Due to the cold front, winter has arrived in various regions. In Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its gassho-zukuri farmhouses, rain and snow began falling yesterday. By this morning, the thatched roofs were lightly covered with snow. At the foot of the mountains, now completely white with snow, autumn leaves were at their peak, creating a landscape where autumn and winter intermingle.

Shirakawa Village, Gifu – Around 7:30 AM
Shirakawa Village, Gifu – Around 7:30 AM

“I came hoping to capture snow, autumn leaves, and blue sky together. The trip was definitely worth it.”

In the areas around Takayama City, snow also fell from last night, marking the first snowfall of the season, one day later than average. From gaps in the clouds, Mount Ibuki could be seen wearing its “snow cap,” and the first snowfall on the summit was observed today, one day earlier than average.

Takayama City, Gifu – Around 5:30 AM
Mount Ibuki – Around 2:00 PM

Additionally, staff at the Gozaisho Ropeway confirmed the first snowfall of the season on Mount Gozaisho in Kono Town, Mie Prefecture. Frost-covered trees, creating the first “frost columns” of the season, were observed near the summit, with the mountains already showing their winter appearance.

Mount Gozaisho, Kono Town, Mie

Shirakawa-go

Shirakawa-go is a historic village located in Gifu Prefecture, Japan, renowned for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses. These structures, characterized by their steep thatched roofs designed to withstand heavy snowfall, date back to the 11th century. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995, the village preserves a unique example of Japanese mountain life and agricultural traditions.

gassho-zukuri farmhouses

The Gassho-zukuri farmhouses are traditional houses found in the villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama in Japan. Characterized by their steep, thatched roofs that resemble hands in prayer (“gassho”), they were built from the Edo period (1603-1868) onwards. Their unique design was developed to withstand heavy snowfall and often provided a large attic space used for cultivating silkworms.

Takayama City

Takayama City, located in the mountainous Gifu Prefecture of Japan, is a historic city renowned for its beautifully preserved Edo-period streets in the Sanmachi Suji district. Often called “Little Kyoto,” it flourished as a wealthy merchant town due to its high-quality timber and skilled carpentry. Today, it is also famous for its vibrant spring and autumn festivals, which feature elaborate floats.

Mount Ibuki

Mount Ibuki is a 1,377-meter (4,518-foot) peak located on the border of Shiga and Gifu prefectures in Japan. Historically, it was a site of strategic importance during the Sengoku period and is famous for the “Ibuki-dōji” plant, which has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. Today, it is a popular destination for hikers, known for its heavy winter snowfall and panoramic views.

Gozaisho Ropeway

The Gozaisho Ropeway is a cable car system on Mount Gozaisho in Japan, which first opened in 1957. It transports visitors to the summit, renowned for its stunning panoramic views, vibrant autumn foliage, and natural hot springs (onsen). This popular attraction provides access to one of Japan’s oldest national parks and has been a key feature in the region’s tourism for decades.

Mount Gozaisho

Mount Gozaisho is a 1,212-meter peak located in Mie Prefecture, Japan, part of the Suzuka Mountain Range. It is a popular destination, particularly known for the Mount Gozaisho Ropeway, which offers scenic views and access to outdoor activities. The area has a long history, with its hot springs and natural beauty attracting visitors for centuries, and it is part of a national park established to preserve the region’s natural heritage.

Kono Town

Kono Town is a coastal town in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan, historically known for its fishing industry. It gained wider recognition after the 2011 earthquake and tsunami, which caused significant damage to the area and led to the subsequent nuclear disaster. The town has since been involved in long-term recovery and decontamination efforts.

Mie Prefecture

Mie Prefecture, located in central Japan, is a region steeped in both spiritual and martial history. It is most famous as the home of the Ise Jingu, Japan’s most sacred Shinto shrine, which has been rebuilt every 20 years for over a millennium. The area is also historically known as the birthplace of the ninja, with the Iga school of ninjutsu originating here.