Gifu

Feb 19, 2015 - 1 min read

Shirakawa-go in Snow

Magnificent view seen from Shiroyama Observation Deck

By Masayoshi Hirose

Community writer

Translated by Takako Sakamoto

Community writer

Looking down at the thatched roof village from Shiroyama Observation Deck

I got off a bus at Seseragi parking lot, crossed the Deai Bridge and headed to the bus-stop bound for the observation deck

Snow kept falling and the misty scenery looked mysterious

Listen to the murmur of a stream in the snow

I want to burn this beautiful scene into my memory!

I wanted to capture absolutely everything in my camera before going home

On February 9th, the last day of my visit to Gassho Villages, I was in Shirakawa-go in Gifu Prefecture, which is the most popular World Heritage Site in Japan.

Since Shirakawa-go is well equipped with commercial facilities and hotels, Shirakawa-go is usually full of tourists from all over the world. I myself was just looking forward to seeing the scenery with an atmosphere of old-time Japan. When I visited here last time I was a bit disappointed by the huge crowds. This time my sole purpose was to see this beautiful Gassho village covered in snow from Shiroyama Observation Deck.

Hida Shirakawa-go: A World Heritage Site 1. Shirakawa-go in Snow 2. Myozenji Temple in Shirakawa-go

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By Masayoshi Hirose

Community writer

Following Follow

Translated by Takako Sakamoto

Community writer

Following Follow

Kim Bergström 6 years ago

It's amazing how much you can see the four seasons here. I've been in both summer and autumn, and even those two were quite different. Winter gives it a completely different feel - beautiful!

Masayoshi Hirose Photographer 5 years ago

Thank you! We recommend going to winter next time. In winter, all unnecessary obstacles will disappear!

Amber Mezbourian 9 years ago

I came here in the height of summer and it looks so different in your photos! Amazing how dramatically the scenery can change. I really like your photo of people crossing the bridge - I think it captures the wintry atmosphere perfectly!

Masayoshi Hirose Photographer 9 years ago

Amber Mezbourian-san,Thank you very much! I came here before in summer, too! A world heritage was shocked to become the mall! The snow covers a thing not to want to see! Snow changes it into fantastic scenery.

Anonymous 10 years ago

Hey Masatoshi, it has been a long time since I have seen any of your photos on here, I thought you disappeared! Good to see more of your work as you know how much I enjoy your photography, great scenes of white winter here!

Masayoshi Hirose Photographer 10 years ago

Daniel-san, thank you! I am grateful that will waiting for my photos. Recently, I work came become very busy. But I do not forget my favorite photograph! I want to look for Japanese rare scenery from now on!

Karen Zheng 10 years ago

The transformation of Shirakawago in winter is truly amazing! I was there last summer and saw the same scene in vibrant colors. Monotones has its beauty too!;)

Masayoshi Hirose Photographer 10 years ago

Karen-san,Thank you very much! Leafy summer also would have been beautiful! Previously I was also visited in the fall, this time I came in the winter! A simple photo of monotone also I like!

8 comments in total

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Kim Bergström 6 years ago

It's amazing how much you can see the four seasons here. I've been in both summer and autumn, and even those two were quite different. Winter gives it a completely different feel - beautiful!

Masayoshi Hirose Photographer 5 years ago

Thank you! We recommend going to winter next time. In winter, all unnecessary obstacles will disappear!

Amber Mezbourian 9 years ago

Masayoshi Hirose Photographer 9 years ago

Anonymous 10 years ago

Masayoshi Hirose Photographer 10 years ago

Karen Zheng 10 years ago

The transformation of Shirakawago in winter is truly amazing! I was there last summer and saw the same scene in vibrant colors. Monotones has its beauty too!;)

Masayoshi Hirose Photographer 10 years ago

Karen-san,Thank you very much! Leafy summer also would have been beautiful! Previously I was also visited in the fall, this time I came in the winter! A simple photo of monotone also I like!

8 comments in total