Ogimachi village in the Shirakawa-go district of Japan is one of those fairytale destinations. So striking and intriguing are the photographs of this unique place that it is soon added to your bucket list as a destination you must see with your very own eyes. The area is famous for its concentration of historic Gassho-zukuri houses. A unique architectural style with steep thatched roofs designed to withstand the huge amounts of snow that fall on their location in the Hida Mountains. The cute collection of houses, set amidst a valley surrounded by mountains, is stunning and character-filled and definitely worth whatever amount of time you are able to spend there.

After reading a lot about, and viewing hundreds of pictures of, the unique village we were very excited at the prospect of spending a night in one of the traditional Gassho-zukuri houses, some of which are more than 250 years old. That was until we did a little further research and decided that such a house, with a stove in the middle of the living room and very delicate, close living and sleeping conditions, would not be such a great place to take a toddler (especially our energetic, inquisitive toddler!). After much contemplation we decided that the stress would just not be worth it (a decision helped by the fact that we were in the area in peak season and the houses were booked well in advance). Instead we decided to visit the village enroute from Takayama to Kyoto. Our last minute planning meant that nearly all the buses to the village were booked out and the best we would be able to do was an hour’s visit. I was very disappointed but decided it would be best to make do with the time we had and dream of coming back another time, perhaps for an overnight stay when our little girl was older, and perhaps when the village is coated in a blanket of snow. One has to dream, right!

The village was a lovely place to wander, even in the rain, and the surrounding mountains, even when shrouded in mist are atmospheric and pretty. The town is dotted with brightly coloured flowers which are striking against the dark brown exterior of the houses, contrasted with the bright green rice fields. Adding to the tranquility are the burbling brooks that meander throughout the town. There is a lovely viewpoint looking over the town which is a 15 minute walk away, which sadly I will also have to add to my list of things I will do next time I visit!

If there is one tip I can give when visiting Japan I would recommend booking everything you can as far in advance as you can as things seem to book out quite quickly, especially in peak and festival seasons.

Next stop Kyoto!