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Shirakawa-go

Shirakawa-go 1
Travel Info
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Travel Info

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Shirakawa-go Weather, Climate and Best Time to Visit

Data source：Meteostat
Update date：2025-09

Shirakawa-go year round climate

  • Spring (March–May): 5–15°C on average, mild and rainy, with sometimes large temperature differences. Cherry blossoms occasionally bloom from late March to early April. Common activities: Admire Shirakawa-go's Gassho-style farmhouses, experience traditional crafts. Recommended clothing: Light jacket, long-sleeved shirt, comfortable shoes.
  • Summer (June–August): 20–25°C on average, hot and humid, with heavier rainfall, especially in July. Common activities: Visit Shirakawa-go Ogimachi Castle Ruins, play in nearby streams (exercise caution). Recommended clothing: Light and breathable clothing, sun hat, rain gear.
  • Autumn (September–November): 8–23°C on average, comfortable weather, but with larger temperature differences between morning and evening, rainfall gradually decreases. Shirakawa-go's autumn scenery is also quite beautiful. Common activities: Leaf viewing, experience local cuisine. Recommended clothing: Comfortable long-sleeved shirts, light jacket, warm clothing.
  • Winter (December–February): -1–8°C on average, cold and dry, with occasional snowfall. Shirakawa-go's Gassho-style village is even more charming under the snow. Common activities: Experience the snowy scenery, soak in hot springs, visit the Shirakawa-go Historical Village Museum. Recommended clothing: Warm jacket, hat, scarf, gloves, waterproof and warm shoes.

Shirakawa-go climatological average

Annual average temperature: approx. 12°C / Annual rainfall: approx. 1883 mm / Summer humidity: 70%–80% / Rainiest month: July

Shirakawa-go monthly average temperature and precipitation

Month
Air temperature (°C)
Precipitation (mm)
January
-1.1°C
85.6
February
0.4°C
85.1
March
5°C
159.9
April
12.1°C
174.3
May
15.2°C
216.8
June
20.1°C
213.6
July
24.7°C
222.8
August
25.1°C
145.9
September
22.8°C
218.2
October
13.9°C
160.6
November
8.3°C
123.2
December
1.8°C
77.8

Shirakawa-go weather for the next seven days

12/15
Monday
Moderate or heavy snow showers
-4.1°C/-14.6°C
12/16
Tuesday
Moderate or heavy snow showers
-1°C/-14.7°C
12/17
Wednesday
Light sleet
-1.6°C/-7°C
12/18
Thursday
Light freezing rain
-0.4°C/-9.5°C
12/19
Friday
Sunny
3.1°C/-9.5°C
12/20
Saturday
Light freezing rain
3.8°C/-6.9°C
12/21
Sunday
Heavy rain
7.1°C/2.6°C

Shirakawa-go Frequently Asked Questions and Useful Information for Travel

Why is Shirakawa-go so famous?

Shirakawa-go is renowned for its exceptionally preserved traditional Gassho-zukuri farmhouses. These homes feature steep, thatched roofs built to withstand heavy snowfall. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995, the village attracts visitors eager to experience its timeless, picturesque landscape and rich cultural heritage. The unique Gassho-zukuri architecture, meaning 'constructed like hands in prayer,' is a defining characteristic, built without nails from local wood and straw to facilitate snow shedding. Historically, the multi-level interiors were vital for silkworm farming and mulberry leaf storage.

Is 2 hours enough time to visit Shirakawa-go?

If you are not staying overnight, dedicating between 3 to 4 hours to Shirakawa-go allows ample time to explore the village and enjoy a meal at a relaxed pace. This duration also makes it feasible to combine a visit to Shirakawa-go with another nearby activity.

Are there bears in Shirakawa-go?

There have been reports of bear activity in the Shirakawa-go area, including sightings and instances of injury. Officials have responded to these concerns by implementing safety measures such as closing certain walking trails to the observatory. Visitors are advised to be aware of their surroundings.

What part of Japan is Shirakawa-go located in?

Shirakawa-go is a historic mountain village situated in the Hida region of Gifu Prefecture, central Japan. It is known for its traditional Gassho-zukuri farmhouses and was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its well-preserved architecture designed to cope with the region's heavy snowfall. While not directly served by a railway, the village is conveniently accessible by direct bus services from cities like Takayama and Kanazawa.

What are the key features of Gassho-zukuri architecture in Shirakawa-go?

The Gassho-zukuri farmhouses in Shirakawa-go are distinguished by their distinctive steeply pitched thatched roofs, resembling hands in prayer. These roofs are ingeniously constructed without nails, using local wood and straw to allow heavy snow to slide off easily, a crucial design for the snowy climate of go. The spacious interiors were historically utilized for silkworm cultivation and the storage of mulberry leaves, which were integral to the region's economy.