Get an early start and head to the morning market, held everyday, rain or shine, along the Miya River and in front of Takayama Jinya. Peruse freshly picked vegetables and fruits, as well as homemade rice cakes and pickles, while chatting with the energetic folks who run these mom and pop operations.

This UNESCO World Heritage site consists of about 110 historical Gassho style houses which draw visitors from all over Japan and the world. The view from the ruins of Ogimachi Castle, which overlooks the village. Watching the community come together to change out the thatching of a Gassho house's roof is particularly moving.

An Important National Cultural Property, the Wada House is thought to have been erected in the mid-Edo period. The Wada family continues to live here and graciously invites guests to tour part of their historic home, including the hearth and Buddhist alter on the first floor and the second floor which features tools that were used in the Edo period.

Less than an hour from Shirakawago lies Gokayama in Toyama Pref., which for a long time was a very secluded, unexplored area of Japan.
Ainokura Village features about 20 Gasso houses. The village and its inhabitants offer a window to the traditional way of life, and visitors can enjoy beautiful views of the homes, rice paddies and culture of the village.