A 300-Year Old Houses Filled with Wisdom and Ingenuity

Shirakawa-go

(Shirakawa City, Gifu Prefecture)

【Gassho-zukuri（合掌造り）】 is a traditional Japanese architectural style characterized by large, steeply thatched roofs. The triangular shape of the roof resembles the ‘Gassho’ hand gesture, in which the palms are pressed together in prayer to Buddha. The latter part, ‘Zukuri,’ means ‘construction’ in Japanese.

Shirakawa-go is famous for its cluster of well-preserved Gassho-zukuri houses, which were built between 100 to 300 years ago. The village is nestled in deep high mountain area on small fluvial terrace at an altitude of 500 meters. The Sho River, which originates from a deeper mountain ridge, flows gently through the center of the village. People have lived for generations in this isolated, heavy-snow region, which was not suitable for agriculture, with their wisdom and ingenuity.

The house is well-designed to withstand the harsh environment. All houses are built parallel to the river because strong seasonal winds blow along it. Additionally, the roofs face east and west, which helps melt the accumulated snow―on the east side in the morning and on the west side in the afternoon. The thatched roof provides good insulation, retaining warmth while allowing ventilation. This keeps the house warm in winter and cool in summer, harnessing the power of nature while protecting the home. These houses are filled with knowledge of the architecture and nature of the time.

The ingenuity of the villagers utilized was not only that. Villagers had made their living raising silkworms for silk in the attic and saltpeter for gunpowder beneath the floor. To have enough space to raise silkworms the roof getting bigger and bigger, providing lighting and ventilation that are necessary for their cultivation.

The silkworm excrement was collected and brought down beneath the floor. Mixed with other materials such as straw, soil, and mugwort, it was buried under the irori (traditional Japanese sunken hearth). This process produced chemical compounds necessary for gunpowder production. The substance was then taken to refineries within the village, where saltpeter crystals were extracted. It was like a hidden chemical plant deep in the mountains. Since Japan naturally produced very little saltpeter, it was an invaluable resource during the feudal era.

In modern times, the demand for silk and saltpeter declined. Young people moved to urban cities in search of jobs, and some communities were submerged under dam reservoirs. Traditional houses were replaced by modern ones, and the number of Gassho-zukuri houses gradually declined. In response to this situation, a movement to protect traditional houses emerged. With the efforts of the villagers, this scenic landscape has been well-preserved, showcasing the old rural scenery of Japan.

The nostalgic scenery draws many tourists from all over the world. Tourism become the current main industry of the village. Visitors can stay in the village, as some of the old houses have been converted into inns offering local cuisine. The site has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Please visit the official website Shirakawa-go.