2025 Shirakawa Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in May)

#DomesticTravel ~ Koju ~ A genuine handmade soba noodle shop in Shirakawa, Fukushima Prefecture. Customers were waiting before the shop opened, and continued to visit after it opened. What I ordered... ・Mixed Tendon (1,610 yen) ・Extra large shrimp tempura soba (1,410 yen) First up is the "Mixed Tendon". It contains a large conger eel tempura that overflows from the bowl. The shrimp tempura is also large and very filling. It comes with a small bowl of soba noodles, and a man could finish it all. The "Extra large shrimp tempura soba" also had a large shrimp tempura, so I was full just by itself. The amount of batter was just right, and it was delicious. The soba noodles were smooth and chewy, and perhaps the most delicious I've ever eaten. If you go to Fukushima Prefecture, this is a restaurant you should definitely visit. I'd like to go back! It's really delicious. ------------------------- Koushu 8-68 Sekibegawamae, Shirakawa City, Fukushima Prefecture 50 minutes by car from Shirakawa IC on the Tohoku Expressway -------------------------- #Koushu #Soba #FukushimaGourmet #FukushimaPrefecture #FukushimaTourism #FukushimaTrip #TohokuTrip #TohokuDate #FukushimaDate #CoupleTrip #ShirakawaGourmet

Komine Castle, one of Japan's 100 Great Castles, is located in Shirakawa City. It is not well known, but if you have studied Japanese history, you will nod in agreement when you hear about the Battle of Shirakawa. This is the site of that decisive battle. Only the Sannomaru remains within the site, but there are still traces of the time. The autumn leaves in Shirakawa City were at their best. #AutumnFoliage #Outdoor

Address: 14 Nanko, Shirakawa City, Fukushima Prefecture, 961-0812 Atmosphere/Facilities: It has a stylish atmosphere, and you can see Nanko Lake right in front of you! You can enjoy sweets and coffee while taking in the beautiful scenery!! The Mont Blanc is recommended at this time of year! It was rich and delicious!! Please come and visit us!! #RetroStreetScenery #AutumnFoliage #StreetScenery

Atmosphere/Facilities: We've gathered some recommended places in Fukushima Prefecture!! If you love cafes, these are the places you should definitely visit. The first photo is SHOZO Cafe, located in Shirakawa City! The third photo is Blue Mug Coffee, Iwaki City! The fifth photo is Island Bowl, Iwaki! 👶🏻👶🏻 #Autumn leaves #Retro streetscape #Cafe

Address: 14 Minami-ko, Shirakawa City, Fukushima Prefecture, 961-0812 Atmosphere/Facilities: The autumn leaves are beautiful! They go perfectly with the sparkle of the lake!! There is a cafe called SHOZO nearby, so it's recommended to take a walk and take a break! Please come and visit!! 🍂🍂 #Autumn leaves#Ginkgo

Shirakawa-go Historical Village Shirakawa-go is a village in the valley located in Gifu Prefecture. It is registered as the 6th World Heritage Site in Japan because it is a village with a unique identity. The roof is made of rice straw, built by hand called Gassho-zukuri. It is an ancient farmer's house that is over 250 years old. The word "Gassho" means to put your hands together, which indicates the style of the house with a thatched roof made of rice straw at a 60-degree angle, similar to two hands put together. The roof is sloped down like a gable to withstand snow and wind in winter. The house is about 18 meters long and 10 meters wide. It was built without nails. Some places allow you to stay overnight. It is also a business that opens inside the house, allowing tourists to see the traditional lifestyle of the Japanese people. #Water activities

