In May, the “praying hands” houses of Shirakawago are surrounded by wet rice paddies with baby rice just starting to pop up. Backdrop is the green mountains

Exploring the old post towns of Magome and Tsumago that are part of the ancient Nakasendo trail. Old wooden buildings, cobbled paths, and bear warnings.

Shirakawago is magical in the winter when the sloping roofs are covered in snow. It’s cold, but the views are worth it to see the snow-covered village.

The wintery views from Shinhotaka Ropeway in the Japanese Alps are a special kind of beautiful. Walk through paths of snow taller than you.