Gassho-zukuri Houses (18 photos)

Shirakawa and Gokayama are two Japanese villages located in Gifu and Toyama Prefectures.





Shirakawa and Gokayama are two Japanese villages located in Gifu and Toyama Prefectures. They are famous for their traditional gassho-zukuri houses, many of which are over 250 years old.

Gassho-zukuri means "prayerful hands," which describes the steeply pitched thatched roof style. They resemble hands joined in prayer. Both Shirakawa and Gokayama are among the snowiest places in the world, so gassho-zukuri houses were designed with the climate in mind. The exceptionally durable design, combined with the unique properties of thatch, allows them to withstand the heavy snowfalls that occur in this region during winter.

The traditional architectural style has survived for hundreds of years due to the seclusion of the region on the upper reaches of the Shōgawa River. This area has attracted little attention since a brutal battle in 1185, which resulted in the complete annihilation of the Taira clan by Minamoto warriors. Much of the country has been modernized, but the local village lifestyle and culture have remained unchanged over the years. Many houses are over three centuries old, and the oldest dwelling is said to be built around 400 years ago.

Spacious multi-story houses with low eaves were historically designed to accommodate large families and also housed various industries. The upper floors were typically used for sericulture, while the ground floor was often used for the production of saltpeter, necessary for making gunpowder.

In December 1995, both villages were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.





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