Traditional Shirakawa-go

One of Japan's most beautiful hidden villages

Ben Beechey Jul 09, 2012 - 1 min read

<p>Shirakawa-go village seen from a look out point on top of a neighbouring mountain</p>

<p>A traditional style house known as 'gassho-zukuri' in Shirakawa-go. The design and architecture of these buildings is intended to withstand the heavy snowfall experienced in winter.</p>

<p>Even in this remote mountainous location local businesses operate as usual. This farmer's house and rice field wait patiently for the snow to melt so that the new year's farming can begin</p>

<p>Inside one the 'gashho-zukuri' houses</p>

<p>A local dango (Japanese sweets) seller in Shirakawa-go</p>

<p>A local resident hangs their chilli's out to dry in Shirakawa-go village</p>

<p>The local postman doesn't let a bit of snow stop him from doing his job!</p>

<p>A very snowy scene in Shirakawa-go</p>

<p>The entrance to the local shrine in Shirakawa-go</p>

<p>Ema plaques on display at the local shrine. Ema plaques are written (or in this case drawn) on by visitors to the shrine detailing their wishes and plans for the future</p>

The historic village Shirakawa-go (白川郷 "White River Old-District") is one of Japan's UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is a quiet mountain village with rice fields and a river running through it, situated at the foot of Mt. Haku-san in northwestern Gifu Prefecture. The village is well known for its 114 houses constructed in the architectural style known as gassho-zukuri, some of which are more than 250 years old. These houses have been designed to withstand the winter’s heavy snowfall. The village also boasts a temple, a coalhouse, and a horse paddock as well as places to stay.

Ben Beechey @ben.beechey

I moved to Japan in late 2007 and lived in the beautiful mountainous setting of Nagano-ken for two very fun years. Although the scenery in Nagano was stunning and the snowboarding conditions second to none, I decided to try life in the fast lane and moved to Tokyo in 2009. I have been in Tokyo si...