The typhoon has already sent us an abundance of rain. So we suited up and drove an hour and a half to the secluded mountainous region that is home to Shirakawa-go. It is a village of thatched roof houses (gassho-zukuri) which span from 200 to 400 years old! In 1995 it was registered as a World Heritage site by UNESCO. This traditional architecture is designed to withstand heavy snowfall and yet provide enough space for both living and working. Most of the villagers in the region made/make their living by growing silk worms in the upper levels of their homes. The gassho houses are named for their steep roofs (60 degrees) which look like praying hands. The roof’s angle makes it so that snow and rain fall off quickly. This is important not just for the structure of the building, but also so the straw does not mold and rot. The entire house is built without nails and is incredibly strong. I was really interested by the slates in the floor that allow the smoke and heat from the downstairs fire to rise and help dry the thatch. All the houses are built on the North-South axis to allow the wind of the valley floor to blow through them which increases ventilation. The whole design is ingenious. The roofs are redone every 20 years, but historically if constructed properly could last for 50.
In the past most of these homes housed up to 30 people! I couldn’t believe how spacious the Wada House was when we went inside. Its four floors provided ample living space and an entire two floors dedicated to the silk worms. Come yourself and check out the largest and oldest gassho house.
Stroll through the streets, go to the Wada house, and climb the hill to get aerial views of the village!
We have met several great people at convenient stores this week. Since we can’t afford the high food prices here, we are getting most of our meals from 7 eleven. The 7 eleven closest to where we are staying is owned by a very cute woman. Her 17 year old daughter also works there and spent a while chatting with us. They are both very enthusiastic each time we come in and ask us many questions. We also stopped at a Family Mart and randomly met a very kind Australian couple. We spent 30 minutes discussing our upcoming trip to Australia. The woman was hilarious and told us about the “scum of the earth” foot ballers, the bad drivers, the tattooing craze, inequality aboriginals face, and finally the natural beauty of Australia. I hope to meet them once I am near Melbourne! Sometimes talking to strangers can open doors!
In the past most of these homes housed up to 30 people! I couldn’t believe how spacious the Wada House was when we went inside. Its four floors provided ample living space and an entire two floors dedicated to the silk worms. Come yourself and check out the largest and oldest gassho house.
Stroll through the streets, go to the Wada house, and climb the hill to get aerial views of the village!
We have met several great people at convenient stores this week. Since we can’t afford the high food prices here, we are getting most of our meals from 7 eleven. The 7 eleven closest to where we are staying is owned by a very cute woman. Her 17 year old daughter also works there and spent a while chatting with us. They are both very enthusiastic each time we come in and ask us many questions. We also stopped at a Family Mart and randomly met a very kind Australian couple. We spent 30 minutes discussing our upcoming trip to Australia. The woman was hilarious and told us about the “scum of the earth” foot ballers, the bad drivers, the tattooing craze, inequality aboriginals face, and finally the natural beauty of Australia. I hope to meet them once I am near Melbourne! Sometimes talking to strangers can open doors!
