Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama

The Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama is a cultural UNESCO World Heritage site located in the Shogawa river valley in the Gifu and Toyama Prefectures of Japan. The site consists of three villages: Shirakawa-go and Gokayama Ainokura and Suganuma.

These villages are known for their traditional gassho-zukuri style houses, which are constructed with steeply sloping thatched roofs that resemble hands folded in prayer. The houses were built by rural communities in the region to withstand heavy snowfall in the winter.

The villages are also known for their unique community-based management system, which has helped preserve their traditional way of life and architecture for centuries.

The Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama provide a glimpse into Japan’s rural past and the way of life of its people. Visitors can explore the villages, visit the traditional houses, and learn about the history and culture of the region.

The site was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1995, and it is open to the public as a tourist attraction. Visitors can also participate in cultural activities, such as traditional handicraft workshops, and enjoy local cuisine, including soba noodles and sake.

Components

• Ogimachi Village
• Ainokura Village
• Suganuma Village

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