Audio Guide of Kanda House

Kanda House is generally open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. year-round, although hours may vary in winter due to snow; confirm on the official website. You can get there by bus from Takayama (about 50 minutes) or Kanazawa, getting off at the Shirakawa-go Ogimachi stop; the village is pedestrian-only, so walk 10–15 minutes from the entrance. More details on the official Shirakawa-go website.

Admission costs 500 yen for adults, 300 yen for children aged 7–15, and is free for children under 6. It includes access to the interior of the historic house; payment is made at the entrance. See updated prices in the gassho houses section.

About 30–45 minutes is recommended to explore the interior, attics, and gassho-zukuri structure. If you use a guide or audio guide, it may extend to 1 hour; it is ideal to combine it with a walk through the village.

Built in 1804 during the Edo period, Kanda House is a perfect example of gassho-zukuri architecture, adapted for silkworm cultivation in its dark attics. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Shirakawa-go, showcasing traditional rural Japanese life.

Winter (December–February) is magical, with snow covering the roofs, but go early in the morning (9:00–10:00 a.m.) to avoid crowds. Spring with cherry blossoms or autumn foliage are also ideal; avoid weekends and Golden Week holidays.

It is not fully accessible due to steep stairs and uneven floors typical of traditional gassho houses. There are limited ramps outside, but it is generally not recommended for wheelchair users; ask about alternatives at the Shirakawa-go visitor center.

Nearby is Wada House (a 5-minute walk away), the largest and most photogenic, as well as the Shiroyama Viewpoint. Explore Deai Bridge and the Gassho-zukuri Minkaen Open-Air Museum; everything is walkable in Ogimachi village.

Wear comfortable shoes for the cobbled paths, book your bus in advance during high season via Nohi Bus, and try local food such as soba at nearby restaurants. Use the official app for audio guides and go on sunny days for better photos.