Why You MUST VISIT This Ancient Village in Japan 🇯🇵 (Takayama & Shirakawa-go)

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In this video, we share why you must visit this ancient village in Japan! We're talking about Shirakawa-go, a fairy-tale village of traditional thatched-roof houses in the Gifu Prefecture in Japan. The way that the villagers here in this Japanese countryside lives together and helps each other is a heart-warming reminder of how important it is to have a community. We also visit a neighbouring city called Takayama which has a bustling morning market, local sake breweries, and everywhere we go we keep smelling delicious grilled Hida beef!
LOCATIONS FEATURED:
📍Relax Hotel (Takayama Station): www.booking.com/hotel/jp/rela...
📍Miyagawa Morning Market: maps.app.goo.gl/qYEB2RBdWXvWR...
📍Funasaka Sake Brewery: maps.app.goo.gl/MdoY1LRxw851W...
📍Shirakawa-go: maps.app.goo.gl/ybV84aM9YMR4i...
Here's the rest of our Japan series!:
🇯🇵 • Our FIRST TIME in Japa...
🇯🇵 • STREET FOOD HEAVEN in ...
🇯🇵 • WE COULDN’T WAIT TO DO...
🇯🇵 • First Time Riding JAPA...
🇯🇵 • 8 Reasons To Visit Kyo...
🇯🇵 • We Tried The VIRAL MOC...
🇯🇵 • It's More Fun In OSAKA...
🇯🇵 • We Were AMAZED, Travel...
🇯🇵 • Our First Japanese Ons...
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Video Breakdown by Chapters:
0:00 - We're in Takayama
1:10 - Enjoying the Morning Market
5:58 - Must try Hida Beef!
7:10 - Takayama Old Town
10:45 - We made it to Shirakawa-go!
15:16 - Exploring a Gassho-style house
Disclosures: Some links in the description are affiliate links. If you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a commission at no additional cost to you.
#floraandnote #japan #takayama #shirakawago

[@FloraandNote]

And if you enjoyed this video, please check out more adventures from this Japan series! Our FIRST TIME in Japan 🇯🇵 TOKYO Is Full of Surprises! kzbin.info/www/bejne/iX7QhICqiMZ4la8 STREET FOOD HEAVEN in Tokyo, Japan 🇯🇵 kzbin.info/www/bejne/mYHCq6Odd6uribs WE COULDN’T WAIT TO DO THIS IN JAPAN (Tokyo’s Best Day Trip!) 🇯🇵 kzbin.info/www/bejne/r3mul6CJjddnp68 First Time Riding JAPAN'S FASTEST Bullet Train 🇯🇵 (Tokyo to Nagoya Real Quick!) kzbin.info/www/bejne/gIbHeGqbip2Np7c 8 Reasons To Visit Kyoto NOW | Ultimate Japan Travel Guide kzbin.info/www/bejne/oJuVdKOBj9F9bc0 🇯🇵 Nara is Japan's Most Magical Place and Here's Why! kzbin.info/www/bejne/mambZaOhpM2abqM

[@melocitysolo9574]

When it comes to visiting Japan, many people only go to places like Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto. But the real charm of Japan lies in the countryside. The wonderful charm of rural Japan, as eloquently described by the famous British traveler Isabella Lucy Bird in her book "Unbeaten Tracks in Japan" 140 years ago, is still intact today.

[@LiverPools-ib5fv]

Yeah that's like every country mate

[@SHREYAGURUNG123]

Who is the constant watcher?like it.

[@chaw294]

What a great episode, Flora and Note ! It's indeed amazing to see Shirakawa and Takayama through your eyes. Oh gosh, it's like l'm in a fairyland.... those traditional thatched roof houses are super gorgeous. Love the views too, so lovely and refreshing. Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful journey. God bless 🙏🙏🙏

[@FloraandNote]

Thanks so much for watching, Chaw! We loved this quiet countryside area of Japan. Next stop will be a busy busy place 😅

[@chaw294]

@@FloraandNote 😅😅😃👍

[@BIJAYJACK]

Love the video, great content. Where did you guys stay in Takayama? We are traveling to Japan coming Feb for a week and thinking of stopping in Takayama.

