Shirakawago from tokyo

Shirakawa-go is a place someone like me—someone who “knows better”—shouldn’t like very much. Although formerly off Japan’s beaten path, it’s now one of the most crowded places in the country, certainly relative to its remote location.

(Yet I find myself returning to the town often, and loving it more every time I do.

In fact, now having come in autumn, winter and summer, I’m plotting a return next spring to complete the circle of seasons.)

Is Shirakawa-go worth visiting?

Shirakawa-go

Absolutely, even if you’ve held off on doing so because you believe you wouldn’t enjoy. I hope you’ll continue reading to learn why I feel this way.

Shirakawa-go is an Unlikely Tourist Trap

According to legend, Shirakawa-go (and similar villages nearby) were effectively cut off from the world for many centuries, due to their location deep in the Japanese Alps.

While I’m skeptical about how much this was true—Japan itself was cut off from the world for most of the Tokugawa era; I think this was the real issue—the fact rema

where to stay near shirakawago

shirakawa summer