Can you live in Shirakawa?
The residents of Shirakawago still live in several small villages. The most popular village for visitors is Ogimachi which in 1995 was declared World Cultural and Heritage Site. Although it is off the beaten track, Shirakawago is well worth the visit.
Why is Shirakawago Famous?
Declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1995, they are famous for their traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, some of which are more than 250 years old. Gassho-zukuri means “constructed like hands in prayer”, as the farmhouses’ steep thatched roofs resemble the hands of Buddhist monks pressed together in prayer.
Is Shirakawago worth visiting?
In Shirakawago you are set free to explore with map in hand. It is an amazing place, certainly worth the visit. I have been to Japan many times and I have never seen a town like this. You can pay a few hundred yen to enter the homes.
When was Shirakawa built?
Early prototypes were built from around 1700, as silk and gunpowder production in the village flourished during the Edo era. The design evolved into the form currently seen around the village in around 1800.
What is gassho house?
The unique Japanese houses built to survive this climate are called “Gassho-style” houses. “Gassho” is the pose Japanese people assume when they bring their hands together to pray to the gods, and the houses were named “Gassho-style” houses because the shape of the large roofs resemble this pose.
How many people live in Shirakawa?
1,630
Shirakawa, Gifu (village)
| Shirakawa 白川村 | |
|---|---|
| • Total | 356.64 km2 (137.70 sq mi) |
| Population (January 1, 2019) | |
| • Total | 1,630 |
| • Density | 4.6/km2 (12/sq mi) |
What does Shirakawa mean?
white river
Shirakawa (written 白川 or 白河; “white river”) is a Japanese surname. Notable people with the surname include: Emperor Shirakawa (白河天皇, 1053 – 1129), 72nd Emperor of Japan. Emperor Go-Shirakawa (後白河天皇, 1127 – 1192), 77th Emperor of Japan.
What is the best time to visit Shirakawago?
Winter (December to February) Winter in Shirakawago is really cold, but it’s considered as the best season to visit there as the whole village turns into a magical snow wonderland. From mid December, snow starts falling down around the village.
How do I get to Shirakawago?
You have two options: head to Shinjuku Station from the airport and take the bus to Takayama and then onto Shirakawa-go or head to Tokyo Station and take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Toyama or Kanazawa and then take the bus to Shirakawa-go.
What does gassho mean in Japanese?
Noun. gassho (plural gasshos) A ritual gesture of Eastern origin, with hands pressed together in front of the chest. It can be used for prayer or as a sign of greeting, gratitude, reverence, or apology.
What are gassho houses made of?
A Gassho house features a wooden frame and a straw roof that is noticeably steep and slanted. The straw that forms the roof is said to be made of special grass grown in the region. The roofs are intentionally sharply angled to prevent the accumulation of heavy snow. In fact, the term Gassho, means “prayer” in Japanese.