Understand

Located in Fukushima prefecture, Shirakawa is a captivating city that harmoniously blends the cultured Kanto region with the untamed Tohoku to the north. Once a thriving castle town, Shirakawa now stands as a testament to its rich history. Visit the park and memorial that mark the site where the legendary barrier gate, known as Shirakawanoseki, once stood. This city also holds a connection to the renowned haiku poet Basho, who passed through Shirakawa during his travels. Explore the wonders of Shirakawa and immerse yourself in its fascinating heritage.

Get in

To reach Shirakawa, you have multiple transportation options. The fastest way is by taking the Tohoku Shinkansen, which stops at Shinshirakawa station. The Shinkansen journey from Tokyo to Shirakawa takes approximately 90 minutes and costs around 6000 yen for a one-way ticket. Alternatively, you can choose to travel by train using the Tohoku Main Line, which connects Shinshirakawa station with Shirakawa station. If you prefer driving, the trip from Tokyo to Shirakawa takes approximately three hours using the Tohoku expressway. For a more budget-friendly option, regular highway buses from Shinjuku also serve Shirakawa. These buses arrive and depart from the Nishigo bus stop, located to the west of Shinshirakawa station. The journey takes approximately three hours and costs 3400 yen for a one-way ticket. This can be a convenient choice for those who want to save money while commuting.

Map & Climate

Popular Foods

Sushi: Sushi is a traditional Japanese dish consisting of vinegared rice served with various toppings, typically fish or seafood. The rice is usually accompanied by a small piece of nori (seaweed) and sometimes features a dab of wasabi, pickled ginger, or soy sauce. There are many variations, including nigiri (hand-pressed sushi), maki (rolled sushi), and sashimi (slices of raw fish).

Ramen: Ramen is a widely popular soup dish in Japan that includes Chinese-style wheat noodles served in a meat or fish-based broth. It is often garnished with ingredients such as pork, dried seaweed, menma (fermented soybean paste), scallions, and miso paste. The dish can be found in various styles, including tonkotsu (pork bone broth), shoyu (soy sauce broth), and miso.

Tempura: Tempura is a deep-fried dish where seafood, vegetables, or mushrooms are battered and then cooked in hot oil. The light, crispy batter turns golden brown and creates a contrast with the soft textures of the ingredients inside. Traditional tempura elements include shrimp, sweet potato, pumpkin, spinach, and green beans. It is typically served with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, Mirin, and dashi.

Historical Appearance

Traditional Male Clothing

Traditional Female Clothing