Shirakawa

Shirakawa is a Japanese place name and surname meaning “white river,” written with different kanji depending on the location. It is used for several municipalities in Japan and appears in various geographical and personal names.

The most prominent uses are in Fukushima and Gifu prefectures. Shirakawa, Fukushima (白河市) is a city in the Tōhoku region. It serves as an administrative and economic center for surrounding areas and has historical ties to the region's development and agriculture.

Shirakawa, Gifu (白川村) is a village in Gifu Prefecture, located in the Hida region. It is best known for the nearby historic settlement of Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses and landscape that preserve a rural architectural style adapted to mountainous climates.

Beyond these two, Shirakawa is used by several smaller municipalities and districts across Japan. In addition, Shirakawa is a Japanese surname, borne by various individuals in politics, arts, sports, and academia.

In summary, Shirakawa refers to multiple places in Japan, most notably a Fukushima city and a Gifu village that includes Shirakawa-go, and it also serves as a common surname.