A Trip to Nagoya’s Hometown: Explore Old Streets and Visit Shirakawa-go

The area around Takayama in northern Nagoya has long been known as the “hometown of Japan.” Surrounded by mountains, it features rows of wooden townhouses, as well as charming and rustic gassho-zukuri buildings and century-old streets full of character — an authentic taste of traditional Japanese rural life that awaits travelers to explore.

Begin your hometown journey at Nagoya Castle, a magnificent and splendid white castle built in the 17th year of the Keicho era, which flourished until the Meiji Restoration. The two golden shachihoko (mythical fish-like creatures) atop the castle’s keep are its most prized treasures. Completely covered in 18-karat gold leaf from head to tail, the male and female figures stand guard at either end of the roof, their bright yellow forms prominently displayed, reflecting the remarkable political and economic power Nagoya once held. The area around the keep is lush with trees and flowers, with plum blossoms, cherry blossoms, and peonies blooming throughout the year. Nagoya Castle has transitioned from being a formidable fortress renowned across the Tokai region to a leisure spot where citizens enjoy flower viewing and strolls.

Entering Ishikawa Prefecture from Nagoya is like stepping into Japan’s nostalgic history. Kanazawa and Shirakawa-go in Ishikawa’s countryside hold cultural value that you simply must experience. The Takayama region of Kanazawa originated in the 16th century when the Kanazawa family chose Takayama as the site of their castle, spurring the city’s economic development. Surrounded by mountains, the city of Takayama was often cut off by heavy snow in winter, and this semi-isolated environment allowed it to develop a unique culture. The black townhouses of Takayama’s old streets sit closely together. Peeking through their lattice windows, some shops sell traditional Japanese goods, while others are cozy cafés with great ambience. Century-old pickled vegetable shops and sake breweries are also scattered among them. Rickshaws slowly carry visitors through the streets, and the rich traditional Japanese atmosphere has earned Takayama the nickname “Little Kyoto,” attracting visitors all year round.

Venturing further into the mountains, you’ll find Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Shirakawa-go is actually a small, remote village. In the past, due to its mountainous location, residents made a living by chopping wood, raising silkworms, and brewing sake. Its near-isolated geography unexpectedly preserved one of Japan’s most beautiful sights: the adorable and rustic gassho-zukuri thatched-roof houses, along with warm irori hearths that exude the scent of charcoal — a fairytale-like scene that has endured for centuries. In the deep snow of mid-winter, Shirakawa-go is blanketed in white. From late January to early February each year, the village holds an evening light-up event, creating a fantastical world and forming an incredible winter landscape.

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