A remote, mountainous region in northern Gifu Prefecture, Shirakawa-go is famous for its old farmhouses, which were added to the list of
UNESCO world heritage sites in 1995.
The farm houses are built in an architecture style called gasshozukuri, as the houses' steep roofs resemble two hands folded for a prayer. The massive construction is required for the houses to withstand the large amounts of snow falling in the region during winter.
Shirakawa-go makes a good day trip from Takayama or a stop over on the bus journey between Takayama and Kanazawa. If time permits, an overnight stay at one of the farmhouses, many of which now serve as minshuku, is strongly recommended.
link-of-the-day: Japan's UNESCO World Heritage Sites
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