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japantravel

    Shirakawa Village Japan
    Japan

    Picturesque Shirakawa Village Highlights During Sakura Season

    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac April 13, 2025
    written by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac

    Nestled in the Japanese Alps, visiting Shirakawa Village is like stepping into a storybook. Approaching by road, I feel myself slipping into a dream. It no longer feels like the “Land of the Rising Sun.” Rather, it seems like somehow I mysteriously ended up in Switzerland. The snow-capped mountains overlap into the clear blue sky like a surreal painting to immerse my imagination in an alpine setting. Intrigued, I arrive to spend a day and discover the Shirakawa Japan highlights. Plus, I am there in April when the cherry blossoms are in bloom for Sakura Season.

    Shirakawa is surrounded by the Ryohaku Mountains in the Shogawa River valley. Moreover, it’s best known for its unique buildings called Gassho-zukuri. The design of these A-framed, thick-thatched roofs, manages snow, as this region is the snowiest area in Japan. Initially, I just inhale the fresh alpine air from the valley, surrounded by beautiful mountains. Then, calmly, I begin exploring this charming village, noticing pink cherry blossoms in full bloom, knowing this is going to be a splendid spring day.

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    Firstly, from the Visitor’s Center, I cross the hanging bridge over the Shogawa River to the village. The main attraction here is the village itself and its harmonious setting, with the best way to explore being on foot, which is my favorite as an inquisitive peripatetic. Plus, the village is small and easy to explore, where I wander through the labyrinth of scenery, such as, unique buildings, gardens, colorful scarecrows, shops, shrines and cherry blossoms…

    Shirakawa Japan Highlights

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    Gassho-zukuri

    Shirakawa-go is the largest concentration of Gassho-zukuri buildings in Japan used originally as farmhouses. There are over 110 houses with some being over 250 years old. Moreover, the A-framed thick straw roofs withstand the heavy snow of the region. Gassho-zukuri means ‘constructed like hands in prayer,’ as the farmhouses steep thatched roofs look like the hands of Buddhist monks in prayer. In addition, the A-framed roofs (made without nails) provided large attics used for cultivating silkworms.

    Even though most of the buildings have been converted to museums, I still enjoy the setting for its rich cultural experience to feel what it was like to live this unique lifestyle hundreds of years ago.

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    Panoramic Viewpoint

    I inquisitively wander without much of a plan, except to just take it all in. The cherry blossoms are a beautiful accent to the rustic charm. But, the unfortunate reality is the touristy crowds (cannot complain because I’m one too). However, it’s vast enough to not feel overwhelmed by the crowds. Then, I take the 15-minute walk to the hilltop’s panoramic view, where the Shiroyama Tenbodai Castle was at one time.

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    Overall Panoramic View

    From this vantage point, I see the cherry-blossom framed, snow-capped mountains and the picturesque village in the valley below, along the winding turquoise Shokawa River. Moreover, Mt Hakusan looms at the highest elevation of 2,172 meters, known as a sacred summit for centuries. Consequently, I easily imagine living here 200 years ago, as a farmer connected to the land and its surroundings living in harmony with Mother Earth.

    Then, I continue tirelessly wandering throughout this idyllic village with no agenda. Visitors rent the old farmhouses and offer extended stays to experience the essence of this valley, which is presumably more evident in the early morning and evenings with less tourist crowds. Finally, after 2 Matcha (green tea) ice cream cones and 4 hours of wandering, I meander back across the bridge leaving the village, feeling myself slowly transition out of this nostalgic dreamworld, back into the reality of modern Japan…taking with me a splendid memory of this unique Japanese heritage. Sayonara Shirakawa!


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    April 13, 2025 0 comments
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  • Japan

    Top Attractions in Hokkaido, Japan’s Northernmost Island

    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac April 13, 2025
    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac April 13, 2025

    Being the northernmost and least developed island of Japan, Hokkaido is a wonderful place to explore. During early spring, I visited Cape Kamui on Shakotan peninsula, Toya-Usu Global Geopark and the charming …

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  • JapanTravel Wellness Trips

    My Life-Changing Cherry Blossom Tours in Japan

    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac April 13, 2025
    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac April 13, 2025

    In spring Japan’s cherry blossoms light up, as a prism from which to refract the essence of this Buddhist country. Being there during Cherry Blossom (aka Sakura) Season opened my mind to …

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  • JapanTravel Wellness Trips

    A Healing Experience at Kagoshima’s Unique, Geothermal Sand Spas

    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac April 10, 2025
    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac April 10, 2025

    One of the most unique experiences of my life was getting buried in the Kagoshima sand spas. And yes, thankfully my head was not included. It’s believed that the geothermal-heated sands provide …

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Hello, Hola, Namaste, Ni hao, Ciao and Bonjour! My name is Trudy and I have been traveling like everyday is my last, over the last 10 years. I've visited 105 countries and still counting! As an Acupuncturist and traveler, I love sharing my experiences and tips on travel and wellness. Feel free to join below my community for coupons and latest travel guides.

