Top 10 Tourist Attractions & Best Things to Do in Shirakawa-Go, Japan

Shirakawago is the most iconic sightseeing spot in Gifu prefecture, and it is a popular vacation destination for both the locals and the tourists. Shirakawago accommodates many great sightseeing spots, and we have listed some of the best spots that are worth to stop by when visiting Shirakawago!

1. Wada House

Established 300 years ago, Wada House is one of the oldest and the most famous gassho village in Shirakawago.

Registered as a national important cultural assets, Wada House accommodates beautiful gardens and hedges that are worth to explore.

Wada House is a thatched-roof Gassho style house, that was registered as a national important cultural asset. Wadake accommodates beautiful gardens and hedges that preserves its original atmosphere.

It also has a storehouse and a bathroom that were also included as a national important cultural asset. Wada House still serves as a residence now, and you can see many lacquerware, agriculture tools, and manuscripts displayed all over the house!

2. Historic Village of Shirakawago

Historic Village of Shirakawago is an open-air museum preserving and exhibiting Shirakawago historical and important buildings, which some of them are registered as important cultural assets of Gifu prefecture and as World Heritage Sites.

Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture many gorgeous view of the nature and the historical buildings of Shirakawago!

3. Michinoeki Shirakawago

Michinoeki Shirakawago is a thatched-roof rest area that sells many local products and souvenirs of Shirakawago.

Michinoeki Shirakawago is one of the best spots in Shirakawago to dine in as well, as you can find many food stalls selling Gifu’s local delicacies.

You can also learn the ancient culture and the history of Gifu by exploring the area as well!

4. Hakusan Shirakawago White Road

Don’t forget to stop by the Hakusan Shirakawago White Road if you plan to visit Hakusan National Park!

Hakusan Shirakawa-go White Road is a driving route that connects you to Hakusan National Park, Kanazawa, Hakusan, Kaga Onsen, Historic Village of Shirakawago, and Hida Takayama.

Along this road, you will find many gorgeous seasonal sceneries that are only available within limited time each year!

5. Hakusan

Hakusan is one of the most famous mountains in Japan, and the most iconic symbol of Gifu prefecture as well!

Hakusan is one of the most gorgeous mountain in Japan, and it is always nice to visit the mountain in the winter for its breathtaking snow view.

Hakusan is also perfect for mountain climbing, and many mountain climbers visit Hakusan every year for its great scenery and nature!

6. Miboro Dam Side Park

Miboro Dam Side Park is one of the most famous sightseeing spots in Shirakawago. The park accommodates a rock-fill dam made of clay and rocks.

The dam operate as an electric power generation in the past, so Miboro Dam Side Park is a perfect spot for you to learn about the mechanism of Japanese power generation.

Children can also enjoy fun adventures at Miboro Dam Side Park as well!

7. Miboro Dam

Miboro Dam is an electric power generation that can be found in Miboro Dam Side Park.

Made of clay and rocks, Miboro Dam is a 131 meter high and 401 meter wide rock-fill dam. You can visit the dam to stare at its great architecture details, and you can also visit the Miboro Dam Side Park to learn about the history of the dam as well!

8. Shiramizu Waterfall

Shiramizu Waterfall is one of the most famous waterfalls in Japan, and it is located in Hakusan National Park. The waterfall is 72 meters high and 8 meters wide, and is designated as a natural monument of Gifu prefecture.

The waterfall is famous for its milky white water, which became the origin of its name as well. Famous for its fantastic scenery, why don’t you visit Shiramizu Waterfall when visiting Shirakawago?

9. Shirakawago Doburoku Festival Museum

Doburoku Festival Museum is the museum of Doburoku Festival, an annual autumn festival from late September to October in Shirakawago. The museum exhibits dolls and miniatures illustrating the rituals of the festival, and you can also watch video of the actual Doburoku Festival as well.

Located nearby the Shirakawa Hachimanjinja Shrine, you can also enjoy the scenic view of the shrine as well. The museum also offers free Doburoku sake tasting as well!

10. Ogimachi Castle Ruin Observation Area

Ogimachi Castle is one of the most important historical landmarks in Japan, and there are only few remains of the castle these days.

Registered as a World Heritage Site, Ogimachi Castle Ruin Observation Area offers you scenic views of the castle ruins, historic village of Shirakawa-go, and the Gassho-style houses. You can also enjoy the breathtaking view of Hakusanrenbo Mountain Range as well, which changes seasonally.

Offering tremendous views of four different area, why don’t you stop by this observatory when visiting Shirakawa-go?

Let’s Enjoy Best Tourist Attractions in Shirakawa-Go!

As we all know, Shirakawago is not just famous as the most iconic sightseeing spot in Gifu, but it is also famous for accommodating many awesome sightseeing spots and tourist destinations as well. Don’t forget to stop by one of these spots when visiting Shirakawago with your friends or family!