Shirakawa village, which is part of the Shirakawago area, saw its first snow this winter on Dec. 14, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. By 11 a.m. on Dec. 15, the snow in the village ...

The villages are particularly beautiful in the winter months, when the houses are covered in snow and illuminated ... festivals and events. The Shirakawa-gō Summer Festival is held in July ...