What is the best time to visit Shirakawa-go?

The four seasons at Shirakawa-go are; Spring (March – May) – cherry blossoms & rice paddies, Summer (June – August) – lush green trees, Fall sees festivals and vivid colors of the changing leaves, Winter features beautiful snowscapes. The most popular seasons for tourism are May, August, September, and October.

Is there snow in Shirakawa-go in December?

In Shirakawa-go, it begins to snow from around late December. In Shirakawa-go, snow falls from around late December until early March. You can enjoy the winter scenery of the snow covered gassho style village together with a backdrop of brilliant white mountains.

How do I get to Shirakawa go?

The fastest connection between Tokyo and Shirakawa-go is by Hokuriku Shinkansen and bus via Toyama: Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo to Toyama (130-170 minutes, around 13,000 yen one way) and transfer to the bus to Shirakawa-go (1.5 hours, 1730 yen one way, see timetable).

What does Shirakawa mean?

Shirakawa (written 白川 or 白河; “white river”) is a Japanese surname.

What are the coldest months in Japan?

Tokyo has a humid, subtropical climate with warm summers and cool winters, that can occasionally be very cold. The warmest month is August, when temperatures hover around 80 degrees Fahrenheit (26 degrees Celsius), while the coldest month is January, averaging just 41 degrees Fahrenheit (5 degrees Celsius).

Can I use JR pass to Shirakawa-go?

The JR Pass covers the train to each of these cities but the bus to Shirakawa-go is not included in the JR Pass. Since getting to Shirakawa-go takes a good bit of transport, we recommend combining a visit with a stay at any of these cities, all are well worth a visit on their own.

How old is Shirakawa-go?

Gassho style houses were built in Shirakawa-go and Gokayama from around 1800 until the early 1900s. The old buildings are said to have stood for over 300 years.

How old is shirakawago?

Why is Shirakawa go Famous?

Declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1995, they are famous for their traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, some of which are more than 250 years old. Gassho-zukuri means “constructed like hands in prayer”, as the farmhouses’ steep thatched roofs resemble the hands of Buddhist monks pressed together in prayer.

How cold is Japan in November?

Fall Weather and Temperatures in Japan In November, afternoon temperatures are about 14ºC to 18ºC (57°F to 64°F) while morning and evening temperatures are 7ºC to 12ºC (45°F to 54°F). Although typhoons may occur between September to mid-October, the weather is comparatively comfortable in autumn.

What is the nicest month in Japan?

The best time to visit Japan is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). This is when Japan is at its most vibrant, with delicate cherry blossom or bright red leaves adding contrast to the scenery. Remember, it can also be very crowded at this time.

How do you get around Shirakawa-go?

By shinkansen and bus via Toyama The fastest connection between Tokyo and Shirakawa-go is by Hokuriku Shinkansen and bus via Toyama: Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo to Toyama (130-170 minutes, around 13,000 yen one way) and transfer to the bus to Shirakawa-go (1.5 hours, 1730 yen one way, see timetable).