#EnjoyJapan While walking through Nanko Park, I discovered a cafe with a great atmosphere called "Lamp Cafe"! It was crowded that day and I couldn't go inside, but the exterior alone was beautiful enough that I'd like to come back and have a leisurely cup of tea next time! After that, I also visited Nanko Shrine. It's a quiet place surrounded by nature, and it calmed my mind. It's a perfect area for a little detour while taking a walk! Basic information about the place ・Name: Lamp Cafe ・Address: Nanko, Shirakawa City, Fukushima Prefecture ・Access: About 10 minutes by car from JR Shirakawa Station ・Characteristics: A stylish cafe with a warm wooden feel located in Nanko Park. ・Name: Nanko Shrine ・Address: 117 Nanko, Shirakawa City, Fukushima Prefecture ・Characteristics: A historic shrine that enshrines Matsudaira Sadanobu. While walking through Nanko Park, I came across a lovely cafe called "Lamp Cafe." It was quite crowded that day, so I couldn't go inside, but even the exterior was super charming! Definitely a place I want to visit again for a cozy coffee break. After that, I visited Nanko Shrine nearby—peaceful, quiet, and perfect for a little spiritual refresh. This whole area is great for a slow stroll with some scenic stops!

#EnjoyJapan I went to Nanko Park in Shirakawa, Fukushima! The weather was nice that day, and it was really nice to take a leisurely walk around the lake. The water surface was sparkling, the breeze was pleasant, and I felt refreshed. A recommended spot for those who want to relax surrounded by nature! Basic information about the place ・Name: Nanko Park ・Address: Nanko, Shirakawa, Fukushima ・Access: About 10 minutes by car from JR Shirakawa Station ・Characteristics: One of the oldest parks in Japan. A spot rich in nature centered around the lake. I took a walk around Nanko Park in Shirakawa, Fukushima—and it was perfect! The sun was shining, the breeze was just right, and the reflections on the lake were so calming. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to slow down and just enjoy the moment. Highly recommend for anyone looking to relax in nature.

#EnjoyJapan Unfortunately, it was a regular holiday that day, so we couldn't go inside... But the location was so great that I'm still glad I stopped by! The lake spreads out in front of me, and there's a quiet, relaxed atmosphere. I can imagine how great it would be to spend some time here relaxing over a cup of coffee. I'll definitely come back on an open day! Basic information about the place ・Name: SHOZO SHIRAKAWA ・Address: 40-1 Ikeshita, Shirakawa City, Fukushima Prefecture ・Access: About 10 minutes by car from Shirakawa Station ・Features: A stylish cafe by the lake, a branch of the popular cafe SHOZO in Nasu I visited SHOZO SHIRAKAWA, but unfortunately it was closed that day. Still, the location alone was totally worth the stop! Right in front of the cafe is a calm, beautiful lake—just imagining sipping coffee there made me feel relaxed. Next time, I’ll definitely come back when it’s open and enjoy the full SHOZO experience!

#EnjoyJapan Komine Castle → Tea Room Takayama → Nanko Park A leisurely stroll around Shirakawa during Golden Week. First, we went to [Komine Castle]. The impressive stone walls and moat, and the guide dressed in armor associated with the Honda family were cool! A moment to feel the history. After that, we took a break at [Tea Room Takayama] near Shin-Shirakawa Station. Their specialty mixed sandwiches, especially the "freshly baked and jiggly" egg sandwiches, were truly exquisite. Even my grandfather praised them highly! Finally, we went to [Nanko Park]. The view of the pond from the lawn square and the sight of the boats floating on the water were soothing and relaxing. The seasonal flowers and green trees are beautiful, making it a place that calms the soul. ⸻ [ENGLISH] Golden Week day trip to Shirakawa Visited Komine Castle, had a relaxing tea time at Tea Room Takayama, and ended the day at the scenic Nanko Park. The castle offered a touch of history with its majestic stone walls and even a samurai-style guide dressed in armor—super cool! The tea room served the best egg sandwich I’ve ever had—soft, hot, and fluffy. Then we enjoyed a peaceful walk by the lake at Nanko Park, watching boats glide across the water. ⸻ #Shirakawa outing #Komine Castle #Tea Room Takayama #Nanko Park #GW plan #Shirakawa walk #Fukushima trip #historical spot #healing spot #shirakawa #kominecastle #goldenweektrip #nankopark #tearoomtakayama #Golden Week

