Shirakawa-go, Japan: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Shirakawa-go, Japan? If you're planning to go to Shirakawa-go, below is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Shirakawa-go, Japan

Based on the climate and weather in Shirakawa-go, Japan, the best time to go is August. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Shirakawa-go, Japan

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Shirakawa-go, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Shirakawa-go, Japan by month

January

January is very cold, very snowy and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the 30s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains about half of the time and snows about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Japan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Shirakawa-go. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you find the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters currently available are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you go to the Jin Homura Art Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

If you plan to visit Shiramizu Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:

February

February in Shirakawa-go is pretty cool, somewhat snowy and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the high 30s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains regularly and snows about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Japan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Shirakawa-go. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to pick the right kind. The majority of adapters for sale now are just plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most countries.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

If you go to the Jin Homura Art Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

If you plan to visit Shiramizu Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:

March

In March, Shirakawa-go is brisk and very rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the 40s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C). This is also a rainy time for Shirakawa-go, with more than half of the days of the month having rain. In March, humidity reaches as high as 70%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Japan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Shirakawa-go. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you find the right type. The vast majority of adapters that you can buy are just plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you go to the Jin Homura Art Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

If you plan to visit Shiramizu Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:

April

April in Shirakawa-go is crisp and somewhat rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 30s F (single digits C). It tends to rain about half of the time. But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 50% to 60% range on average.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Japan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Shirakawa-go. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing things nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to find the correct kind. Most adapters that you can buy are just plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

If you go to the Jin Homura Art Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

If you plan to visit Shiramizu Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:

May

If you vacation in Shirakawa-go during May, you are likely to find that it is mild and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 60s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 40s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally between 60 and 70% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Japan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Shirakawa-go. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to get the correct kind. A lot of adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

If you go to the Jin Homura Art Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

If you plan to visit Shiramizu Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:

June

In June, Shirakawa-go is a perfect temperature and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the 70s F (mid 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the 50s F (low 10s C). This is also a rainy time for Shirakawa-go, with more than half of the days of the month having rain. In June, humidity reaches as high as 70%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Japan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Shirakawa-go. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to choose the right type. Most adapters currently available are just plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you go to the Jin Homura Art Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

If you plan to visit Shiramizu Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:

July

If you vacation in Shirakawa-go during July, you will probably find that it is pretty consistently hot and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 60s F (high 10s C). Humidity is generally between 70 and 80% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Japan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Shirakawa-go. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to choose the necessary kind. The majority of adapters currently being sold are just plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most locations.

If you go to the Jin Homura Art Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

If you plan to visit Shiramizu Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:

August

In August, Shirakawa-go is extremely warm and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the 80s F (high 20s C) and sometimes jump into the low 90s F (low 30s C) range. At night, lows are in the 60s F (high 10s C). This is also a rainy time for Shirakawa-go, with several of the days of the month having rain. In August, humidity reaches as high as 70%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Japan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Shirakawa-go. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to find the right type. A lot of adapters on sale are just plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

If you go to the Jin Homura Art Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

If you plan to visit Shiramizu Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:

September

In September, Shirakawa-go is warm and very rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the 70s F (mid 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the high 50s F (mid 10s C). This is also a rainy time for Shirakawa-go, with more than half of the days of the month having rain. In September, humidity reaches as high as 70%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Japan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Shirakawa-go. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you choose the correct type. A lot of adapters available online are simply plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most locations.

If you go to the Jin Homura Art Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

If you plan to visit Shiramizu Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:

October

October here can be chilly and very rainy. Temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Japan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Shirakawa-go. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to find the right type. A lot of adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

If you go to the Jin Homura Art Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

If you plan to visit Shiramizu Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:

November

In November, Shirakawa-go is pretty cool and very rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the 50s F (low 10s C) range. At night, lows are in the 30s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Shirakawa-go, with more than half of the days of the month having rain. In November, humidity reaches as high as 70%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Japan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Shirakawa-go. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you get the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters on sale are just plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you go to the Jin Homura Art Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

If you plan to visit Shiramizu Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:

December

December in this region can be very chilly and very rainy. Temperatures average in the low 40s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains about two thirds of the time and snows about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Japan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Shirakawa-go. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you find the correct type. The vast majority of adapters for sale now are simply plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you go to the Jin Homura Art Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

If you plan to visit Shiramizu Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:

What to do in Shirakawa-go, Japan

Shirakawa-go is a picturesque village located in the Gifu Prefecture in Japan, known for its traditional architecture and natural beauty. Surrounded by towering mountains and lush forests, Shirakawa-go has become a popular tourist destination in recent years. Here are the top tourist attractions in Shirakawa-go that you must not miss:

1. Ogi-machi Village: This is the largest village in Shirakawa-go and home to most of the famous traditional thatched-roof houses. The village is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and gives visitors an insight into the unique architectural style of the region. The village is also a popular spot for photography, especially during the winter months when the snow adds to its natural beauty.

2. Wada House: This is the largest and most famous thatched-roof house in Shirakawa-go, attracting visitors from all over the world. The Wada House is a showcase of Japanese architectural design and offers a glimpse into the rural lifestyle of Japan in the past. Visitors can explore the traditional living rooms, kitchens, and storage areas, and experience the traditional way of life.

3. Shirakawa Hachiman Shrine: This is a historic shrine located in the heart of Shirakawa-go. The shrine is dedicated to Hachiman, the god of war and is one of the oldest shrines in the region. The shrine is known for its unique architecture, which blends traditional Japanese and Chinese styles, and houses several important cultural artifacts and treasures.

4. Doburoku Matsuri: This is an annual festival held in October in Shirakawa-go. The festival is a celebration of Japanese sake, which is made from fermented rice. Visitors can sample the local brew and enjoy the festive atmosphere, which includes live music, dance performances, and traditional food stalls.

5. Myozenji Temple: This is a historic temple located on the outskirts of Shirakawa-go. The temple is known for its beautiful gardens, traditional architecture, and historic artifacts. Visitors can explore the temple buildings, including the main hall, which houses a large Buddha statue.

6. Shirakawa-go Observatory: This is a hilltop observatory that offers panoramic views of Shirakawa-go and its surrounding mountains. The observatory is accessible by car or bus and offers stunning views of the village and its thatched-roof houses.

In conclusion, Shirakawa-go is a unique and beautiful destination that offers visitors an insight into traditional Japanese culture and architecture. Whether you are interested in history, culture, or natural beauty, Shirakawa-go has something to offer for everyone. So, if you are planning a trip to Japan, make sure to include Shirakawa-go in your itinerary.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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