Shirakawa-go

Shirakawa-go is located in the northwest of Gifu prefecture. This quiet village, surrounded by mountains and rice-fields is best known for its gassho-zukuri houses. Gassho-zukuri is a traditional building style featuring steep thatched roofs designed to withstand heavy snow. In order to preserve these houses, the whole village of Shirakawa-go was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995.

25 gassho-zukuri houses, as well as a temple, coal house and horse paddock can be visited in Shirakawa-go’s open air museum. Here you can also try your hand at soba noodle making or take in one of the traditional arts performances like dye and weaving.
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Links:

• Sightseeing in Shirakawa-go by the JNTO
• What's On in Shirakawa-go by Shirakawa Village