[@carleto9597]

Your Japan series has been a big hit. Thanks for the tour of Takayama & Shirakawa, and Stay safe there.

[@FloraandNote]

Glad to hear that! We're enjoying our time in Japan a lot 😃

[@ladayuen5323]

It has been on my list to visit Takayama and Shirakawago for years. Last year i went to Tsumagome and Naria Juku the post towns of Nakasendo trail. And a vibrant Gion where ancient temples and shrines are. And cycling along the philosophers path. And Dotonbori. I hope you two have the time to visit more great places around Japan. I reckon you both are already in love with Japan. 😅❤❤

[@FloraandNote]

There are so many places we want to see in Japan that we'll definitely have to make another trip here!

[@TeamSEEK]

The other day, I also went sightseeing in Shirakawa-go. It's great to see the two of you having so much fun. Thank you for sharing.

[@FloraandNote]

Hope you had beautiful weather there! We didn't get to hike up to the viewpoint because it started raining 😅

[@ladayuen5323]

How cute.....You two were fascinated in the sewerage water at Shirakawa-go. How clean it is.😅 This is because Japan are very serious in looking after environment of how to dispose their rubbish and waste including sewerage systems where every household must treats the sewerage waste through sophisticated system before letting it out. In many towns they even have koi fish swimming in the gutters and rain water drains around towns likes in Gifu prefecture.❤❤❤ i love it.

[@sabrinastraveladventures4263]

Such a lovely vlog! I cannot wait for the day I can visit Japan 🇯🇵 I’ve found your channel about a month ago and I’ve been watching lots of China 🇨🇳 and Thailand 🇹🇭 vlogs. I love how softly spoken you both are and I dream of visiting these places … At that stage anywhere in Asia pretty much would be amazing! ( I’ve only been once in India many years ago and these are completely different adventures ❤) Anyway 👏🏼 you are doing so well Kind regards Sabrina 🙏🏼🇫🇷🇬🇧

[@FloraandNote]

Glad you found us, Sabrina! So where do you want to go the most?

[@sabrinastraveladventures4263]

@@FloraandNote what do you mean ? Within Japan or within Asia?

[@francinejaninesarmiento1797]

Your travel vlog takes me to places I've only dreamed of visiting. Your enthusiasm for exploration is truly remarkable! By the way, have you checked out the new v4 Bento Bag and the Ikigai Backpack from NomadLane? They seem like they'd compliment your travel style perfectly.

[@ronbeaubien]

The smoke from the fire also helps to keep bugs from destroying the thatched roofs.

[@lindabuck2777]

I figured that’s the main reason truthfully lol. Bugs-ick, they’re in every corner of the world. 🙏🏻😂❤️

[@koromaru3]

日本人です。飛騨高山には雪の時期に旅行しました。朴葉味噌焼きで食べる飛騨牛は絶品です。 　ラムネは日本では昔から駄菓子屋さんや祭りで飲みます。ビー玉を開けるのも昔の子供達は慣れたものです。現在はあまり頻繁にラムネが売られてないため飲む子供も多くはないですが、あのビー玉を取ろうと躍起になったことがあります。結局とれませんがね😂

[@FloraandNote]

Hahaha we also tried but couldn’t get the marble out 😆

[@dominichill1492]

It was so funny to see the water hit Note in the face at the beginning of the video. Flora and Note you two should visit the Sky Tree Tower, but you both left Tokyo. It would be nice to see you both visit Osaka.

