"Higashi Shirakawa Village" in Gifu Prefecture is a small village surrounded by mountains on all sides, with a settlement area of approximately 9 square kilometers and a population of about 2,000 people.

There are no railway lines, and the only means of transportation from other prefectures is National Route 256, which runs through the middle of the village, making it quite difficult to visit.

It is often mistaken for "Shirakawa-go", with its rows of traditional gassho-zukuri houses, but "Higashi Shirakawa Village" is located about two hours away by car from "Shirakawa-go".

While "Higashi Shirakawa Village" is probably of little interest to most people, it is a sacred place for "Tsuchinoko," and for us, it is a village worth visiting on pilgrimage. 　(Nihedon @ KesaranPasaran Lab)

What is "Tsuchinoko" ?

"Tsuchinoko" has a snake-like shape, but unlike snakes, it has the following characteristics:

● The Tsuchinoko jumps.

● The Tsuchinoko moves by rolling, biting its own tail.

● There are also reports that it moves in a straight line while keeping its body upright.

● It is said to move considerably faster than typical snakes.

● There is also a theory that, like snakes, it is venomous.

Capture "Tsuchinoko" and win a prize!

"Tsuchinoko" has a snake-like shape, but unlike snakes, it has the following characteristics:

Every year during Golden Week, "Higashi Shirakawa Village" hosts an event called the "Tsuchinoko Festa."

A special stage is set up along the riverbank, where local people perform heartwarming acts. Stalls selling folk crafts and snacks line the streets, making for a fun-filled day.

The main attraction is the "Tsuchinoko Capture Event." A prize is awarded to anyone who catches a "Tsuchinoko" in 2026, the prize was 1.34 million yen, but unfortunately, no one managed to catch one.

As mentioned earlier, "Tsuchinoko" are quite dangerous creatures, so it's best to avoid trying to catch one as a joke (lol). Nevertheless, searching for a "Tsuchinoko" in a mountain village in Gifu Prefecture during Golden Week would surely be a wonderful experience!