Ogimachi village - Shirakawa-go | Japan
Ogimachi (荻町) is the largest village and main attraction of Shirakawa-go. Declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1995, the village is home to several dozen well preserved gassho-zukuri farmhouses, some of which are more than 250 years old.
The farmhouses are quite amazing structures, designed to withstand the harsh winters while providing a place to work and live, and are best seen either covered in snow or surrounded by green fields.
The historic villages of Shirakawago and Gokayama are UNESCO World heritage sites which is located across the border of Gifu and Toyama prefecture in Central Japan. With its very traditional appearance, now Shirakawago and the surrounding area has became one of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan. The village can be visited all year round and it displays the stunning scenery in each season. In case you are wondering which season is the best to visit Shirakawago, today, I’d like to briefly introduce the best time to visit Shirakawago with some information
Ogimachi village - Shirakawa-go in Japan
Ogimachi Village is considered the largest village in Shirakawa-Go. If you walk up to the observatory, you can see the entire village. The walk to the observatory isn't too difficult and won't take you more than 20 minutes.
Many of the farmhouses are now restaurants, museums or minshuku, where you can stay overnight.
The village is as beautiful as the photos when it is snowing in the winter. At daytime, the tourists are overwhelming. I would recommend to spend a night here so that you are able to explore the areas after the last buses for the tourists have left and in early morning before the first buses arrive.
It takes about 30 minutes walk to the observatory as well as to the 3 houses often featured in the the photos, but they are at opposite side of the village.
A number of farmhouses from the surrounding villages have been relocated to an open air museum across the river from the town center in an effort to save them from destruction. This museum along with the large concentration of farmhouses and attractions in town and the area's accessibility make Ogimachi the best place in Shirakawa-go and Gokayama to see gassho-zukuri farmhouses.
Shirakawa is a village located in Ōno District, Gifu Prefecture, Japan. It is best known for being the site of Shirakawa-gō, a small, traditional village showcasing a building style known as gasshō-zukuri.
The warmest month in Ogimachi Village is August, when temperatures hover around 80 degrees Fahrenheit (26 degrees Celsius), while the coldest month is January, averaging just 41 degrees Fahrenheit (5 degrees Celsius).
Said about Ogimachi Village
What a fascinating location. This experience is a must for those who value old world cultural heritage. After an enjoyable drive through the Japanese country side you arrive at this historic location. The initial walk over the concrete suspension bridge takes you into this incredible village (still occupied by residents). Old houses, rice fields, vegetable patches enveloped by the surrounding green forest ensure a pleasant sensory experience. Walking around this village you get a sense of how dependant these people are on what mother nature has provided them - pristine environment, crystal clear water supply and rich fertile soil. There is a variety of restaurants open offering a variety of food dishes. A most enjoyable walk on the village paths takes you close to the homes of the residents. An uplifting experience, and one, if time permits, is worth the drive to this location. HappyTraveller082016 said.
In Shirakawago you are set free to explore with map in hand. It is an amazing place, certainly worth the visit. I have been to Japan many times and I have never seen a town like this. You can pay a few hundred yen to enter the homes.
Best time to visit Ogimachi Village in Japan
Winter in Shirakawago is really cold, but it's considered as the best season to visit there as the whole village turns into a magical snow wonderland. From mid December, snow starts falling down around the village.
Spring (March to May)
Spring is considered as the best time to visit Japan simply because of the symbolic flower of the country, Cherry Blossoms. Here in Shirakawago Village, you can also enjoy charming Cherry Blossoms collaborating with the historic Japanese village from mid April to early May. In the beginning of the spring, the surrounding mountain is still covered by white snow, whereas the village area is slowly turning its color into fresh green. In mid May, the rice paddies are filled with water, and the planting starts in end of the month.
Average Temperature: High 8 to 20°C/Low -2 to 10 °C.
Winter (December to February)
Winter in Shirakawago is really cold, but it’s considered as the best season to visit there as the whole village turns into a magical snow wonderland. From mid December, snow starts falling down around the village. The thatched roof of the Gassho Zukuri houses are structured especially for the heavy snow, and it displays amazing scenery with the white snow. The illumination event is also held at night in every winter.
Average Temperature: High 2 to 5 °C/Low -2 to -5°C.
You can read more details on : Shirakawago : Best Time to Visit.
[Source:
Japan Guide]
