Shirakawa-go at Golden Week

Picture-perfect remnant of Japan's rural past

Cathy Cawood May 29, 2014 - 1 min read

<p>One of the biggest thatched roof houses, with two floor plus the attic.  </p>

<p>Small thatched roof house in a field</p>

<p>New leaves and late cherry blossom</p>

<p>Stringing and drying chillies on a verandah</p>

<p>Carp streamers flying for Children's Day, which is one of the national holidays that make up Golden Week.</p>

<p>Tulips and wagon wheels, stone steps, and an ancient fire hydrant.</p>

<p>The spring breeze was trying to steal an umbrella from the gift shop.</p>

<p>View over the town of Shirakawago.</p>

<p>Blue kimono airing in the spring sunshine  </p>

<p>This is what a thatched roof looks like from inside.</p>

<p>Thatched roof house beside a pond.</p>

Shirakawa-go is a little off the beaten track, but that is why this beautiful rural town has survived the twentieth century intact. The ancient thatched roof houses are still lived in, the fields are still planted every year. This means that this World Heritage Site is so much more than a museum or a tourist attraction. It is also a living, working community. I visited at Golden Week, and spring was in full force, although I just missed most of the cherry blossom.

Cathy Cawood @cathy.cawood

I came to Japan in 2003 to teach English. I lived in Shiga prefecture for 1 year, and it still holds a special place in my heart. I lived in Kyoto for 9 years, then moved to Machida, Tokyo in 2014 after meeting my Japanese partner. I love to take photos, and my Japan in Pictures Facebook page ha...