Shirakawa-go

This Japanese Village Is One of the World's Snowiest Places

"I would put the picturesque mountain hamlet Shirakawa-go on my dream travel list: one of the snowiest spots in Japan (and the world), it can receive nearly 400 inches of snow annually. Ocean-effect storms blowing from Siberia across the Sea of Japan dump moisture on the Japanese Alps, and snowfall typically begins in early December and continues through at least late February. The village is especially magical during its January–February nighttime “light-ups,” when more than 100 historic Gassho-style, steeply pitched thatched-roof houses—some dating back 250 years—are illuminated in sync for a couple of hours on certain Sunday nights, creating an idyllic snowglobe scene. UNESCO designated Shirakawa-go, along with neighboring Gokayama, as a World Heritage Site because these unusual homes are outstanding examples of settlements perfectly adapted to heavy snowfall; centuries ago families lived on the lower levels and raised silkworms in the rafters. Located about 100 miles north of Nagoya and reachable by bus or train from major cities, I would pack warm winter clothing and sturdy footwear for a winter visit, though spring cherry blossoms, summer greenery, and fall foliage are also inviting." - Cailey Rizzo Cailey Rizzo Cailey Rizzo is a contributing writer for Travel + Leisure. She specializes in reporting on travel, culture, and the arts. She is currently based in Brooklyn. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines