Shirakawa-go, Gifu

Shirakawa-go (and the surrounding villages) are emblematic for their thatched roof houses. A good number of them are rented out as lodging, which is the ideal way to visit, but requires booking well in advanced since they’re quite popular. Still, the villages are very pretty, and we received many warm welcomes. The bigger villages of course cater more towards tourist groups (bus parking, house museums, etc.) but the small villages are generally just regular villages, maybe with a cafe or trinket shop.

I liked Suganuma village, both because it has a funny name and it was a good size. Afterwards we went to Restaurant Takachiyo which specializes in bear meat! There was a very friendly dog out front, Tora-chan. I’ve heard the bear fat sashimi is fantastic. I wouldn’t know, I got the bear-and-egg bowl.