[@FloraandNote]

We wanted to go to Sky Tree Tower but they only had tickets for the hottest time of day...so we just looked at it from below 😅

[@dominichill1492]

@@FloraandNote good to know that

[@billydong9640]

Gotta love Notes expressions whilst eating the Hida sushi 🤤 .. everything is so small and cute.. makes you wanna google flights right away😅 Thank you for taking us all along Flora & Note🙏🙏

[@FloraandNote]

It's probably even more beautiful right now because the leaves are changing colour 😍

[@billydong9640]

@@FloraandNote ok okay.. I’m on my way.. now where did my creditcard run off to?🤔🤦‍♂️🤣

[@Sakura-zu4rz]

I haven't had any fun lately, 😭 You bring me joy!❤🙂I love the kind and generous heartwarming atmosphere that you create, your kind, easygoing, warm vibe. ❤I like the essence how you live on. I need to be true to myself and find a job I am passionate about. I want to find a way to live as who I really am.

[@FloraandNote]

Thank you for sharing this with us and we're happy that our videos bring you joy! Hope you'll find your path soon 😊

[@cheryll8008]

What a beautiful quaint town thanks for sharing ❤

[@MentorPeterC]

Great video

[@gastev]

1000th Like! And we just arrived in Takayama tonight! ❤😊

[@alise.P]

Missed both of you guys N'note and Flora ❤

[@josephinewailingchan8976]

Love Shirakawago and Takayama...always in my bucket list, especially during winter. Thanks for taking us there!

[@FloraandNote]

We’d love to see it again in the winter too 😍 I bet Huda beef shabu shabu would be amazing haha

[@josephinewailingchan8976]

@@FloraandNote 😋😋😋

[@mohammadasifrao4190]

wow amazing i never try to go outside tokyo . always great video

[@kathleenhui3665]

It's so much fun watching this video 😂

[@susanspence3029]

Another amazing video. Such beauty and history.

[@FloraandNote]

Thanks Susan!

[@tonytiger72]

Thanks!

[@FloraandNote]

Thanks so much for supporting our work 🙏🏻🙏🏻❤️❤️

[@jasminnat]

Thank you. The village has such a relaxed atmosphere. 😍

[@FloraandNote]

It sure does! You can even book a night at the home stays in this village :)

[@kathleenhui3665]

Good music and song , thanks Note, 👍👍

[@FloraandNote]

I also love the songs he chooses :)

[@leecoates6524]

love seeing the world through your eyes and minds thank you so much

[@FloraandNote]

Thanks for always tuning in! :)

[@ArunBalachandranNair]

Again, Thank you guys for sharing your really interesting experiences. ❤

[@FloraandNote]

Thanks for watching 😍

[@jeffrey88888]

Thank you for the videos. I haven't explored that area since the flip phone era. I only had paper maps and poor translation books back then. Will go back again in 2024

[@alking.abwhajr]

لقطات جميلة ومبدعة جدآ 🐏🪻🐄

[@IaneHowe]

I loved this part of Japan

[@FloraandNote]

We do as well! It's so peaceful and beautiful here 😍

[@ji1511]

Do visit Shin Hotaka, its gorgeous.

[@SHREYAGURUNG123]

So beautiful place and cute sis😘handsome bro😍

[@FloraandNote]

Thank you 😍

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

I am the same way, I love LOOKING at snow, but I don't want to actually be in it, 555. Nice video. Thank you.

[@MichMichMe]

I just love the way you guys present your content. I always have but lately it is … extra 👍 😉

[@FloraandNote]

Thank you so much for the support and encouragement 🙏😍

[@MichMichMe]

@@FloraandNote thank you guys for the amazing content and awesome vibes. It cannot be easy (at all!) to produce what you do every week but you make it look seamless.

[@leeleng1458]

Just couldn't find a thing that I don't like in this video so thank you so much for showing. What an amazing place! Firmly in my bucket list.

[@FloraandNote]

We're so happy to hear that!

