Shirakawa Village, a World Heritage Site with 1,400 Residents, to Host Local Market Focusing on Daily Life Beyond Tourism on May 23
Hidakara Co., Ltd., in collaboration with Shirakawa village volunteers, will host the 'Mebuki Dokidoki Marche' on May 23. The event aims to highlight residents' daily lives and challenges, targeting over 1,500 visitors—exceeding the village's own population.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 19, 2026 at 21:00
- 🔍 Collected: May 19, 2026 at 12:31
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 28, 2026 at 17:06 (220h 34m after Collected)
Hidakara Co., Ltd. (Hida City, Gifu), which operates a tofu shop in Shirakawa-go, will host the 4th 'Mebuki Dokidoki Marche' (commonly known as 'Mebudoki') on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at the Sakura Kaido Shirakawa-go Hirase Campsite.
While Shirakawa village attracts approximately 2 million tourists annually, its resident population stands at only about 1,400. This event started in 2023 with the desire to 'shine a light on the lives and challenges of the villagers.' Held in May, when late spring arrives in Shirakawa-go, it offers a local experience of the everyday atmosphere that is often invisible to tourists.
### Event Details
- **Date & Time:** May 23 (Sat), 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- **Location:** Sakura Kaido Shirakawa-go Hirase Campsite (766-1 Nagase, Shirakawa Village, Gifu)
- **Exhibitors:** 17 shops/groups connected to Shirakawa-go
- **Admission:** Free (Rain or shine)
### Background: Focusing on Life Outside the Tourism Economy
According to Shirakawa village, tourist numbers exceeded 2.08 million in 2024, yet the resident population has steadily declined to 1,433 as of April 2026. Despite being a world-renowned destination, the village faces limited options for daily living and careers. This market was launched to create a platform for villagers to take on new challenges and showcase their lifestyles beyond the tourism industry.
### Featured Activities and Stalls (17 total)
- **Basket Weaving Workshops:** Creating traditional horse-shaped ornaments or pot mats using natural vines (by K-Basket).
- **Woodcraft Experience:** Making bird calls and wooden slingshots using branches from Shirakawa-go's forests (by Toyota Shirakawa-go Eco-Institute).
- **Unique Local Cuisine:** Special spice and koji-based menus offered by local hostels (by Sargabamba).
- **Traditional 'Ishi-dofu' (Stone Tofu):** Selling skewers and pickled versions of Shirakawa-go's uniquely firm traditional tofu (by Miyama Tofu Shop).
### Goal: Exceeding the Local Population
Since its inception in 2023, the event has grown steadily. This year, the organizers aim for more than 1,500 visitors, surpassing the village's population. Over the years, the market has evolved into a 'grand reunion' for residents of all ages. The event also invites visitors from outside the village to experience a side of Shirakawa-go that is rarely seen in standard tourism.
While Shirakawa village attracts approximately 2 million tourists annually, its resident population stands at only about 1,400. This event started in 2023 with the desire to 'shine a light on the lives and challenges of the villagers.' Held in May, when late spring arrives in Shirakawa-go, it offers a local experience of the everyday atmosphere that is often invisible to tourists.
### Event Details
- **Date & Time:** May 23 (Sat), 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- **Location:** Sakura Kaido Shirakawa-go Hirase Campsite (766-1 Nagase, Shirakawa Village, Gifu)
- **Exhibitors:** 17 shops/groups connected to Shirakawa-go
- **Admission:** Free (Rain or shine)
### Background: Focusing on Life Outside the Tourism Economy
According to Shirakawa village, tourist numbers exceeded 2.08 million in 2024, yet the resident population has steadily declined to 1,433 as of April 2026. Despite being a world-renowned destination, the village faces limited options for daily living and careers. This market was launched to create a platform for villagers to take on new challenges and showcase their lifestyles beyond the tourism industry.
### Featured Activities and Stalls (17 total)
- **Basket Weaving Workshops:** Creating traditional horse-shaped ornaments or pot mats using natural vines (by K-Basket).
- **Woodcraft Experience:** Making bird calls and wooden slingshots using branches from Shirakawa-go's forests (by Toyota Shirakawa-go Eco-Institute).
- **Unique Local Cuisine:** Special spice and koji-based menus offered by local hostels (by Sargabamba).
- **Traditional 'Ishi-dofu' (Stone Tofu):** Selling skewers and pickled versions of Shirakawa-go's uniquely firm traditional tofu (by Miyama Tofu Shop).
### Goal: Exceeding the Local Population
Since its inception in 2023, the event has grown steadily. This year, the organizers aim for more than 1,500 visitors, surpassing the village's population. Over the years, the market has evolved into a 'grand reunion' for residents of all ages. The event also invites visitors from outside the village to experience a side of Shirakawa-go that is rarely seen in standard tourism.
FAQ
「芽吹きドキドキマルシェ」の開催目的は何ですか？
観光地としての白川郷の側面ではなく、村民の日常や挑戦に光を当て、村民自身が挑戦できる場をつくるとともに、村内外の交流を促進することです。
2026年の開催日時と場所を教えてください。
2026年5月23日（土）11:00〜16:00、場所は岐阜県白川村の「さくら街道白川郷ひらせキャンプサイト」です。
どのような体験プログラムや出店がありますか？
自然素材を使ったかご編みワークショップ、枝木を使ったウッドクラフト体験、地元の伝統食材「石豆富」の販売、ホステルによるスパイス料理など、計17店舗が出店します。
イベントの参加費用や雨天時の対応はどうなっていますか？
入場は無料で、雨天決行となっています。
これまでの来場実績と今回の目標は？
2023年は869人、2024年は1600人、2025年は1000人（雨天）が来場しました。2026年は村の人口（1433人）を超える1500人以上の来場を目指しています。