Ogimachi Village, Mountain village in Shirakawa-gō, Japan
Ogimachi is a mountain village in Shirakawa-gō known for its distinctive farmhouses with steep thatched roofs built to handle heavy snow in winter. The structures have a triangular silhouette and are arranged throughout the valley, creating a landscape that feels rooted in centuries past.
The village gained recognition in 1994 when it became part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site alongside neighboring historic villages. This international designation has helped protect the area's traditional structures and way of life.
Residents here still practice a traditional system of collective work where they gather to maintain the thatched roofs and support each other with farm tasks. This shared responsibility shapes how the community functions and keeps the village connected.
It is best to visit outside winter months when roads are easier to travel and visibility is clear for viewing the surrounding mountains. The village is small and walkable, with trails that connect you to the surrounding landscape.
The Wada-ke house stands out as one of the oldest structures in the settlement, dating back over 200 years and serving as one of the largest farmhouses here. Today it operates as both a residence and an exhibition space where visitors glimpse traditional living spaces and craft methods.
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