A must-visit destination: Shirakawa-go Gassho Village

We took an early morning bus from Nagoya Station to Shirakawa-go, a journey of about three hours. By noon, we arrived at this picturesque village, greeted by rows of charming gassho-style houses that were both adorable and intriguing, sparking a desire to learn more about this unique place. The roofs of these houses are covered with thatched grass, and the construction process uses almost no nails. Instead, the structures are entirely joined with wood and ropes, forming a shape reminiscent of hands clasped in prayer. The steep roof angle, approximately 60 degrees, effectively allows snow to slide off, preventing damage from heavy snow accumulation. This distinctive feature has earned the village the nickname "Gassho Village." When the roofs need re-thatching, it requires significant manpower, and villagers come together to help each other, showcasing a strong sense of community spirit. A visit to Shirakawa-go is incomplete without heading to the observation deck to enjoy a panoramic view of the Gassho Village. This is one of the highlights of the trip. Since we didn’t want to hike uphill, we opted for the shuttle bus to the observation deck. The boarding point is located on the road between Wada House and the Shirakawa-en restaurant, marked by a clear signpost. The bus runs every 20 minutes starting at 9 AM, with a one-way ticket costing around 200 yen. Walking downhill is much easier and quickly leads back to the village. We then strolled through the Gassho Village, visiting famous spots like Wada House and Kanda House, as well as some shrines and waterwheels that reflect the importance of local agriculture. Along the way, we enjoyed delicious local treats such as Hida beef skewers, Gohei mochi, and Hida beef buns. Towards the end of our walk, we reached the iconic "Three Little Houses" located at the edge of the village. The weather was perfect on the day of our visit, making for stunning photos. As Shirakawa-go is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist destination, most villagers still maintain their traditional lifestyle. Visitors are encouraged to be mindful and avoid causing any inconvenience to the locals during their trip.