Shirakawago is located in the northwest of Gifu prefecture. This quiet village, surrounded by mountains and rice-fields is best known for its gassho-zukuri houses. Gassho-zukuri is a traditional building style featuring steep thatched roofs designed to withstand heavy snow. In order to preserve these houses, the whole village of Shirakawa-go was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995.

Many of the gassho-zukuri farmhouses are now minshuku or family run inns where you can enjoy a home cooked meal and stay in a bit of history.