Shirakawago and Gokayama – The City of Gassho-zukuri

In Toyama and Gifu Prefecture you can have the unique experience of visiting 2 villages in the Alps called Shirakawa-go and Gokayama, besides being able to see the famous houses Gassho-zukuri. Maybe you have no idea what I'm talking about, so today I'm going to make you delve deeper into Japan and get to know these beauties that are part of the UNESCO Heritage. 

What is Gassho-zukuri?

Gassho-zukuri (合掌造) are a style of houses built entirely of wood and formed with a rice straw roof. The name Gassho-zukuri Literally meaning "hands joined in prayer", it refers to straw used on the roof that resemble the hands of Buddhist monks in prayer.

The houses are built facing north and south to minimize wind resistance. The architectural style developed over many generations is designed to withstand the large amounts of heavy snow that falls in the region during winter. The roofs are made at a 60º angle and provide a large attic space, where silkworms used to grow.

Shirakawago and Gokayama - the city of gassho-zukuri

In Gifu and Toyama prefectures, especially in the Shirakawago and Gokayama regions, you can find these traditional houses that are about 300 years old, which provide a beautiful backdrop for your photos, especially in winter.

The villages of Gokayama and Shirakawago

Gokayama (五箇山) is an area within the city of Nanto. This region is located on the secluded banks of the Shogawa River where ancient villages such as Taira, Kamitaira and Toga are found that are filled with national monuments and gassho-zukuri. Other villages in the region are Suganuma and Ainokura which have 400-year-old houses.

Shirakawa-Go is located near Gokayama on the border of the region's Alps. Ogimachi is one of the largest villages in Shirakawago and its main attraction. There are more than 50 gassho-zukuri style houses scattered throughout the village, and many others in the region.

These historic villages gained prominence around the world thanks to their inaccessibility and location that allowed the inhabitants to create their own culture and customs. This region becomes one of the most beautiful places in Japan, thanks to its nostalgic landscape, surrounded by mountains covered with pine trees and snow.

Shirakawago and Gokayama - the city of gassho-zukuri

Curiosities

Here are some interesting facts about the region:

  • In the anime Higurashi no Naku Koro Ni, the village of Hinamizawa is based on Shirakawa-go itself;
  • Houses in the area are usually around 200 to 300 years old;
  • There are houses and farms in the area where you can lodge and see the local customs;
  • Some highlights are museums and restaurants such as: Minkaen, Kanda-ke, Nagase ke, Myozenji-ke;
  • Around October, the Doburoku matsuri takes place. At this festival people pray to the mountain god for safety and a good harvest;
  • In the region there is the Myozenji Temple which has a thatched roof;

To learn more about the Shirakawago region and the Gassho-zukuri, let's leave a video of our friend Carlos. I hope you enjoyed the article, be sure to share and leave your opinion in the comments.

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