Nagase House
Step into a 5-story gassho-zukuri farmhouse, Nagase House, a UNESCO site showcasing centuries of traditional Japanese rural life and architecture.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fairytale snowscapes
Nagase House
Best Time
Fairytale snowscapes
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into a 5-story gassho-zukuri farmhouse, Nagase House, a UNESCO site showcasing centuries of traditional Japanese rural life and architecture.
"It's incredible to see how these houses were constructed and to learn more about the daily life of people living in this region."
👟 Take off your shoes
Remember to remove your shoes before entering to protect the polished floors. :athletic_shoe:
💰 Admission Fee
Entry is typically ¥400, and a friendly attendant is usually present. :yen:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Gassho-zukuri Roof
Exterior
Marvel at the steep, hand-thatched roof, designed to shed heavy snow and last for centuries without nails.
Traditional Living Spaces
Interior
Explore multiple floors showcasing artifacts, tools, and a Buddhist altar, offering a glimpse into daily life.
The Ground Floor Hearth
Ground Floor
Experience the warmth of the traditional open hearth, a central feature for cooking and gathering.
Scenic Village Views
Upper Floors
Enjoy picturesque views of the Shirakawa-go village and surrounding nature from the upper windows.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Gassho-zukuri Architecture
Plan Your Visit to Shirakawa-go
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Take off your shoes
Remember to remove your shoes before entering to protect the polished floors. :athletic_shoe:
💰 Admission Fee
Entry is typically ¥400, and a friendly attendant is usually present. :yen:
🚶 Explore at your own pace
You can explore the house freely, including up to the third floor. :walking:
❄️ Winter magic
Visiting in winter offers a stunning snow-covered village experience. :snowflake:
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Take off your shoes
Remember to remove your shoes before entering to protect the polished floors. :athletic_shoe:
💰 Admission Fee
Entry is typically ¥400, and a friendly attendant is usually present. :yen:
🚶 Explore at your own pace
You can explore the house freely, including up to the third floor. :walking:
❄️ Winter magic
Visiting in winter offers a stunning snow-covered village experience. :snowflake:
🗺️ Check opening hours
Hours vary by season; typically 8:30 AM - 5 PM (March-Nov) and shorter in winter.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Nagase House to be a well-maintained and fascinating glimpse into traditional Japanese rural life, showcasing unique architecture and historical artifacts. While the interior offers a captivating look at daily living, some guests noted a lack of multilingual information, making it harder to fully appreciate the exhibits without prior knowledge or a guide.
"We had a great visit to this traditional Japanese old house.
It’s filled with fascinating objects that give you a glimpse into how the former residents lived, worked the land, and built their homes.
The house showcases a wide range of tools and artifacts used in daily life, offering a unique and insightful look into Japan’s cultural history.
It was a truly captivating experience that I highly recommend for anyone interested in learning about traditional Japanese lifestyles."
Paul MB
"I only had time to visit one house and chose Nagase House as it had the highest Google rating (4.6). ¥400 entry and a very friendly woman at the entrance. Take off your shoes to enter so be careful on the steep stairs and polished floors with your socks. I loved the open fire on the ground floor as it was really cold outside.
Upstairs was a range of old agricultural tools and equipment. The views out the windows were beautiful."
Timeshare Chinchilla
"Great traditional house in the heart of Shirakawa-Go. The family is managing the place, and they still live there, in a separate part of the house that is not accessible.
You can go up to the third floor and explore the place at your own pace. Ticket is 400¥.
It’s incredible to see how these houses were constructed and to learn more about the daily life of people living in this region."
Pier Around The World
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Nagase House is located within the UNESCO World Heritage village of Shirakawa-go. You can reach Shirakawa-go by bus from Takayama, Toyama, or Kanazawa. From the bus stop, it's a short walk to the village center where Nagase House is situated.
Yes, Shirakawa-go is accessible by bus from major cities like Takayama (approx. 50 mins), Kanazawa (approx. 1.5 hours), and Toyama. +1 These bus routes are a popular way to visit the village.
