Things to do in Takayama & Gifu
Shirakawa-go's steep thatched roofs exist because this valley gets buried in snow — the pitch sheds it. It is a UNESCO site and busy in daylight; people still live in the houses. Takayama, the nearest town of any size, has a preserved merchant quarter that is pleasant to walk in the early morning before the tour buses arrive.
2 places in Takayama & Gifu, covering neighbourhoods — each with opening hours, directions from the nearest station, and the official site.
All places
Shirakawa-go
Shirakawa-go is a UNESCO World Heritage village famous for its traditional farmhouses with steep thatched roofs called gassho-zukuri. The snow-covered village in winter looks like a scene from a fairy tale.
Takayama Old Town
Takayama's Sanmachi Suji district is a beautifully preserved Edo-period merchant town with sake breweries, craft shops, and traditional inns. The area is also famous for its stunning spring and autumn festivals.
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