By Anna Film Production
Join Anna Film Production for a serene and immersive walking tour through Shiramine Village (白峰) in Hakusan City, Ishikawa Prefecture—one of Japan’s most renowned heavy snowfall regions. This video captures the ethereal beauty of winter in a town where deep snow blankets traditional architecture, offering a glimpse into a way of life shaped by the elements.
The video opens with tranquil scenes of walking through Shiramine, where the thick snow adds a quiet magic to the preserved, atmospheric streets. The village’s unique houses, designed to withstand the extreme winters, stand out for their ochre-colored walls, long vertical windows, and earthen storehouses. This architectural ingenuity is just one reason why Shiramine was designated in 2012 by Japan’s Agency for Cultural Affairs as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings.
Highlights in the video include the Shiramine snow floor drift ditch (白峰床固群水路), a local waterway system that plays a vital role during the heavy snowfall seasons, efficiently managing melt-off and supporting the local infrastructure. The video also beautifully portrays local details, from icicles hanging from rooftops to the muffled silence of a town buried in snow—a stark yet beautiful contrast to Japan’s bustling cities.
For travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path winter adventure or anyone fascinated by Japanese rural life and historical preservation, this video of Shiramine provides a peaceful and culturally rich virtual escape. Located in Ishikawa Prefecture, the area is a lesser-known but deeply rewarding destination for exploring traditional Japanese village life under a blanket of snow.