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Shirakawa-go, Nagoya — where to start?

Today's weather in Shirakawa-go
Tue Oct 27, 13:31 Japan now
24° Average temperature
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Tax-free & shopping guide

Tax-freeFrom November 1, it switches to a 'refund system.' You pay tax-inclusive prices in stores and get the tax back after a customs check at the airport when you leave. Be sure to bring your passport.

SouvenirsGassho-zukuri-shaped sweets and doburoku (unfiltered sake) goods

Shopping tipShops close early, so buy souvenirs during the day.

Shopping spots in Shirakawa-go
Getting around Shirakawa-go

On footEverything in the village is walkable

BusBook buses to Takayama or Kanazawa in advance

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Shopping

Shopping streets & markets in Shirakawa-go, Nagoya · 1

Tax-free shopping changes from November 1, 2026

Instead of tax being deducted at the store, you now pay including tax and get it refunded later.

  1. Show your passport at a tax-free store and pay the tax-inclusive price
  2. When leaving Japan, customs at the airport checks your passport and purchases
  3. Once checked, the store (or a refund agent) refunds the consumption tax

Minimum spend and refund methods can vary by store, so ask before paying.

SouvenirsShirakawa-go

Ogimachi souvenir street, Shirakawa-go

白川郷 荻町

Souvenir shops and tea rooms in thatched houses along the village's main street.

5 min walk from the Shirakawa-go bus terminal

Local products & gift ideas

3 gifts to bring home from Nagoya and where to buy them · Shirakawa-go first

SweetsCentral Nagoya

Uiro

ういろう

A chewy traditional Nagoya sweet of steamed rice flour and sugar, in flavors like matcha and red bean.

SweetsCentral Nagoya

Yukari shrimp crackers

ゆかり

Thin crackers baked with plenty of shrimp, a long-time favorite Nagoya gift.

Most are also sold at souvenir shops in airports and major stations. Check hours and stock via the Google Maps links.