What is Shirakawa-go known for?

Shirakawa is noted as one of the snowiest places in Japan. Yearly average snowfall amounts average out in excess of 10 meters (415.4″) with snowbanks developing well over 2 meters tall. As a consequence of the frequent heavy snow, characteristically thick thatched roofed gasshō-zukuri (合掌造り) houses were created.

Do people live in Shirakawa-go?

The structure of Gassho-zukuri in Shirakawa-go is considered quite unique because of the angle of the roof’s construction and its capacity, but it is not the uniqueness which makes Shirakawa-go a World Heritage Site, it is the fact that people are still living there.

How old is Shirakawa-go village?

The old buildings are said to have stood for over 300 years. However, from around 1940, the construction of dams for the development of hydroelectric power in the basin of the Sho River, led some settlements being submerged.

Where are the thatched roof houses in Japan?

Kayabuki: The Tradition of Thatched Roof Houses in Japan Near Kyoto. Just outside the crowds of Kyoto city is a world of serene nature, vibrant culture, and deep history that you probably have never heard of before. Oita Prefecture, known mainly for its abundant onsen hot springs, is another area like Kyoto, rich in nature and history.

How many thatched roof houses are in Kayabuki no Sato?

Kayabuki no Sato has about 20 thatched roof houses that have all been beautifully preserved. The mottled colors of autumn’s changing leaves speckled the mountains above the village, and the contrast of the warm leaves against the moss-covered roofs was a fantastic sight.

Where are the Gassho style houses in Japan?

The Gassho-style houses found in the Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama are rare examples of their kind in Japan. Located in a river valley surrounded by the rugged high-mountain Chubu region of central Japan, these three villages were remote and isolated, and access to the area was difficult for a long period of time.

Which is the only such village in Japan?

The large houses with their steeply pitched thatched roofs are the only examples of their kind in Japan. Despite economic upheavals, the villages of Ogimachi, Ainokura and Suganuma are outstanding examples of a traditional way of life perfectly adapted to the environment and people’s social and economic circumstances.