February in Shirakawa-go
On February 15, 2025, I arrived at Shirakawa-go in Gifu Prefecture. This UNESCO World Heritage village wore a thick coat of snow in winter, showing a completely different face from other seasons. I spent three days here, capturing both the quiet moments and the crowds with my camera.
Views from the Observation Deck
Because of the deep snow, hiking up to the observation deck wasn’t possible—I had to take a shuttle bus instead. As the bus climbed slowly, the view opened up, and the entire village gradually appeared before my eyes. Looking down from the deck, rows of triangular thatched roofs lined up neatly, their snow-covered peaks blending with the white landscape. When I zoomed in, visitors walking along the village paths became tiny moving dots, adding a sense of life to the white scene.
Walking Through the Village
Inside the village, there were quite a few visitors. The Deai Bridge area was especially crowded—everyone wanted to capture photos of the Gassho houses from that spot. I wandered along the paths and found a small pond where the snow-covered houses reflected perfectly on the water’s surface. Along the way, I noticed three small snowmen made by visitors, adding a playful touch to this serious cultural heritage site.
Shirakawa Hachiman Shrine
In a corner of the village, I entered Shirakawa Hachiman Shrine. The shrine also drew many visitors, with its torii gate and stone lanterns covered in thick snow. Despite the crowds, the snow-covered shrine maintained its solemn atmosphere.
Life in the Snow
During my shooting, a small bird suddenly appeared in my frame. It spread its wings and flew across the snowy white sky. That moment reminded me that even in the cold winter, life continues on this land.
Snowfall at Farewell
On my last day in Shirakawa-go, snow began to fall. The weather turned from clear to overcast, and snowflakes drifted down gently, bringing a poetic ending to my journey. Watching the snow settle on the thatched roofs, I pressed the shutter for the last few times.
