Shirakawa-Go is designated as a World Heritage Site. Located in Gifu Prefecture which is part of Chubu Region.
Ogimachi village, known for Gassho-zukuri house, preserved the buildings and landscapes by making a rule which is “not selling , not rentaling, not destroying”.
Gassho-zukuri is a Japanese architectural style with wooden beams. Since Shirakawa-go has a lot of snow, the structure is really suitable. In February, it may snow over 170 cm (5 feet and 7 inches). Gassho means prayer hands in Japanese. There are various theories, but it is called Gassho-zukuri because they look similar.
The buildings are lit up at night during the winter season.
In the area around Shirakawa-go, you can relax onsen (hot springs), and also enjoy local foods and sake. (From the left is Salt-grilled sweetfish, Gohei Mochi, Local sake.)
There is Mount Haku which is one of the three holy mountains in Japan. You can experience such things as tours and activities there in beautiful natural surroundings.
Shirakawa-go makes us learn about how they used to live back then.
If you would like to feel a traditional quaint Japanese atmosphere, you must visit and it is like a step back into the past!