Buzz
Shirakawago, the revered ancient village recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage site in 1995, is where author Fujiko F. Fujio first conceived the idea for the early volumes of Doraemon.
Visiting Japan's historic village Shirakawago, where the Doraemon series originated.
The Shirakawago ancient village is located at the foot of Mount Hakusan, Gifu Prefecture, central Japan. The village is renowned for its closely-clustered wooden houses with gassho-zukuri architecture. A unique feature of this village is the steeply sloped roofs covered with thatched grass, resembling praying hands. Surrounded by majestic nature, the village's rich history sets it apart. Despite being founded around 300 years ago, the houses remain remarkably intact.
Currently, Shirakawago ancient village boasts approximately 100 houses, with over 20 ancient wooden houses meticulously preserved in their original condition. Each season in Shirakawago ancient village offers its own beauty. During winter, thick snow blankets the entire village, creating a magical scene reminiscent of a fairy tale. To withstand heavy snowfall, the roofs of houses in Shirakawago are thickly layered with thatch up to 50 cm. The Doraemon comic series, deeply intertwined with the childhood memories of generations, was first penned by author Fujiko F. Fujio right here in this renowned ancient village of Japan.
Shirakawago village is beautiful in every season, but I'm particularly captivated by the snowy scenery in winter, compelling me to visit the village despite the challenging weather conditions as a traveler from tropical regions. Snow in this area typically falls from mid-December to late February. However, travelers planning to visit the village and enjoy the snow should regularly check the weather forecast as snow doesn't always arrive on schedule.
Travelers only need about four hours to travel from Kyoto to Shirakawago village. If you have time, it's advisable to stay in the village for a day and a night to participate in the lantern festival, usually held in the evening. However, Shirakawago limits the number of visitors and participants in the festival to preserve its heritage. Therefore, to fully experience the cultural value of the village, joining a tour would be more convenient. Winter in Japan is very cold with heavy snowfall. Travelers should prepare warm clothing and waterproof gear for a smooth trip. Additionally, they should indulge in Japanese cuisine at small eateries in the village, with prices ranging from 1,000 yen (9 USD) per dish.
According to Reader Tran Le Ngoc Thang/Zing news
***
Reference: Travel Guide Mytour
MytourJanuary 15, 2019
