Town in Gifu, Japan
Shirakawa-go
A UNESCO village of steep thatched farmhouses in a mountain valley, best as an early or late visit and an overnight stay. Day-trip crowds are heavy; services are few and winter is snowy.
At a glance
- Safety5/5Very safeDetails
- Monthly budget$1,770–2,660Comfortable, one person · ¥280,000–420,000Details
- Value for money50/100Better value than 49% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goFeb, May, Oct–NovWarmest: Aug, 28°CDetails
- Internet234 MbpsFixed broadband, Japan medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableSafe to drink; mountain water is clean and very cold.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: limitedDetails
- Getting aroundNohi Bus from TakayamaVery walkableDetails
- Cash or cardMostly cashCards work at some shops and cafés, but guesthouses, small stalls and parking often need cash.Details
Where to stay in Shirakawa-go
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Ogimachi | The main village: farmhouse stays, shops and viewpoints |
| Suganuma and Ainokura | Smaller, quieter gassho villages on the Gokayama side |
Apps that work in Shirakawa-go
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: LINE
- Visit Japan Web: Immigration and customs QR codes
- Suica or PASMO: Trains, buses and konbini payments
- Safety tips: Official quake, tsunami and weather alerts in English
- Taxis: No ride apps or street taxis. Book a taxi through your accommodation, or arrive on the reserved bus.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Japan.
- Mostly cash Cards work at some shops and cafés, but guesthouses, small stalls and parking often need cash. Bring yen from Takayama or Kanazawa.
- Currency: Yen (JPY). US$1 ≈ ¥157.82 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: 7-Eleven, Japan Post and AEON ATMs take foreign cards; ¥100,000 per withdrawal at 7-Eleven; small fee; decline currency conversion.
- Tipping: Not done and can confuse staff. Some restaurants add a 10% service charge, and izakaya often add a small seating charge (otoshi).
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay, Google Pay and contactless cards widely accepted; Suica or PASMO in Apple Wallet; PayPay shops take Alipay+ wallets.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Register on Visit Japan Web before flying to get immigration and customs QR codes instead of paper forms.
- JESTA, an online pre-travel authorization for visa-exempt visitors, is planned by fiscal 2028; it is not required yet.
- The International Tourist Tax rose to ¥3,000 per departure on 1 July 2026, normally included in airfares.
Emergency numbers
Police 110 · Ambulance 119 · Fire 119 · Tourist police 050-3816-2787
Plugs
Type A, B. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Data-only SIMs and eSIMs sold at airports and Bic Camera or Yodobashi, about ¥2,000–6,000; voice numbers need a residence card. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Japan
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.