Shirakawa-gō, Traditional mountain village in Gifu Prefecture, Japan
Shirakawa-gō is a mountain settlement in Gifu featuring around forty farmhouses built in the gasshō-zukuri style with steeply pitched thatched roofs. These buildings rise through multiple stories and fit naturally into the sloped terrain.
The settlement remained isolated until the 20th century, developing specialized building techniques to handle heavy snowfall. This architectural innovation later helped support silk production, which thrived in the region.
The village takes its name from the clear river flowing through the valley. Residents shape the place through their presence in the homes, where visitors can observe the rhythm of daily life within the traditional structures.
Visitors reach the settlement by direct bus from Takayama, making arrival straightforward. Winter illumination events require advance reservations, so planning ahead before your trip is wise.
The farmhouses were built without nails, relying instead on precisely fitted wooden joints. This craftsmanship allowed the buildings to move during earthquakes and under snow load without sustaining damage.
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