Absolutely! Shirakawa-go, including Nagase House, is a popular day trip destination from cities like Takayama and Kanazawa.
Shirakawa-go is a compact village and is best explored on foot. Nagase House is easily accessible by walking from the main village entrance.
Yes, there are parking lots available in Shirakawa-go for visitors arriving by car. From the parking areas, you can walk to Nagase House.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The admission fee for Nagase House is typically ¥400. This grants you access to explore the interior of this historic gassho-zukuri farmhouse.
Opening hours for Nagase House generally follow the village's visiting hours, which are usually from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM between March and November. In winter (December to February), hours may be shorter. It's advisable to check the official Shirakawa-go tourism website for the most current information.
Tickets for Nagase House can usually be purchased on-site at the entrance. Advance booking is generally not required for individual visitors.
Nagase House has steep stairs and polished floors, so visitors are advised to be careful, especially when wearing socks. Accessibility may be limited for those with mobility issues.
Photography is generally allowed inside Nagase House, but it's always good practice to be respectful of the historical artifacts and other visitors.
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior of Nagase House, with its iconic gassho-zukuri roof, is a prime photo opportunity. Inside, the open hearth and traditional artifacts offer unique shots.
Don't forget to capture the scenic village views from the upper floors.
Yes, Shirakawa-go, including Nagase House, is exceptionally beautiful in winter when covered in snow, creating a magical, fairytale-like atmosphere. +1
A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is useful for both interior shots and wider village views. A wide-angle lens can be great for capturing the scale of the gassho-zukuri houses.
While generally permitted, be mindful of other visitors and avoid using flash photography that might disturb the atmosphere or damage artifacts.
Early morning or late afternoon can offer softer light and fewer crowds, enhancing photographic opportunities.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the village of Shirakawa-go has several restaurants and food stalls offering local specialties like Hida beef skewers and pudding. You can find cafes with great views near Nagase House.
Popular local foods include Hida beef skewers, Hida beef nigiri, and 'Mizu' pudding. Many eateries offer traditional Japanese cuisine.
No, Nagase House is a historical house museum and does not offer dining facilities. However, there are many restaurants and cafes within the Shirakawa-go village.
While Hida beef is a specialty, many restaurants in Shirakawa-go offer a variety of Japanese dishes, and some may have vegetarian options. It's best to inquire directly with the restaurant.
Food prices can vary, but expect to spend around ¥1,000-¥3,000 for a meal at a restaurant. Snacks and skewers from food stalls are generally more affordable.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Inside, the traditional hearth and preserved artifacts offer unique interior photography opportunities. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Gassho-zukuri Architectural Marvel
Nagase House itself is a large, multi-story structure, often described as being much bigger inside than it appears from the outside.
Many visitors are fascinated by the sheer scale and construction of these homes. The fact that they have stood for centuries, often passed down through generations of the same family, speaks volumes about their durability and the community's commitment to preservation.
Experiencing the interior provides a tangible connection to the past, offering insights into how families lived, worked, and survived in this unique environment. A Glimpse into Traditional Rural Life
As you ascend through the house, you'll encounter exhibits showcasing agricultural tools, household items, and even a significant Buddhist altar, some of which are centuries old.
While the house is well-maintained, some visitors have noted a lack of detailed information in languages other than Japanese, making it challenging to fully understand the context of the artifacts without prior research or a guide.
Experiencing Shirakawa-go in Different Seasons
Spring and Autumn offer milder weather and vibrant natural beauty. In spring, the landscape bursts with fresh greenery, while autumn paints the surrounding mountains in stunning hues of red and gold.
Summer brings lush green landscapes and warmer temperatures. While it can be more crowded, the village is alive with vibrant foliage, offering a different kind of picturesque beauty.
Regardless of the season, the unique architecture of Nagase House and the surrounding gassho-zukuri homes remains a constant, captivating draw for visitors interested in Japanese history and culture. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit