The isolated remote area of Shirakawa-go nestled in a mountainous region with Sho River running through it, is the main attraction among few in Japan to see extremely heavy snowfalls, which sometimes accumulated to 2-4 meters. The architecture, culture, history and the traditions that continue today are shaped up by this nature phenomenon. The most distinct product of having this long interaction with snow was the Gassho Zukuri styled thatched roof farm houses in the valley.
It is said that the Gasho-zukuri thatched roof architectural style was originated in the early Edo period (1603-1868) when there was a high demand for silk. There are more than one hundred Gassho Zukuri styled houses remain in the village of Ogimachi at the heart of Shirakawa-go. Many locals as their ascendants did more than 300 years ago, still make these houses their home.
All thatched roof houses in the village were built to face same direction. The roofs always face east or west to receive as much sunlight to melt the thick snow that covers on it in the hush winter period. And in order to have ventilation, windows at the attic were made to face south or north so that the wind is able to pass through the house.
In regardless of the season, Shirakawa-go is a place from a fairy tale, particularly applied to its mystical wintertime landscape.
Each year during January and February, in Lighting-Up Festival, the Village of Ogimachi is magically turned into the most beautiful fairy land on earth. The heavenly sight of the village when illumination takes place in the seven selected days become an incredible marvel. The thick layer of snow that covers the village, makes the area glisten under illuminating lights.
Scenery of the mountainous village merge harmoniously with nature in each season. It turns white in winter and tinted in brilliant colors in falls.
The timeless village of Shirakawa-go is a lost Shangrila!
The best place to have a panoramic view of village where hundred of Gassho-styled thatched roof houses clustered, is from the observatory at the site of Ogimachi Castle. Its upland vantage point offers a perfect view of the site in all seasons.
The steeply pitched thatched roof houses are preserved in groups and many with their original structures had made the associated landscapes to remain intact.
Most of its population are inhabited in the valley.
The brilliant falls foliage of the rugged mountain ranges at Chubu region of Central Japan is impressive.
Shiroyama Observation Deck is the most popular spot to capture a panoramic view of the whole village.
The Hida Ranges in rain
haiiii, can i know when you visit this shirakawa-Go? (date n month)
ReplyDeleteand can i know , what else of the attraction/attraction object in this place??