Destinations

Shirakawago

“Japan’s historical past is vividly brought to life in Shirakawa-go.  Among rows of exquisitely maintained thatched houses with a backdrop of beautiful forests, the locals seem unaware of their position in the world’s most technologically advanced country.”

Liam Chawdhary - Tour Leader

The tiny hamlets of Shirakawa-go are a must-see destination for those wanting to get to the heart of traditional Japan.  Hidden deep in the pine-covered mountains of Hakusan National Park, Shirakawa-go was once a refuge for the persecuted.  With techniques developed over generations, the villagers designed unique gassho-zukuri buildings: farmhouses, barns and sheds with steeply pitched thatched roofs designed to withstand the heavy winter snowfall.

Gassho¬-zukuri literally means “like praying hands” as the tall triangular roofs are said to resemble the hands of Buddhist monks pressed together in worship.  We think they look more like open books standing on their sides neatly lined up across the valley!  Historically, extended families of 20-30 people lived in these four storey buildings and made a living producing silk, with silk worms cultivated in the attic.  The houses were constructed without nails and were aligned on the same axis to maximise light and ventilation from the strong north-south wind.

Today the villages are a UNESCO World Heritage site as much for the surrounding natural beauty as the remaining 150 farmhouses; the only of their kind in Japan.

Most visitors bus in and out of Shirakawa-go for the day.  However the best way to truly experience this magical place is to spend the night in one of the farmhouses which are now run as minshuku by local families.  The accommodation is pretty basic with shared facilities, but guest numbers are small and the hearty food cooked over a traditional hearth or irori helps you to feel a part of this unique place.

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Products featuring Shirakawago...

Self Guided Adventure

Bear Watching & the Japanese Alps

Experience the best of Japan's natural beauty on this 13 night trip taking in the Japanese Alps, the World-Heritage Shirakawa-go village and the gardens, temples and crafts of Kanazawa, Kyoto and Takayama.

13 Nights: £1762

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Self Guided Adventure

Traditional Japan

Leave the bright lights and fast living behind and immerse yourself in the more traditional and laid-back side to Japan. This trip will take you off the beaten track and show you a very different Japan, away from the usual tourist haunts whilst also including the must-see cities of Tokyo and Kyoto.

14 Nights: £2160

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Self Guided Adventure

World Heritage

This 17 night journey takes in some of Japan’s finest World Heritage Sites, combining spectacular castles, ancient villages, beautiful gardens, mountain-top temple settlements and the history of Tokyo, Kyoto and Hiroshima to create a unique and comprehensive experience.

17 Nights: £2599

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