[2025 Shirakawa Attraction] Travel Guide for Hachiman Shrine Shirakawa (Updated Mar)

The 400-year-old Takayama Jinya is the only extant site of the magistrate's office from the Shogunate's Gundai period in Japan. It was originally one of the residences of the Kanamori family, the lord of Takayama Castle, and later became the location of the Tokugawa Shogunate's direct-controlled regional office, which was probably an ancient government office. Zhenya 420. Everyone takes off their shoes when entering the room. This time, you can only go barefoot. Each person is given a plastic bag to carry their shoes. The tour route is planned. You can see the office, tea room, Go room, waiting area, prison cell, Xueyin (said to be the general name for Zen toilets), etc. There are some simple layouts and exhibits inside. I took a quick look because it was too cold to walk barefoot and the wooden floor hurt my feet. The courtyard in the middle would be very beautiful if I came in summer or maple leaf season. Tip: When you go to Japan in winter and need to take off your shoes to enter the house, you can prepare hot packs in advance to stick to the soles of your feet to keep them warm, otherwise your feet will be really cold. Takayama is about an hour’s drive from Shirakawa-go. When we arrived, we first had some Hida beef nigiri sushi to fill our stomachs. After waiting in line to buy, we could find a seat inside and slowly enjoy it. The tender beef was fragrant after being slightly grilled, and was seasoned with a small amount of sauce and chopped green onions. Even with raw quail egg yolk, it did not have any fishy smell. The millet cakes (maybe shrimp cakes) that served as trays were crispy, slightly salty, and delicious. We have to admit that fresh ingredients can indeed better highlight the original taste of the food. Although the village is small, it has everything it needs, including a shrine. I didn't go into the Hachiman Shrine because I was afraid of being asked to take off my shoes, so I just looked at it from the outside. It's not very large, with two towering trees guarding the entrance of the shrine. I couldn't see how tall it was, but it was really tall. If you don't go from house to house, two hours is enough. When walking on the suspension bridge on the way back, the bridge surface on the side out of the village is all ice. Everyone has to hold the cable next to them with both hands and slide down carefully, otherwise they will fall down if they are not careful. 🤭 Tip: There is a lot of ice on the suspension bridge and the slope to the observation deck after snow in winter. Be sure to wear non-slip snow boots, otherwise it will be difficult to move.

Shirakawa Hachiman Shrine is a historic shrine located in Ogimachi, Shirakawa Village, Ono District, Gifu Prefecture. It is loved by many people as part of the World Heritage site of Shirakawa-go Gassho-zukuri Village. 📝History and origins It is said to have been founded during the Wadou era (708-715), and was originally worshiped as the guardian deity of 41 villages, including 18 villages in Kami Shirakawa-go and 23 villages in Shimoshirakawa-go. Later, the lord of Ogimachi Castle, Yamashita Ujiyori, enshrined Hachiman, and the shrine came to be called "Hachiman Shrine"! ✨Main deity and benefits The main deity is Emperor Ojin, who is said to have the benefit of warding off evil and praying for victory. In addition, the Shakado Hall on the grounds was built in 1627 (Kan'ei 4) in the early Edo period, and gives a sense of the syncretism of Shinto and Buddhism! 📝History and origins It is said to have been founded during the Wadou era (708-715), and was originally worshiped as the guardian deity of 41 villages, including 18 villages in Kami Shirakawa-go and 23 villages in Shimoshirakawa-go. Later, the lord of Ogimachi Castle, Yamashita Ujiyori, enshrined Hachiman, and the shrine came to be called "Hachiman Shrine"! ✨Main deity and benefits The main deity is Emperor Ojin, and it is said to have the benefit of warding off evil and praying for victory. In addition, the Shakado Hall on the grounds was built in 1627 (Kan'ei 4) in the early Edo period, and gives a sense of the syncretism of Shinto and Buddhism! ⛩️Characteristics of the grounds The grounds are home to a large cedar tree that is about 30 meters tall and 5.6 meters in circumference, and it is designated as a natural monument of Shirakawa Village! 🍶Doburoku Festival The Doburoku Festival is held every year from late September to early October, and features kagura and Shinto rituals to pray for bountiful harvests and safety in the home. Visitors are treated to homemade doburoku and can experience the local traditional culture. 🙌 📚Anime Holy Land The shrine is also known as the setting for the popular anime "Higurashi When They Cry," and many fans make pilgrimages to the holy land. Many votive plaques depicting characters are dedicated to the worship hall! 📍Access and surrounding information Shirakawa Hachiman Shrine is within walking distance of the center of Shirakawa-go, and is surrounded by gassho-style houses and beautiful nature. In winter, the snowy scenery and the Gassho-style houses create a beautiful harmony, creating a fantastic atmosphere. Shirakawa Hachiman Shrine is a place rich in historical background and cultural charm! It is loved by many people as a spot where you can enjoy local traditions and the beauty of nature in a solemn atmosphere! In winter, there was a lot of snow, which made it even more fantastical❄✨ It's slippery, so be careful when you stroll around! #Seasonal places in Japan #Shirakawa-go

#japantrip I visited Shirakawa Hachiman Shrine during the snow season, and it felt like stepping into a fairytale. Located in the beautiful Shirakawa-go village, the shrine looked even more stunning with everything covered in snow. Walking to the shrine was a peaceful experience. The tall trees along the path were dusted with snow, making the place look so calm and magical. The quietness of the area added to the charm, and I felt relaxed just being there. The shrine itself is small but beautiful, with wooden structures and carvings that match the natural surroundings perfectly. Seeing a few locals perform simple rituals made the visit feel even more special.