[@lindabuck2777]

So beautiful and fascinating, the village looks amazing. I love the tiny cup for the Saki! So cute, you’re right Note! Those canons are so powerful wow-I watched a special pbs years ago showed demonstration, so able to correlate the info. The power is incredible! Flora, I just thought about earrings, and carrying ‘more stuff’ in your backpacks! I’d buy every pair I love but regret the weight! How do you abstain😱😂🥰. How in the world would a child poke that marble into the bottle?!?! The strength it took Note to punch it in wow-mommy n daddy got some gams on them too?!? Lol. Happy trails safest travels. Thank you 🙏🏻❤️

[@FloraandNote]

The tiny cups make it so easy to drink and keep drinking 😆 especially the delicious yuzu one … we could easily drink a bottle but that would be a bad idea 😅

[@ronthompson1410]

Hi guys I'm loving the Japan show so ❤ just 1? Are u going to mount fugue it should be nice this time of year keep up the good work 👏 ❤❤❤

[@FloraandNote]

We won’t be going to Mt. Fuji this trip… have to save some epic places for next time 😆

[@nowgaku]

Yes,Hida beef is one of the best meet of all Japan.

[@seasaltlemon8237]

I returned from Japan a couple of days back and I'm again binging on Japan vlogs 😂 Am i nuts?

[@FloraandNote]

Can never get enough of Japan 😆

[@innfahofficial]

very nice brother sister

[@QuynhAnh-yd9xy]

I want to go shirakawa when it has heavy snow. Which month useful to go? Is New year holiday best choice to go?

[@sprayblood]

波子汽水 👍🏻👍🏻😃

[@user-cv9xc6xy1p]

是非、長野の戸隠などにもお立ち寄りください😊

[@mekagoten]

what settings do you have your camera set to and what video editor do you use to color grade? the color grading is great ! Its not overly HDR and not flushed, dulled.Colors are vivid.

[@FloraandNote]

We film on a Fujifilm X-S20, 4K in 24fps. We edit in Adobe Premiere Pro :)

[@kritikas_escapes]

Love your videos! What lens do you use? ❤❤

[@FloraandNote]

We use Tamron 11-22 on Fujifilm XS20

[@kritikas_escapes]

@@FloraandNote Thank you so much, can I also ask what video editing software you use?

[@getztravels]

When were you guys there? Just for reference. Im going next week. Love your video quality btw. 😊

[@FloraandNote]

This was just 3 weeks ago 🙂

[@erezfbmomy]

do you keep the cup from the sake place in Takayama ? :)

[@FloraandNote]

Yes! You can keep it 😊

[@fangbaoling]

Hi Flora and Note, my sis and I are going to Gifu to visit Takayama, Toyama (maybe), Shiragawa and Kanazawa from Nagoya (from Tokyo) as well end Apr 2024. Do you have a recommendation of the best route? Also we wanted to try our hand at vlogging as well, do you have a recommendation on the equipment we need to start off as beginners? iphone and a gimble (which video editing do you use?), thanks for your advice! You guys look so relaxed, love watching. ◡̈

[@FloraandNote]

That sounds like a lovely sister trip! I think Nagoya - Takayama - Shirakawago - Kanazawa is a good route to take. You can stop in Shirakawago for 2-3 hours (you can store your bag at the bus station) and continue your journey too so you don't need to go back to Takayama before going to Kanazawa. It really depends on where you are going next ...we were going to Osaka next so we decided not to go to Kanazawa and return to Nagoya. As for vlogging, if you have a decent iPhone then go for it! The quality is good and it's convenient. If you are more serious about vlogging then maybe check out the DJI Osmo Pocket 3. We use Premiere Pro for editing but it's expensive .. you can try iMovie or CapCut.

[@fangbaoling]

@@FloraandNote thanks! Do you think it is worth staying a night over at Shirakawago or any of the other towns for that matter? re vlogging: do i need to get the one with the noise cancelling mike and light on the stand? thanks!

[@agnishdhar4851]

You guys look very cute together

[@lostboystravels9141]

Hey guys my friend and I will be coming to Koh Samui around the 5th or 6th of September 2024. I love seafood, what's a good place? Would be cool if you guys just happing to be in town to meet.

[@FloraandNote]

Bang Por Seafood is our favourite. Affordable and delicious 😋

[@lostboystravels9141]

Thank you. I am also looking at hotels as well. I like the beach, swim up bar if there is one. something nice. This will be my forth trip to Thailand but most my time was Bangkok with a few trips outside. I was just there not long ago for my birthday was the sometime as Songkran. We had a great time. @@FloraandNote

[@peacevkw]

Will be nice if you can mention date of this trip because every month the crowd and environment are different.

