Snapshot Japan: Takayama and Shirakawa-go

Snapshot Japan: Takayama and Shirakawa-go by nina_theevilone
Snapshot Japan: Takayama and Shirakawa-go, a photo by nina_theevilone on Flickr.

I learned about these places from Ivan, who visited in 2011. I knew as soon as I saw his pictures that it should be added to my Japan itinerary.

Fast forward to 2012, after a long time in transit (16 hours, 5 trains), I found myself in Takayama. It’s a small city, very walkable. Just the way I like it. Ten minutes from the hostel are heritage houses, museums, shrines and temples.

Fifty minutes by bus sits Shirakawa-go, a Unesco World Heritage Site in the mountains of Gifu. Here, you’ll see gassho-zukuri farmhouses, some more than 250 years old.

Like in Takayama, it’s a pleasure to stroll through the small streets of Shirakawa-go, taking in the sights and savoring the peace and quiet. That is, until the next noisy pack of tourists pass by.

Great hotel deals in Takayama via Agoda



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11 responses to “Snapshot Japan: Takayama and Shirakawa-go”

  1. Ivan Avatar

    Yey! You visited! Really nice right? ๐Ÿ˜€

    1. nina Avatar

      Very nice! Super laid back pa

  2. dementedchris Avatar

    This place is exactly what I’d wish to see if I were there. Glad you visited, Nina, and I hope you’ll tell me more the next time we meet ๐Ÿ™‚

    1. nina Avatar

      Chris! You’d have to visit this place. Even the train ride over is very nice! Super gorgeous views.

  3. Lane Avatar

    The photo is amazing! It’s like I was instantly transported to yesteryears and imagining myself walking the streets with samurais just a short distance away from me (Probably watched one anime too many). Do they have any specialty cuisine in the area? I’m considering including this place in my itinerary.

  4. Jenn Avatar

    Wow looks like a remarkable old town. Japan is one country I would love to visit… too many places, so little time. ๐Ÿ™‚ I don’t know when but I will get there one of these days. Looking forward to more info from you.

  5. Nikko Avatar

    You present the place just the way I like it.

  6. Nikko Avatar

    Japan looks like an old town,but it is very good to look at. It reminds me of a historical place that is worth remarkable. How come you had done that blog?

  7. anncash Avatar

    What a beautiful and peaceful place. Love to look at place like this hope to find one in the Philippines soon.

  8. sensible 'ol me Avatar
    sensible ‘ol me

    I love Shirakawa-go. I’ve been there twice: once in spring and once in winter, where we almost got trapped by the horrendous snowfall and contemplated who of us should be sacrificed as food if 12 hours pass and we’re still in the bus station. The Chinese tourists beside us were mortified at our conversation.

  9. […] It may be spring down in Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo, but in Hokkaido and the Gifu Prefecture, it’s still winter. Or at the very least, cold and snowy. It was my first encounter with […]

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