Hakusan Shiramine

Shiramine District may have nearly 4m of snow in winter. One of Japan’s most snowy areas has developed their special architecture style, and has a national preservation district for groups of historic buildings. The head of the village, Yamagishi Family’s residence with khaki-colored walls and vertical windows, and homes built in Edo and Meiji Periods still stand to this day.

The district is dotted with wooden homes converted into restaurants and shops. Shiramine‘s specialties, Oroshi Udon noodles and bota rice cake, tochi rice cake, homemade red perilla juice, tochi rice cracker, traditional firm tofu, etc. are sold. Have fun exploring cafes and shops. Stop by at a workshop where Shiramine’s traditional Ushikubi-tsumugi is hand woven.

In February each year, residents make snowmen of all sizes that fill the district. They are lit at night and make a dreamy world. During the Snowmen Festival, booths are selling Siramine specialties and other food and you can enjoy looking around with food in your hands.

Mystery-solving Machi-aruki Geo Tour (reservation required) is held, which lets you stroll the town with a guide and learn about the life and wisdom of people living in the snowy region. It takes an hour and a half and begins in front of Shiramine Onsen Soyu. If you wish to join, you need to make a reservation with Shirayama City Tourism Association by the evening of the previous day. The fee is 5,000 yen. 1 - 5 participants allowed.
Shirayama City Tourism Association: 076-259-5893