By Aoi Travel Video

In this beautifully documented vlog, Aoi Travel Video takes us on an immersive journey through some of Japan’s most picturesque, snow-covered World Heritage sites. The trip spans three days, with this video highlighting Day 1 of a solo winter travel adventure through the Hida region. The day is centered around deep winter explorations of traditional Gassho-zukuri villages in Shirakawa-go and Gokayama, nestled in the mountainous and snow-laden landscapes of Gifu and Toyama Prefectures.

The video begins with an exploration of Shirakawa-go (白川郷), particularly the Ogimachi (荻町) area, the largest and most iconic of the Gassho-style villages. With thick layers of snow blanketing the beautifully preserved thatched-roof houses, the visual experience captures the village's ethereal charm. The vlogger also visits the Ogimachi Castle Ruin Observation Area (荻町城跡展望台), offering panoramic views of the village below—an iconic vantage point that truly showcases why this village is internationally recognized.

Following Shirakawa-go, the journey continues to Gokayama (五箇山), where two smaller but equally charming Gassho-zukuri villages, Suganuma (菅沼) and Ainokura (相倉), are explored. These sites are also UNESCO World Heritage Listed and provide a more tranquil and immersive experience. Winter crowds are minimal, allowing viewers to appreciate the quiet beauty and timeless atmosphere. The video provides a serene walk through these hamlets, capturing traditional Japanese rural architecture and the pristine snow-covered environment.

The vlog not only serves as a travel diary but also as a guide for those interested in visiting Japan’s historical rural areas during winter. Viewers come away with a real sense of what to expect in terms of weather, scenery, and historical architecture. The second and third days of the trip—visiting Hida Takayama and Hida Furukawa—are set to follow in upcoming videos, further enriching this Hida region tour.