Season Guide
Spring in Shirakawa-go
Spring in Shirakawa-go offers beautiful scenery with the remnants of snow melting, green shoots emerging, and sometimes cherry blossoms blooming. Here are some travel tips that we have provided:
Weather
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It’s worth noting that Shirakawa-go is located in the mountainous region of Gifu Prefecture, so temperatures tend to be cooler than other lowland areas in Japan during the same time of year.
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Humidity: As the snow melts, humidity increases.
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Wind: Because of its location in a mountain valley, Shirakawa-go can be windy, making temperatures feel colder than they actually are.
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Shirakawa-go, being in the mountains, has a transitional spring season with varying temperatures.
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March: Still very cold and predominantly snowy, often resembling winter. Temperatures often dip below zero at night, and thick snow can still cover the village.
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April: The snow begins to melt significantly, making the roads muddy. Temperatures start to rise during the day, but the nights are still cool. You’ll notice the contrast between the remaining snow on the mountains and the green shoots emerging in the village.
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May: The snow has mostly cleared from the village, replaced by lush greenery. Temperatures are much more comfortable, making it an ideal time to explore the village without worrying about snow.
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Activities
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Panoramic View: Visit the Shiroyama Observatory to see the entire village of Ogimachi with its distinctive gassho-zukuri houses, especially when the snow melts and green shoots emerge.
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Explore Ogimachi Village: Walk between the Wada House & Kanda House (museum) as well as Myozenji Temple and the Gassho-zukuri Minkaen Outdoor Museum to appreciate the unique architecture.
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Enjoy the Spring Landscape: Witness the contrast between the remaining snow and the green shoots, and perhaps some cherry blossoms that bloom only in late April.
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Local Cuisine: Try Hida Beef, Gohei Mochi
Tips & Tricks
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Layers: Wear comfortable, waterproof layers. Temperatures can vary greatly between day and night, and in early spring, you may still encounter melting snow or rain.
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Book Early: If you want to stay in a traditional gassho-zukuri house (minshuku), book well in advance as they are limited. Bus tickets, especially from Takayama or Kanazawa, are also best booked in advance, especially during the holidays.
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Comfortable & Waterproof Shoes: Make sure you wear comfortable, waterproof shoes as the roads can be muddy or slippery due to melting snow.
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Respect the Environment: Shirakawa-go is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a vibrant community. Keep it clean and respect the privacy of the locals.
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Have a Camera: The scenery in Shirakawa-go is incredibly photogenic, especially with the contrast between the remaining snow, the green shoots, and the traditional houses.