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On the Vracar plateau, the Church of Saint Sava is On the Vracar plateau, the Church of Saint Sava is the largest Orthodox church in the Balkans and second largest in the world. Saint Sava is the founder of the Serbian Orthodox church. The church’s construction lasted from 1935 to 1989. It became delayed by WW II and the Yugoslavian communism, that didn’t allow for building churches. 

Shaped like a Greek Cross, the facade consists of white marble and granite in a Neo-Byzantine style. Its dome is one of the largest in the world. The mosaics are spectacular, with the central mosaic in the dome depicting the Ascension of Jesus.

To learn more about Belgrade, check out my blog:
https://truewindhealingtravel.com/belgrade-serbia-top-attractions-in-2-days/

#belgrade #serbia #serbiatourism #churchesofinstagram #templeofsaintsava #balkans #europetravels #easterneurope #belgradephoto #belgradeserbia #travelblogger #wanderlust
Just 15 minutes from Mostar is the Blagaj Dervish Just 15 minutes from Mostar is the Blagaj Dervish Monastery. It sits at the source of the Buna River which flows out of a cave beneath a canyon wall. The beautiful tekke (lodge) displays Ottoman Sufi architecture from the 15th century. 

The white building reflects on the turquoise river. Inside you’ll find a small mosque, guest rooms and mausoleums. Dervishes of the Sufi orders stayed here for spiritual retreats over the centuries. Today, it is open for tourist of all faiths to learn about this sacred site and the Sufi tradition. 

We explored the riverside and view of Blagaj from across the river. Also, with our shoes off, we enjoyed an indoor tour of the monastery. 

To learn more about Mostar, check out my blog:
https://truewindhealingtravel.com/mostar-tour-highlights/

#blagaj #dervish #monastery #mostar #bosniaandherzegovina #balkans #instatravelling #i̇nstatravel #easterneurope #europetravel #bosnia #traveladdict #retreat #wanderlust #solotraveling
Mostar is a gorgeous gem of the Balkans. Its uniqu Mostar is a gorgeous gem of the Balkans. Its unique blend of cultural diversity, riveting history and natural beauty offers an inspiring escape. I traveled solo in Mostar for 2 days, exploring the Old Town along with day trips. Mostar's main attraction is the bridge jumping tradition.

The iconic Stari Most is the symbol of Mostar and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in Balkan Islamic architecture in the 16th century, its height is 24 m (78 ft 9 in). The bridge connects the two sides of the city divided by the Neretva River. During the Balkan War, the bridge was destroyed. However, it became rebuilt in 2004 with the stones from the original bridge. The bridge is steep and slippery with crowds often on it. So, wear good shoes and be aware when taking in its incredible views of the city and river.

The main attraction in Mostar is watching the tradition of locals jumping off the Stari Most into the river. This began in 1664 as a rite-of-passage for 16-year-old boys. Today, young men from the Mostar Diving Club take the plunge. Leading up to the plunge, assistants gather donations from the crowds.

To learn more, check out my blog:
https://truewindhealingtravel.com/mostar-tour-highlights/

#mostar #mostarbridge #mostarbridgejump #mostarbosnia #bosniaandherzegovina #balkans #bridgejump #bridgejumping #instatravelling #instatravel #europetravels #easterneurope #wanderlusting #wanderlust #travelgirl #solotravel #travelblog #travelblogger #solotravel
After 3 days in Sarajevo, I wholeheartedly get why After 3 days in Sarajevo, I wholeheartedly get why National Geographic named it Top Destination for 2025. Here, east meets west with a fascinating blend of Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian influences. However, wounds from the 90’s Bosnian War are still healing. Afterall, Sarajevo suffered the longest siege (almost 4 years) in modern warfare by the Bosnian Serbs. Thankfully, its citizens’ resilience prevailed otherwise.

To learn more, check out my blog:
https://truewindhealingtravel.com/sarajevo-travel-destination-highlights/

Photos:
Abandoned Olympic Bobsleigh Track
Sarajevo '84 Winter Olympics
Tunnel of Hope during Sarajevo Siege
Sarajevo Rose Memorial (Where more than 3 people died in Siege)
Eternal Flame Monument - Honoring WW II victims
Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque
Sacred Heart Cathedral
Old Bazaar

#sarajevo #sarajevobosnia #bosnia #bosniaandherzegovina🇧🇦 #bosniatravel #europetravels #balkans #europedestinations #solotraveler #solofemaletravel #wanderlusting #wanderlust #travelbloggers #nationalgeographictopdestination2025 #nationalgeographic #instatravel #europehistory
The Plitvice Lakes National Park is located in cen The Plitvice Lakes National Park is located in central Croatia’s mountainous karst area. It’s the largest national park in the country and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is world-famous for its 16 turquoise, tufa lakes connected by 90 cascades and waterfalls. A confluence of many rivers and subterranean karst rivers created these lakes. 

Check out my blog/video:
https://truewindhealingtravel.com/plitvice-lakes-planning-tips/

#waterfallsofinstagram #croatiatravel #croatia #waterfalls #waterfall #adventuretravel #wanderlust #europetravels #cascade #travelingram #naturelovers #naturegrams #traveladdict #solofemaletravel #solotraveler
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