#EnjoyJapan We went to Komine Castle, located very close to Shirakawa Station. The restored three-story turret and high stone walls were so impressive that we couldn't help but take lots of photos. We took a leisurely walk around the moat and enjoyed the view from the observation deck... It was a rare place where you could get a feel for history, as it was free to enter! ⸻ Basic Info Komine Castle Shirakawa City, Fukushima Prefecture Opening hours: 9:30-17:00 (last entry 16:30) Closed: Mondays (next day if Monday is a public holiday) Admission: Free ⸻ [Komine Castle] A historic landmark of Shirakawa with scenic views and powerful stone walls. Just a short walk from Shirakawa Station, Komine Castle is beautifully reconstructed with impressive stone walls and a three-tiered tower. You can stroll around the moat, enjoy views from the top, and learn about local history—all for free! ⸻ #KomineCastle #ShirakawaCastle #FukushimaTourism #HistoricalSpot #KomineCastle #ShirakawaTrip #JapanCastles #FreeEntry #StoneWallBeauty #GoldenWeek

#EnjoyJapan Right near Shin-Shirakawa Station, I went to the old-fashioned coffee shop "Tea Room Takayama". My grandfather always said, "The egg sandwiches here are excellent", so I finally went! I ordered a mixed sandwich. The egg sandwich was particularly impressive. The soft, freshly baked egg was sandwiched between fluffy bread, and the gentle flavor was amazing! The warm atmosphere, where locals gather, was also nice. ⸻ Basic Info Tea Room Takayama Shin-Shirakawa, Shirakawa City, Fukushima Prefecture Access: 5 minutes walk from Shin-Shirakawa Station Opening hours: 9:00-18:00 (subject to change) Closed: Irregular ⸻ [Tea Room Takayama] A nostalgic café near Shin-Shirakawa Station with Grandpa’s favorite tamago sandwich! I finally visited Tea Room Takayama, a cozy café my grandpa always praised for its egg sandwich. The mixed sandwich was delicious, but the highlight was definitely the thick, fluffy Japanese-style omelet inside—freshly made and full of comfort. It’s the kind of spot where locals gather, and you can feel the warmth. ⸻ #TeaRoomTakayama #ShinShirakawaGourmet #EggSandwich #CoffeeShopLunch #ShinShirakawa #TeaRoomTakayama #EggSandwich #LocalCafe #GrandpaRecommended #Taste of Shirakawa #Golden Week

#EnjoyJapan I had dinner at Jimi Saikan in Shirakawa, Fukushima! I ordered a variety of dishes a la carte, and none of them were a disappointment. The century egg in particular was incredibly delicious, and honestly, it's addictive! I have the image that Chinese food is rich, but here each dish is delicate and you can really taste the ingredients. They go well with alcohol, and the food is something you'll want to savor slowly. If you're looking for a Chinese dinner in Shirakawa, this is the place to go! Basic information about the place ・Name: Jimi Saikan ・Address: 59 Kuraiuchi, Shirakawa, Fukushima ・Access: About 10 minutes on foot from JR Shirakawa Station ・Opening hours: 11:30-14:00/17:30-21:00 (closed on Thursdays) ・Characteristics: A homey restaurant where you can enjoy authentic Chinese food. You can order a la carte for dinner. I had dinner at Jimi Saikan in Shirakawa and ordered from their à la carte menu. Everything was delicious, but the century egg (pidan) totally blew me away—it was so flavorful and surprisingly addictive! Each dish was carefully prepared with a delicate balance of flavors, making it perfect for a relaxed dinner. If you're looking for authentic Chinese cuisine in Fukushima, this spot is a hidden gem! #GoldenWeek

#EnjoyJapan I went to Shirakawa-Komine Castle Ruins! You can enter for free and really get a feel for the atmosphere of a magnificent castle. The restored three-story turret and stone walls are beautiful, and I was able to take a leisurely stroll while feeling the history of the time. It's also maintained as a park, so it's easy to walk around and feels good! Recommended for history buffs, as well as those who want to spend some quiet time. Basic information about the place ・Name: Shirakawa-Komine Castle Ruins ・Address: 1 Kuraiuchi, Shirakawa City, Fukushima Prefecture ・Access: A short walk from JR Shirakawa Station ・Fee: Free admission ・Characteristics: A famous castle built in the Edo period, with a restored three-story turret. Popular as a historical spot in Shirakawa City. English text Visited Shirakawa Komine Castle Ruins and was amazed that you can enter for free! The reconstructed tower and stone walls really give a glimpse into Edo-period architecture. It’s peaceful, beautifully maintained, and a great spot for history lovers or anyone wanting a calm stroll through time.

