and festival calendars.
- Cash & ATMs: While hotels, chain stores, and convenience stores in Shirakawa-go accept international cards and IC payment, smaller family-run restaurants, shrines, and rural buses often prefer cash. 7-Eleven (Seven Bank) and Japan Post ATMs accept foreign debit cards reliably.
- Dining hours: Outside major metropolitan hubs, lunch typically runs 11:30 AM–2:00 PM and dinner spots open around 5:30 PM, with earlier last orders (around 8:00–9:00 PM) in smaller cities.
자주 묻는 질문 (FAQ)
Where is Shirakawa-go (白川村) located in Japan?
Shirakawa-go (白川村) is a unesco heritage village located in Gifu Prefecture in the Chubu region of Japan (coordinates: 36.2709°N, 136.8986°E). It has a population of approximately 1,511 across an area of 356.64 km².
How do I get to Shirakawa-go by train?
Most visitors reach Shirakawa-go via the main prefectural gateway of Gifu Station, Gifu-Hashima (Shinkansen) & Takayama Station. 20m from Nagoya Station to Gifu on JR rapid trains; 2h 25m from Nagoya to Takayama on the scenic JR Limited Express Hida. From the regional hub, connect by JR local/rapid lines, private commuter railways, or local bus to Shirakawa-go. You can estimate long-distance rail costs using our Shinkansen Fare Calculator.
What local food is Shirakawa-go and Gifu known for?
In Shirakawa-go and across Gifu Prefecture, top local dishes include Hida wagyu beef (nigiri, skewers,朴葉みそ hoba-miso on magnolia leaf), Takayama ramen, Gohei mochi (walnut-miso grilled rice cakes), as well as Ayu (sweetfish) from clear rivers. Look for local ekiben (station bento boxes), morning markets, and family-run shokudo near the main station.
When is the best time of year to visit Shirakawa-go?
April 14–15 & October 9–10 for the Takayama Festival; May–October for Gujo Odori & Nagara River cormorant fishing (ukai); Jan–Feb for snow-draped Shirakawa-go. Check our Japan Seasonal Calendar to compare month-by-month weather and crowd levels.
Official sources & further reading
Rules, prices and schedules change. Confirm details here before you travel: