Wednesday 16 January 2013

Shirakawa-go Village, Part 1

High in the Japan Alps, a UNESCO World Heritage Site called Shirakawa-go preserves traditional rural Japanese houses, barns, shrines and outbuildings in a village setting. Some of these buildings are 250 years old. When we were there in early April 2012, there was still a lot of snow on the ground.


In fact, it snowed while we visited. The big fluffy snowflakes falling gently to the ground made the village seem even more charming. But it wasn't particularly cold -- only about -1℃ (30℉).


The wooden buildings of Shirakawa-go all have thickly thatched roofs in a steep A-frame architectural style which was developed over generations. The roofs are designed to withstand the large amounts of heavy snow which the region receives. Here's a shot of the roof thatching method, which is done completely without the use of nails:


This roofing style is called gassho-sukuri which means "constructed like hands in prayer." It is thought that the steep roofs resemble the hands of Buddhist monks pressed together while praying.


Traditionally, the second floor of each house was dedicated to silkworm farming. The family would live downstairs.


Tomorrow: A couple of surprises in the village!

[All photos by Debra She Who Seeks]

35 comments:

Snap said...

I've always wanted to visit Japan ... especially Kyoto, but I seem to be adding to my list of places to visit with your posts!!!

Sulky Kitten said...

You had so many interesting experiences on that trip. I'd love to have seen these houses. The only thatched buildings I've seen have been in UK.

Anonymous said...

what an amazing trip, I can't wait to hear more!

Yvonne said...

So interesting to learn. I love the 'old' Japan. I used to have a pen pal for many years in Japan, when I was a teenager, but after he got married and they had a baby, the letters stopped.

You must have had a wonderful trip...travel being an education in itself.

Jane said...

Fascinating! I'd love to visit someday.

turquoisemoon said...

Your photos are great! This is so interesting...

DEZMOND said...

delightfully rustic

Anonymous said...

Those photos are absolutely astonishing!

Kyra said...

Beautiful pictures, have always wanted to visit Japan :)

Jim said...

What a magical place Debra! Must have been a wonderful experience to be there. Love the thatched roof!

ON THE TOP said...

i love japan, but i'm never go there. Hahahahaha

Jeanne said...

A beautiful area. And steeped in so much history! I love to explore places such as this one, a person can learn so much.
Especially love the last photo! Marvelous shot!

Melanie said...

So serene!

jaz@octoberfarm said...

how cool. when i lived in seoul, there was an old 'red light' village there across from the canadian embassy. it was preserved and turned into a restaurant. in it's day, the houses were frequented by the clients who wanted what each house offered. each one offered a different 'service'.

Laeli said...

Oh that's so cool! I love traditional housing methods and the story behind the name is lovely.

Plowing Through Life (Martha) said...

Amazing! This is culture-rich area is filled with fascinating things to see. It is a trip you remember your whole life.

Laurent said...

I so enjoyed my visit to Japan a few years ago. It is a magical place.

Anonymous said...

Just getting through the blogroll...I had no idea it snowed there in Japan!

What do the silkworm farms look like? Seriously, I'd be too creeped out, but it's neat to read about!

Riot Kitty said...

I am always impressed with Japanese architecture. Even the names are beautiful.

Debra She Who Seeks said...

Hi Heartinhand -- Silkworm farming was done by having huge trays of silkworms indoors, all munching away on mulberry leaves or whatever the hell it is they eat, and spinning out silk as a result. So a second-floor space could probably hold a lot of silkworms, I'm thinking.

35jupe said...

Such beautiful buildings. I'm so glad they've taken their preservation seriously. I look forward to more!

Dancing With Fey said...

Those are beautiful photos. Now you're making me want to go there.

Kal said...

Damn I love me some Japan. I read a book once where the Americans had a plan to plant fire bomb to bats in order to burn down these ancient wooden homes during WWII.

Hindustanka said...

Hi, Debra! that's very interesting to know about Japan and moreover, SEE it! i loved these houses, and the snowfall makes it look so cozy. thanks for sharing your trip with us:)

Anonymous said...

What beautiful photos! How lovely to visit Japan.

Bev said...

very cool

Blueberry said...

Such a fascinating place, and so beautiful with the big flakes falling! Haven't seen even one flake this year, and might not see any for the rest of the winter.

Elsie Amata said...

Beautiful. Onto part two...

The Dancing Crone said...

Hmmm. I can imagine the quiet. Very beautiful!!

Lois said...

I don't know how I'd feel about worms in the attic.

Guillaume said...

Breathtaking.

laughingwolf said...

fabulous! :)

Magic Love Crow said...

This is so beautiful! I love the pictures and the history! I can't wait to see more ;o)

brandi said...

~these pictures are gorgeous as is this village you visited...what a trip it must've been...warm wishes and brightest blessings~

Son Lakhani said...

It’s really good to know about the ‘gassho-sukuri’. At the same time, I’m pleased to find out that this traditional roofing is ongoing. I’m sure there are modern roofing techniques like slate roofs, but the keeping the custom is way better. The air is undeniably Japanese, by the way! -->Son