Traditional villages have become increasingly important tourism destinations due to their cultural heritage, traditional lifestyles, and unique landscapes. This study examines the tourism management practices implemented in Shirakawa-go, Japan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explores their implications for tourism village development in Indonesia. A qualitative case study approach was adopted through literature review, observation, interviews, and document analysis. The study focuses on key aspects of tourism management, including community participation, heritage conservation, visitor management, tourism information systems, and destination governance. The findings indicate that Shirakawa-go’s success is supported by strong community-based governance, integrated tourism information management, visitor regulation based on carrying capacity, clear tourism interpretation, and a strong commitment to preserving cultural authenticity. Tourism activities are managed collectively by local residents, ensuring that economic benefits are balanced with environmental sustainability and cultural preservation. The study highlights several lessons for Indonesia, including the importance of strengthening local tourism institutions, developing integrated digital information systems, implementing sustainable visitor management strategies, and maintaining the authenticity of cultural and natural resources. These findings suggest that sustainable tourism village development should prioritize the balance between economic benefits, community well-being, cultural preservation, and environmental sustainability rather than focusing solely on increasing visitor numbers.