Shirakawa
Discover Shirakawa
Shirakawa (白河) is the southernmost city in Nakadori area of Fukushima prefecture, with a population of approximately 60,000 people. The city developed as a castle town at the border of the civilized Kanto region and the wilder Tohoku to the north. There is a park and a memorial at the site where the barrier gate (白河関, Shirakawa-no-seki) is believed to have been.
What to Experience in Shirakawa
Taste of Shirakawa...
Shirakawa is famous in the region for it's ramen noodles. There are claimed to be more than 100 ramen shops in the city. Shirakawa has several sake breweries, and it is possible to try local sake at one of the many izakaya (Japanese-style pubs) in town. Shirakawa has several hotels, mainly close to Shinshirakawa station. Shirakawa City Tourism Section 0248-22-1111 (Japanese only); Shirakawa City Office, 7-1 Hachiman-koji Shirakawa city. Japan Travel Phone is a service provided by the Japan National Tourist Office. They have English language operators from 09:00 to 17:00 daily. 0088-22-4800. Shirakawa is close to the ski and hot springs resorts of Hatoriko and Mount Jeans. Numerous restaurants, cafes, animal parks and theme parks are located in neighboring Nasu town, in Tochigi prefecture.
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsShirakawa is served by the Tohoku Shinkansen, which stops at Shinshirakawa station. The journey from Tokyo takes about 90 minutes and costs around ¥6000 one way. Shirakawa is also served by the Tohoku Main Line, which links Shinshirakawa station with Shirakawa station. By car, the trip from Tokyo to Shirakawa takes around three hours using the Tohoku expressway. JR Bus Tohoku has a regular highway bus service from Shinjuku which also serve Shirakawa, arriving and departing from the Nishigo (西郷) bus stop to the west of Shinshirakawa station. The journey costs ¥3600-\4050 one way, and takes three hours. Although Shirakawa is not a large city and a circuit of town can be completed in about an hour, it is best explored by car, bus or taxi. Bus stops and taxi stands are located outside both Shirakawa and Shinshirakawa station. There is a JR car rental office at Shinshirakawa station....
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
Although Shirakawa is not a large city and a circuit of town can be completed in about an hour, it is best explored by car, bus or taxi. Bus stops and taxi stands are located outside both Shirakawa and Shinshirakawa station. There is a JR car rental office at Shinshirakawa station. While Shirakawa does not have a lot of attractions, it is a pleasant rural city, close to several local attractions. (See the "Go next" section below). Daruma Ichi is held on the National Foundation Day (11th February) of each year. During this festival, daruma (traditional papier mache dolls) are sold in the streets of Motomachi. According to tradition (and the local sellers), a larger doll should be purchased each year. Chochin Matsuri (Lantern Festival) is held between September 13 and 15 of every second year, in odd-numbered years. A smaller festival is being trialled for intervening years.
Where to Stay
Shirakawa has several hotels, mainly close to Shinshirakawa station. Shirakawa City Tourism Section 0248-22-1111 (Japanese only); Shirakawa City Office, 7-1 Hachiman-koji Shirakawa city. Japan Travel Phone is a service provided by the Japan National Tourist Office. They have English language operators from 09:00 to 17:00 daily. 0088-22-4800. Shirakawa is close to the ski and hot springs resorts of Hatoriko and Mount Jeans. Numerous restaurants, cafes, animal parks and theme parks are located in neighboring Nasu town, in Tochigi prefecture.
Money & Budget
Shirakawa is famous in the region for it's ramen noodles. There are claimed to be more than 100 ramen shops in the city. Shirakawa has several sake breweries, and it is possible to try local sake at one of the many izakaya (Japanese-style pubs) in town. Shirakawa has several hotels, mainly close to Shinshirakawa station. Shirakawa City Tourism Section 0248-22-1111 (Japanese only); Shirakawa City Office, 7-1 Hachiman-koji Shirakawa city. Japan Travel Phone is a service provided by the Japan National Tourist Office. They have English language operators from 09:00 to 17:00 daily. 0088-22-4800. Shirakawa is close to the ski and hot springs resorts of Hatoriko and Mount Jeans. Numerous restaurants, cafes, animal parks and theme parks are located in neighboring Nasu town, in Tochigi prefecture.
Safety Information
Glimpses of Shirakawa
Shirakawa-go, the iconic Gassho-style village, is a picturesque sight during both summer and autumn. In summer, the traditional thatched-roof houses are surrounded by lush green rice fields, with the vibrant landscape set against the backdrop of towering mountains. As autumn approaches, the village transforms into a scene of stunning beauty, with the warm hues of red, orange, and yellow foliage enveloping the houses and hillsides. The seasonal contrasts highlight the timeless charm of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering a captivating glimpse into Japan's rural heritage
houses and rice paddies at the valley with river
a cabin in the middle of a snowy field
brown wooden house near snow covered mountain during daytime
Shirawa-go
a group of people walking down a snow covered road
Shirakawa-Go
an aerial view of a village in the mountains
brown wooden house on snow covered ground near mountain during daytime
a small village with a truck parked in the middle
Shirakawa-go, the iconic Gassho-style village, is a picturesque sight during both summer and autumn. In summer, the traditional thatched-roof houses are surrounded by lush green rice fields, with the vibrant landscape set against the backdrop of towering mountains. As autumn approaches, the village transforms into a scene of stunning beauty, with the warm hues of red, orange, and yellow foliage enveloping the houses and hillsides. The seasonal contrasts highlight the timeless charm of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering a captivating glimpse into Japan's rural heritage
houses and rice paddies at the valley with river
a cabin in the middle of a snowy field