[@FloraandNote]

We were there end of September 2023. It wasn’t too busy then.

[@brandonthailand2062]

You try Takoyaki yet? Very tasty.

[@sameeraiyer372]

If there were only 2 places you could go in Japan for a 1 week trip and you love nature, where would you go ?

[@dsandsfl]

What time is the year was this? I am going in 2 weeks to the same places.

[@FloraandNote]

We filmed this last month 😊

[@dsandsfl]

@@FloraandNote Thanks!

[@nateshf9303]

There are way more authentic and less touristy areas. Hope you get to explore them.

[@AlejandroMorales-cx2mh]

Always find comments like these but never mention any other "more authentic areas".

[@Sumankabita-sk55]

Love❤ from nepal soon........1m sub🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟

[@pang-ngiavang1956]

Flora and Note, I am so happy that you finally made it to my favorite country to vacation in the world!!! The reason why Japanese fruit and beef are so expensive because they are totally out of this world!!! By the way, you guys need to visit Gujo-Hachiman, Gifu. Besides eating Japanese beef, don't leave Japan without eating Rikuro cheesecake in Namba, Osaka. There are two lines at this shop. Make sure to get in line with the freshly bake cheesecake and eat it right away at the shop when they are nicely warm. Order coffee to go with them! Happy eating!!!

[@FloraandNote]

Thanks for the recommendation :)

[@SHREYAGURUNG123]

रेगुलर viewer कोको हुनुहुन्छ लाइक गर्नुस।

[@cosmicnhilist]

Hi, just out of curiosity... Are 4 hours enough to explore shirakawa-go entirely?

[@FloraandNote]

Yeah that sounds perfect. Enough time to walk around, try some food and take some photos in the area.

[@cosmicnhilist]

@@FloraandNote amazing...thanks for replying back. If you don't mind me asking, one more question...what's the ideal time in a day to visit shirakawa -go to avoid crowds...i know it would probably be busy most of the day...but I want to know if it's better to visit it early morning around 9 or there wouldnt any difference if i visit it around 1pm. Please let me know 🙏

[@FloraandNote]

@cosmicnhilist it’s probably more quiet in the morning than afternoon. It also depends on how you’re going .. make sure to check the bus schedule. If you’re driving then you can try to avoid the bus arrival times too.

[@cosmicnhilist]

@@FloraandNote thank you for all the info ❤️

[@gregh7457]

we drove here from nagoya and back. I never saw even one cow out in a field. I think they're all barn raised. Perhaps that fat marbeling is from no exercise. Not a bad life for a cow, drinking beer and enjoying their own barns

[@snowcountry322]

Do you think one week in Takayama & Shirakawa-go too much?

[@FloraandNote]

Yes, it might be. I think 3-4 days will be perfect and you can even go to the hot spring area near Takayama.

[@kathleenhui3665]

Haha are you really drunk 😂 Flora

[@caminodetokio4816]

The Chinese character for “Yui” is 結. So, you can understand what it means since you’re a Chinese Canadian, I think. I love this video.

[@FloraandNote]

Ohh interesting...that makes sense! A community coming together 👍

[@caminodetokio4816]

@@FloraandNote In Shirakawago Village homepage they wrote their motto is 結・合力 (Yui / Kouryaku). As you know 結 is to connect each other and 合力 is to combine forces. I feel a bit strange that the pronunciation of 合力 is Kouryaku in the homepage because the general pronunciation of 合力 is Gouriki in Japanese. So, 合力 in Shirakawago might include another nuance. Note: Kouryaku is generally 攻略 in Japanese, which means Attack or Capture in English.

[@Shige3319]

Do not drink sake in one shot. It's a violation of manners.

[@MatandLucia]

3 sips right?

[@LetsGoToJapan]

IT'S NOT ANCIENT, the architecture originates from the 1800s