The Gassho-zukuri village of Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located in Gifu prefecture in central Japan. Gassho-zukuri refers to a type of thatched-roof house having a timbered A-frame structure, found in no other area of Japan. The steep sides of the large roof are designed to withstand heavy snowfall and strong winds. A spacious loft area, which from outside appears to consist of three stories, is divided into several levels and was originally designed for raising silkworms. Gassho-zukuri are an excellent example of architecture designed in response to a unique environment and function.

In December 1995, Shirakawa-go and two other villages were added to the World Heritage List as the "Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama." These were the first residential communities in Asia to be included on this prestigious list, thus recognizing gassho-zukuri villages as a legacy worth protecting.

At one time, most villages in this vicinity contained rows of gassho-zukuri houses, forming an attractive vista of impressive roofs. These days, however, only three villages, including Shirakawago, still offer such views.

It is also worth noting that the gassho-zukuri houses in these villages are not simply tourist attractions, but places where people still live their daily lives, while preserving their unique homes for generations to come.

Links to More Information about Shirakaw-go:

Shirakawa Village Commerce and Industry Society's Homepage

Information from Gifu Prefectural Official Tourism Website

Information on Shirakawa-go from "Destinations Japan Travel Guide"

(Photo Credits: Sekai Bunka Photo)