#EnjoyJapan I gazed out at the pond in the grassy area of ​​Nanko Park. The water's surface was sparkling, and the slow flow of time was wonderful. It's a great place to sit on a bench and take a deep breath, or lay out a sheet and lounge. The cafe was closed, but the scenery was so tranquil and pleasant that I almost forgot about that! ⸻ Basic Info Lake Nanko Park Location: Nanko, Shirakawa City, Fukushima Prefecture Lawn area available, free admission, free parking ⸻ [Relaxing by the Pond at Lake Nanko Park’s Lawn Area] Sat by the pond in the grassy part of Lake Nanko Park. The sunlight reflected on the water was beautiful, and it felt so peaceful just being there. Perfect for a calm moment, a walk, or even a quiet nap under the sky. ⸻ #NankoPark #LawnandPond #ShirakawaWalk #FukushimaNature #RelaxingSpot #JapaneseParkViews

#EnjoyJapan I took a leisurely stroll through Nanko Park in Shirakawa City. Rowboats were floating lazily on the lake, creating a scene that looked just like a painting. The green of the trees, the calmness of the lake, and the bridges and buildings visible in the distance were a nice accent, and just walking around made me feel lighter! ⸻ Basic Info Lake Nanko Park Location: Lake Nanko, Shirakawa, Fukushima Free admission, parking available Boat operation varies depending on the season and weather ⸻ [Strolling at Lake Nanko Park] Calm waters and boats made a perfect scene Took a peaceful walk through Lake Nanko Park in Shirakawa. The sight of rowboats gently drifting on the water looked like a painting. It was such a relaxing spot, surrounded by greenery and stillness. A perfect break from busy days! ⸻ #NankoPark #ShirakawaWalk #FukushimaScenery #LakeScenery #BoatScenery #LakeNanko #ShirakawaWalk #JapaneseParks #PlaceToCalmTheMood

#EnjoyJapan When I came to Shirakawa, I wanted to drop by SHOZO Cafe in Nanko. It has a stylish appearance and I was looking forward to going, but... it's closed today! What a shame! But I took a walk in Nanko Park and was soothed by the lakeside breeze and the greenery of the trees. I'll save my cafe revenge for next time! ⸻ Basic Info SHOZO SHIRAKAWA (SHOZO CAFE Nanko Branch) Nanko, Shirakawa City, Fukushima Prefecture Business hours: 10:00-17:00 (subject to change, check social media) Closed: Tuesdays and Wednesdays (may be closed temporarily) ⸻ [SHOZO Cafe at Lake Nanko] It was closed today... but the park walk made it up for it! I was really looking forward to visiting SHOZO Cafe near Lake Nanko, but unfortunately, it was closed today. Still, the walk around the peaceful lakeside park was refreshing and beautiful. Guess I’ll have to come back again—can’t wait to try their coffee next time! ⸻ #SHOZOCafe #NankoPark #ShirakawaCafe #ShirakawaWalk #ShirakawaCafe #LakeNanko #ClosedToday #SHOZOCoffee #IWantToComeAgain

#EnjoyJapan From Shirakawa Station, we headed to Komine Castle. I was amazed by the power of the restored three-story turret and stone walls, but what impressed me most was the guide! He is a descendant of the Honda family, and appeared dressed in armor! His stories were interesting, and history felt much closer to me. We strolled around the moat and looked down on the town from the observation deck. It was so fulfilling that I couldn't believe it was free! ⸻ Basic Info Komine Castle Shirakawa City, Fukushima Prefecture Opening hours: 9:30-17:00 (last admission 16:30) Closed: Mondays (next day if Monday is a public holiday) Admission: Free ⸻ [Komine Castle] Historical atmosphere with a real descendant of the Honda clan in armor! Just a short walk from Shirakawa Station, Komine Castle offers not only beautiful scenery and a reconstructed keep, but also a rare encounter with a guide in traditional armor—said to be a descendant of the Honda clan. It makes history feel alive and personal. Free admission is just the cherry on top! ⸻ #KomineCastle #ShirakawaTourism #ArmorGuide #HondaClan #ShirakawaTrip #JapaneseCastle

