The Backpack Adventures

Located in Shirakawago in Gifu Prefecture, Ogimachi Castle Ruin Observation Area is one of the places to view Shirakawago 's famed gassho-styled houses. Ogimachi Castle Ruin Observation Area Ogimachi Castle Observation Area History The Ogimachi Castle was once a mountain fortress erected to protect the village from bandits and invaders. It also serves as a lookout point where the defenders have a perfect view of the village and the land that leads to it. Today, all that remains of the Ogimachi Castle are some of its stones and its name. However, one thing remains the same... the beautiful view of Shirakawago and its gassho-style houses (many of which are the same houses built centuries ago). The trail up the observation area. The view from halfway up the trail.  Tourists can now head up to Ogimachi Castle Ruin Observation Area by following the cemented pathway found east of the Wada house. However, keep in mind that this place is closed during winter as the pathway te

Located in 679 Ogi-machi, Shirakawago in Gifu Prefecture, Myozenji  ( 明善寺 ) is a historic religious establishment found in the historic village of Shirakawago .  Myozenji  ( 明善寺 ) Myozenji History Myozenji Temple was established in 1748 to provide the village people with a place to practice their religion and also to give spiritual protection to the village. For half a century,  the small temple  housed the mo nks who catered untiringly to the spiritual needs of the locals. In 1800, the temple was finally improved with the construction of the main hall, monk's residence, and the bell tower gate. Myozenji - Shirakawago, Gifu Prefecture Myozenji's Hondo Myozenji's bell tower Myozenji is surrounded by nature. Check out this small frog I saw near the temple ...and this lizard too! What makes the Myozenji unique is its thatched roof which uses the same materials as that of the famed gassho-style houses of the village. Like the temple, the b

Located in Gifu Prefecture, Shirakawago ( 白川郷 ) is a famous historical mountain village in the northwestern part of the Hida Region.  Shirakawago   ( 白川郷 ) Shirakawago History The name Shirakawa   is taken from the traditional Japanese name of the region during ancient times.  Throughout time the region and its territories were reorganized and renamed. The name Shirakawa was then taken by the small mountain village which would then be included in the present-day Hida Region.  Shirakawago 's history dates back to around 1176 when its name first appeared in historical texts. However, artifacts like pottery which dates back to 7000-2300 BCE were excavated in the area.  Shirakawago - Gifu Prefecture Shirakawago as seen from Ogimachi Castle Ruin Observation Deck Check out the manhole cover of Shirakawago ! Gassho-style houses near paddy fields When the silk and gunpowder industry flourished in the village during the Edo era, the locals started to improve their homes