Shirakawa-Go is a historic mountain village located in Gifu Prefecture, roughly in the center of Japan. What makes this remote village really special is that you can not only enjoy remarkable natural beauty, but also learn about the unique gassho-style of building, which has endured for centuries. The local tourist office will supply you with walking maps and recommendations for visiting the Ogi-machi UNESCO World Heritage Center, where you can see several of the famous gassho-style buildings dating back to the 1800s. Just 15 minutes away you can visit the Hirase hot spring area, where you can sample the Oshirakawa springs, which are rumored to restore youthful vitality to the skin. In addition, you can visit various interesting museums, temples, and beautiful outdoor areas for walking and hiking.
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Step 1: Visit the website and book directly and/or call ahead to confirm their hours.
Step 2: If you are spending the night, search for Hotel Deals nearby. Read the reviews, then call the hotel directly to book and ask for a romantic, kid-friendly or pet-friendly amenity if you need it.
Step 3: If you are flying, compare Flights. Book directly with the airline, add your frequent flier number and reserve your seat.
Step 4: Estimate your driving time using Google Maps (click the blue 'Directions' arrow in the search box).
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Read our Reservations & Travel Planning Tips guide.