Shirakawa-go Photo Gallery

Shirakawa-go is famous for its thatched-roof houses angled sharply to prevent snow accumulation. Made a World Heritage Site in 1995, this village of less than 2000 people is buried deep in the mountains and a world away from the rest of Japan.

These houses were built to accomodate extended families to live under one roof. Today's buildings are some 200-300 years old.

Some of the buildings are open to visitors. Here, you can see the various tools used by locals and appreciate the large interior spaces, along with the curved roof.

Despite the relative isolation, this is now a major tourist destination. You will find lots of shops that co-exist with the farms and hotels that now make up the village.

All the tourists head uphill to the famous vantage point to see the village and its surrounding mountains.

The morning fog made the view even more spectacular.

Many tour buses come and go within the day. I decided to stay in town for the night in a traditional home. Dinner and breakfast are included in a traditional living room with fireplace warmth.

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