Shirakawago & Gokayama, Japan - Links Travel & Tours

Shirakawago & Gokayama

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Why Shirakawago & Gokayama?

Charming traditional villages in the Japanese Alps

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the historic village of Shirakawago, near Takayama, is set amongst a picturesque patchwork of green rice fields, and is famous for the traditional Gassho-zukuri style houses with the iconic thatched roofs, some of which are more than 300 years old. There are a now small number of these traditional farmhouses in the area operating as Minshuku, or traditional Japanese guesthouses. Also nearby is the village of Gokayama, which is also home to some of the Gassho-zukuri style houses and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Shirakawago & Gokayama Highlights

Here we have selected a few of the sights and experiences that you really should see on a visit to Shirakawago & Gokayama.

Ogimachi Village

No visit to this area is complete without a trip to Ogimachi Village, which has the most Gassho-zukuri houses in Shirawakago.

Wada House

This well-preserved Gassho-zukuri house, gives visitors a glimpse of inside a traditional house. It was built during the Edo Period (1603–1868) and has been designated as an Important Cultural Property.

A selection of tours to Shirakawago & Gokayama

Japan Semi-Escorted Culture

Japan Heritage

Explore Japan’s classic sights, starting in the exciting capital city of Tokyo, famous for its fresh sushi.

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Japan Tailor Made Culture

Takayama, Shirakawago and Kanazawa

Enjoy a tour of the Japanese Alps, exploring Takayama’s historic Edo-period streets, discovering the traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses of Shirakawago, and admiring the exquisite gardens in Kanazawa.

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