I visited Shirakawa-go and Takayama in Gifu Prefecture with my family.
Shirakawa-go
Our first stop was Shirakawa-go. Its gassho-zukuri village is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for around 100 large and small thatched gassho-zukuri farmhouses where people still live and work today.
The area also offers Hirase Onsen, a hot spring at the foot of Mt. Hakusan, and many other places where visitors can experience traditional wisdom and craftsmanship as well as the grandeur of nature.
Ogimachi Gassho Village
Ogimachi is located slightly north of the center of Shirakawa Village. The village stretches for about 1 km along the Shogawa River, and 114 gassho-zukuri houses still stand here. About 600 people still live in the village.
Once called one of the most remote places in Japan, this is one of the snowiest areas in the country. The steep thatched roofs of gassho-zukuri houses, shaped like hands pressed together in prayer, were created by our ancestors to withstand the heavy snow. The village shows a different, nostalgic face in every season.
Takayama
Takayama City, in the north of Gifu Prefecture, is the center of the Hida region and is often called “Hida Takayama.” It is a popular destination with an old townscape that keeps the atmosphere of a castle town, places to experience history and culture, and the great nature of the Northern Alps, including Mt. Yarigatake and Mt. Hotaka.
Takayama ramen
Takayama ramen is a soy sauce (shoyu) ramen with a very light, clear broth and thin curly noodles. I had ramen twice at two different shops. The taste was similar but slightly different, and both were delicious.
