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Perhaps the greatest draw to Japan is the country's history and culture, which is often seen as mystical in the West. One of the best places to learn about the traditional history of Japan is the Historic Villages of Shirakawa-gō and Gokayama. It is the sort of place that may make people feel like they are in the romanticized 2003 movie The Last Samurai starring Tom Cruise (which was actually filmed in New Zealand).

After having been closed for a couple of years for the Covid pandemic, Japan is finally reopening once again. Japan is a famously traditional country and learning some basics of Japanese and Japanese customs are helpful when visiting the country. Travel to Japan and glimpse a life that is still preserved from long ago - long before there was anime or Toyotas.

Japan's Romantic Historic Villages Of Shirakawa-gō

The Historic Villages of Shirakawa-gō (白川郷, "White River Old-District") and Gokayama (五箇山, "Five Mountains") are one of Japan's UNESCO World Heritage Sites and are made up of three historic mountain villages. They are located in the remote Shogawa river valley on the border of the Gifu and Toyama Prefectures in the center of Japan.

  • Villages: Ogimachi Village, Ainokura Village, Suganuma Village

The villages are heavily forested and have national parks like the Hakusan National Park and the Amo Prefectural Nature Park. Here, nature has remained undisturbed for many years.

One of the other attractions in the area is the Hirase hot spring village. The hot spring waters are drawn from Mt. Haku - one of Japan's three famous mountains. The fabled dermatological benefits of the springs draw many visitors.

Related: The Do's And Don'ts Of Preparing For A Trip To Japan

Snowfall & Architecture Of Shirakawa-gō

As it is in the center and mountainous region of Japan, this area receives considerable snowfall (this region experiences some of Japan's heaviest snowfall). The architecture of the farmhouses is designed to shield the buildings from the snow of winter. The architectural style is called gassho-zukuri - meaning "constructed like hands in prayer." Some farmhouses are more than 250 years old.

  • Age: Around 200 Years Old

The area has been described as an "isolated island" due to becoming snowed in for much of the year.

  • Snowfall: Around 2 to 3 Meters (or 6 to 10 feet) Between December and March

The roofs are made without nails, and the attic space was used for cultivating silkworms. In their day, silk and gunpowder were produced in the region (unlike what one may have seen in The Last Samurai, the Japanese long since used guns). The current form of the village date from around 1800.

Related: This Is Why So Many People Are Falling In Love With Kyoto, Japan

Planning A Visit & A Stay In The Historic Villages Of Shirakawa-gō

The villages can be reached by public transportation (as much of Japan can be). Directions and advice on getting to the villages are on the villages of Shirakawa-gō website. Also, keep in mind while these villages are UNESCO listed, they are also often private homes and private property. Respect people's homes and private spaces.

Perhaps the best way to explore Shirakawa-gō is with a locally guided tour. There are plenty of tour guides offering their services in the area.

There are over 40 inns and guesthouses where one can stay in Shirakawa-gō in the traditional Japanese homes and structures. In some of these accommodations, visitors can enjoy the simple practicality of ancient Japanese life. Stay in traditional gassho-style guesthouses with their rustic roof beams, tatami flooring, and traditional sunken hearths. Not that not all accommodations will speak or be able to respond in English.

  • Accommodation: Over 40 Choices Of Accommodation

Additionally, forgo the hotdogs and hamburgers for a while and enjoy the traditional regional cuisine of Shirakawa-gō.

What Season To Visit Shirakawa-gō

The Historic Villages of Shirakawa-gō can be visited at any time of the year. Go in the spring (March to May), and one may be rewarded with cherry blossoms and rice paddies. In the Summer (June to August), the area is lush green. Come the fall, visitors will see the stunning Japanese vivid colors of the autumn foliage. Finally, the winter brings snowscapes and an idyllic setting.

  • Most Popular Times: May, August, September, October

Perhaps the most mystical time to visit is the winter. Remember to dress warmly in snow boots. Could one think of a more mystical and idyllic place to spend Christmas or New Year?