Shirakawa-go Tourism Rules and Manners | Things you need to know to protect the quiet village - Travel Gifu

Shirakawa-go is a beautiful village registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is also the home of the people who live there. When sightseeing, all visitors are expected to follow the local rules and manners. On this page, we have compiled important points to know before visiting Shirakawa-go.

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Five basic rules to follow in Shirakawa-go | Responsible tourism

Shirakawa Village upholds the principle of "Responsible Tourism" and aims for tourism and daily life to coexist. The following five items are basic rules that you must follow when visiting:

① Please use the designated parking lot.: Unauthorized parking within the village or parking on private property will cause trouble.
② Handling fire is strictly prohibited.: Smoking and bonfires are prohibited to avoid the risk of fire on the thatched roof.
3. Please take your trash home with you as a memory.: As there are few trash bins, please take your trash home with you.
④ Nighttime sightseeing is not available: Please respect the daily schedules of residents and refrain from entering the area at night.
⑤ Drones are prohibited.：Total prohibition due to consideration of privacy, noise and scenery

All of these are important manners to protect the lives of residents and protect nature and cultural assets. For more information, please see the official website:
▶ Shirakawa-go Responsible Tourism

Other manners you should know | Have fun learning through manga

Shirakawa Village distributes an official "Manga Manners Guide" to raise awareness of manners among tourists. It is full of real-life common troubles and tips on how to be considerate based on the opinions of local residents.

▶ Shirakawa-go Tourist Etiquette in Manga (Shirakawa Village Official Website)

Tourist rules and precautions you should know before traveling

Many of the houses in Shirakawa-go are still inhabited by locals, and while it is a World Heritage Site, it is also a place of daily life. When tourists visit, it is essential that they take into consideration the lifestyles of these people.

Do not enter restricted houses or private propertyDo not enter areas without clear signage.
Photo shoot etiquetteZooming, telephoto shooting and unauthorized photography are prohibited; respect residents' privacy
Caution on snowy roads：In winter, there are many accidents involving slipping and falling snow. Be careful of your equipment and where you step.
Don't stop under the roof: There is a risk of snow falling and it is very dangerous.
Foot protectionIn winter, non-slip shoes, cold weather gear, hats and gloves are also essential.
Private car restrictions: Traffic restrictions may be in place on busy days and when the area is lit up.
Considerations when traveling with pets: Please make sure to wear a leash and take any droppings home with you.
Noise control during group activities: To keep the village quiet, please be careful not to talk or speak loudly.

To protect the quiet life of the village

The actions of visitors to Shirakawa-go build trust with the local community and contribute to the preservation of this World Heritage site. The consideration of each individual will help ensure the beauty of Shirakawa-go in the future.