#EnjoyJapan I stopped by Shirakawa Station on my way to Shirakawa. The station building is retro and cute, like something out of a storybook. It still has that old-fashioned feel, and waiting for the train feels a little special. There's also a tourist information center, so it's the perfect base for your trip! ⸻ Basic Info Shirakawa Station 1 Goryonai, Shirakawa, Fukushima JR Tohoku Main Line ⸻ [Shirakawa Station] A small, retro station full of charm! During our trip to Shirakawa, we stopped by Shirakawa Station. The quaint station building had a warm, nostalgic feel—like something out of a picture book. Even waiting for a train felt cozy and peaceful. There’s a tourist information center too, making it a perfect starting point for exploring the area. ⸻ #ShirakawaStation #RetroStation #FukushimaTrip #ShirakawaTourism #ShirakawaStation #RetroStation #TohokuTrip #CharmingPlaces #TrainTravelJapan

#springwander The red weeping cherry tree in the precincts of Myokan-ji Temple is estimated to be about 400 years old. The flowers are dark pink, and it is called "Otohime Sakura" because of the unparallelled rich cherry blossoms in the Shirakawa region, and it is said that the abbot inherited it from Masamune Date, the lord of the Sendai Domain. Address 116 Kanaya-cho, Shirakawa City Parking area Available (city hall parking lot)

#0yentripnovember SHOZO SHIRAKAWA Waterside coffee Address: 14 Nanko, Shirakawa, Fukushima Business hours: 10:00-17:00 (LO 16:00) Located in Nanko Park, said to be the first park in Japan. A simple, modern gray exterior with a warm wooden door. There is also a space to enjoy cafe time outside. Why not take a break while enjoying the seasons at Nanko Park, said to be the oldest park in Japan? We look forward to welcoming you with delicious coffee and sweets. Please feel free to stop by. (From Fuku Lab) #Fukushimacafe #Fukushimalunch

#Gourmet This is a super popular ramen shop in Shirakawa, Fukushima city. They open at 11am and apparently sometimes they're sold out by 12:30pm. I went there on a weekday around 10:30am. There were already six groups waiting. After 10:50am, customers started arriving by car one after another. I was able to enter the shop as soon as it opened and ordered the "hand-made Chinese food". A huge serving of free chicken carcasses came out first! I was happy to be able to pick at the chicken carcasses while waiting for the ramen!! And it was delicious!! And then the ramen arrived! The clear soup and the hand-made curly noodles mixed in were incredibly delicious!!

#falltrip

I arrived in Shirakawa City, Fukushima Prefecture. Sendai Ikuei won the Koshien and finally passed the Shirakawa Barrier. This is the city where that came from. Shirakawa ramen is as famous as Kitakata ramen. The handmade soy sauce noodles were good. In the morning, I took a quick bath at a hot spring in Fukushima City. I went in at 3 o'clock, but there was no one there, so it was comfortable. #Hot spring #Ramen

Shirakawa-Komine Castle, which has been selected as one of Japan's 100 Great Castles, is a rare castle in Tohoku that is made entirely of stone walls. It is one of the three great castles in Tohoku, along with Morioka Castle and Aizu-Wakamatsu Castle. It is a wonderful place that is close to the station and easy to visit. About a 10-minute walk from Shirakawa Station on the JR Tohoku Main Line Information as of July 2022. #Breathtaking views #Historical sites #Castle tours #Japan's 100 Great Castles #Photogenic spots #Fukushima Prefecture #Shirakawa-Komine #Eastern Japan

Having learnt about the World War II and Hitler’s ambitions in history lessons, I had always wanted to visit one of the Nazi Concentration camps. Upon arriving at the camp, it was truly an eye opening experience. I would not classify this place as a tourist attraction, but rather a place to remember those who had died during the war period. There are not one, but two death camps at Auschwitz-Birkenau, Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II. Both offered an experience of its own and are filled with their own unique history. To visit Auschwitz, I recommend booking a guided tour. Not only were transportation arranged to and fro, but the planning and execution were smooth.

very happy trip.