Enable Location

We need your location to show you interesting places around you

Discover nearby places

Find interesting locations and hidden gems around you

Precise directions

Get accurate directions and distances to places

Your location is never shared with other users. It's only used when you tap the location button.

Shirakawa

Log in to your account

Start exploring — it's free

Trusted by 61,362 travelers worldwide

Continue with Google
Continue with Apple
or

We will send you a code to connect

By continuing, you accept our Terms and Conditions and our Privacy Policy

Check your inbox

We've sent a pincode in your inbox. Please enter the code below.

Shirakawa, Mountain town in Kamo District, Japan

Description

Shirakawa is a town nestled in the Japanese Alps within Kamo District, situated across valleys and forested mountain terrain. The settlement sits where natural river systems flow through a landscape defined by steep slopes and dense woodland.

History

The settlement was established as a village in 1897 following major administrative changes after the Meiji Restoration, when the old feudal system dissolved. This reorganization reshaped how the area was governed and organized, establishing patterns that remain relevant today.

Culture

The town maintains strong international connections through sister city relationships with Pistoia in Italy since 1994 and Songyuan in China since 1981.

Practical

The town is reachable via the Takayama Main Line railway and National Routes, which connect it to surrounding regions. This infrastructure allows visitors to arrive and explore the surrounding area on foot or by local transport.

Did you know?

The local economy depends on forestry and the cultivation of Hinoki wood and green tea in the mountain setting. These production traditions run deep and continue to shape how the community sustains itself today.

Location
Inception
July 1, 1889
Reference
215066
Shares border with
Nakatsugawa, Ena, Gero, Hichiso, Yaotsu, Higashishirakawa
GPS coordinates
35.58186,137.18783
Latest update
December 25, 2025 19:20

AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Kamo district).

« Shirakawa - Mountain town in Kamo District, Japan » is provided by Around Us (aroundus.com). Images and texts are derived from Wikimedia project under a Creative Commons license. You are allowed to copy, distribute, and modify copies of this page, under the conditions set by the license, as long as this note is clearly visible.

Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!

From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.

Around Us App Screenshot

A unique approach to discovering new places

Le Figaro

All the places worth exploring

France Info

A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks

20 Minutes

Around Us
Travel Guide & Maps
Download

Send to your phone

QR Code
1

Open the camera app on your mobile.

2

Point at the QR code with your camera. A notification will appear.

3

Tap the notification to open the link.