Shirakawa-go

This UNESCO world heritage site lies in the valley of Shogawa river, surrounded by mountains in between Gifu and Toyama prefectures. It is famous for its unique farmhouses called “Gassho-zukuri” (合掌造り). Gassho(合掌) means pressing one’s hands together in prayer, and Zukuri(造り) means structure. So altogether the name represents a traditional style of these farmhouses, steep thatched roof that was designed and developed over generations to withstand great amount of snowfall during winter.

The place is said to be in a top 100 lists of winter destination with its stunning scenic of Gassho in the winter wonderland. I went there during New Year’s holidays for a day trip, well, not actually, I stopped 2 nights at Takayama, day before and after. Takayama is famous for its Hida beef, A-5 best beef, and also its old town market. I think I killed many cows that day since I ate lots of Hida beef, yakiniku, beef ramen, and beef sushi…

The best and cheapest way to get there is by bus. There’s no direct bus from any main cities to the valley. I took a bus from Shinjuku at 5pm. and arrived at Takayama by 10.30pm. Stayed a night in Takayama, and woke up early enough to catch a bus to Shirakawa-go next morning. Some buses ‘do’ need prior reservation, those with good timing schedule all need reservation that can be booked more than a month earlier… So be careful.

Honestly, I don’t really understand how folks back then survived winter in those Gassho. I mean, the way they developed the structure to withstand the snowfall is beautiful, but inside the house, it was f*cking cold. I paid for the reserved-Gassho visit. The temperature inside was colder than outside even they have a fireplace in the middle, which produced lots of smoke that almost suffocate me. Anyway, it was worth a visit.

There is a shuttle bus that can take you up to the viewpoint, where everyone can take same photo from above. The view is nice, of course, but the fun part was that me and my friends walked up there and explored many incredible views along the way. It took us an hour, from the bus station, to reach the viewpoint because we were having fun, taking snapshots, playing in the snow, all the way up.

: OLYMPUS35DC x KODAK PORTRA 400 :

Nozawaonsen Ski Resort

Japan is quite well-know for its superb quality of powder snow for skiers and snowboarders. Actually this is my first time encountered real winter and lots of snow, so other than first time snowboarding, I really enjoy the snow.

I did some research about where to go snowboard, not so far from Tokyo but not so close that the place gonna be crowded in New year's holidays. There are many mountains to go in Nagano prefecture, few hours train ride from Tokyo.

Nozawaonsen village or Nozawaonsen-mura is quite difficult to reach, honestly, but it was worth the trip. It is a small and authentic village, not tourists' atmosphere I mean, hot water running through the village so that's where its name came from.

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