Shirakawago

Friday, August 7, 2020 Updated

Amazing Architecture in a Town Full of History

Featured on Select Takayama Festival Japan Tours.
The Shirakawa-go region lines the Shogawa River Valley in the remote mountains between Takayama and Kanazawa. Declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1995, they are best known and famous for their traditional farmhouses in the thatched-roof, A-frame style called "Gassho-zukuri". Some of the Gassho-zukuri homes in Shirakawa-go are more than 250 years old. Gassho-zukuri means "constructed like hands in prayer", as the farmhouses' steep thatched roofs resemble the hands of Buddhist monks pressed together in prayer. The architectural style developed over many generations and these houses were built to withstand the large amounts of heavy snow that falls in the region of Japan receives during winter, and more amazingly, they are built without any nails. The design of these thatched-roof houses not only are resistant to weather, they've been able to stand for centuries in the quiet village.

Traditional Japanese Village | Shirakawa-go

Theses unique roofs provided a large attic space used for cultivating silkworms. Ogimachi, Shirakawa-go's largest village and main attraction, is perfect for a good day trip or quick excursion tour from Takayama, or a stop on the bus journey between Takayama and Kanazawa. The best way to experience the town, however, is to stay overnight at one of the farmhouses, many of which now serve as minshuku, or Japanese style bed and breakfast-like inns. A number of farmhouses from the surrounding villages have been relocated to an open air museum across the river from the town center in an effort to preserve their history and save them from destruction. This museum, along with the large concentration of farmhouses and attractions in town, and the area's accessibility make Ogimachi the best place in Shirakawa-go and Gokayama to see gassho-zukuri farmhouses. There's also the Nagase House in Shirakawa-go village, the largest house in Shirakawa-go.

Take a stroll among the UNESCO-famous thatched-roof houses while we explore Takayama, Tokyo, Kyoto, and more on our fully-escorted, Takayama Festival Japan Tours and Takayama Hidden Villages Japan Tour Packages. You can also customize a Private Japan Tour through the Gifu Prefecture for a vacation with only the sights you want to enjoy. Whatever your interest, Japan Deluxe Tours can help you with your next Japan vacation!