Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama in Japan

Facts and Data

Webpages:
Official Unesco Page
Historic Villages of Shirakwa-Go and Gokayama

Basis Data:
Unesco World heritage since: 1995
Size of heritage: 68 ha
- Buffer zone: 58,873 ha

Coordinates:
Longitude: 136,883°
Latitude: 36,400°

Summary

Located in a mountainous region that was cut off from the rest of the world for a long period of time, these villages with their Gassho-style houses subsisted on the cultivation of mulberry trees and the rearing of silkworms. The large houses with their steeply pitched thatched roofs are the only examples of their kind in Japan. Despite economic upheavals, the villages of Ogimachi, Ainokura and Suganuma are outstanding examples of a traditional way of life perfectly adapted to the environment and people's social and economic circumstances.

Location on Map

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Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama

The Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama are a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the Gifu and Toyama prefectures of Japan. These villages are renowned for their traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, which are characterized by their steep thatched roofs resembling hands in prayer.

History

The history of these villages dates back to the 11th century when the region was settled by the Wada clan. The isolated location of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama, nestled in the mountains, allowed the villagers to develop a unique way of life and architecture that has been preserved for centuries.

These villages were primarily agricultural communities, relying on the cultivation of mulberry trees for silk production and the breeding of silkworms. The gassho-zukuri farmhouses were designed to accommodate both living quarters and space for sericulture activities. The steep roofs were essential to withstand the heavy snowfall in the region during winter.

Over the centuries, the villages faced various challenges, including natural disasters and economic changes. However, the local communities managed to maintain their traditional way of life and preserve the architectural heritage of the gassho-zukuri farmhouses.

Current State

Today, the Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama are a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of the local communities. The villages have become popular tourist destinations, attracting visitors from around the world who come to admire the unique architecture and experience the traditional rural lifestyle.

Shirakawa-go, the larger of the two villages, is home to over 100 gassho-zukuri farmhouses. The village has a well-preserved historic district, where visitors can explore the traditional houses, some of which are open to the public as museums or guesthouses. The Ogimachi Gassho-zukuri Village, in particular, is a must-visit site, showcasing the largest concentration of these iconic farmhouses.

Gokayama, located in the neighboring Toyama prefecture, is a smaller and more secluded village. It offers a quieter and more intimate experience, with fewer tourists compared to Shirakawa-go. The Ainokura Gassho-zukuri Village in Gokayama is known for its picturesque setting, surrounded by mountains and rice fields.

Both villages have managed to strike a balance between preserving their cultural heritage and adapting to the demands of tourism. Local residents actively participate in the maintenance and restoration of the farmhouses, ensuring their authenticity. Traditional crafts and activities, such as silk production and traditional cuisine, are also kept alive, providing visitors with a glimpse into the rich cultural traditions of the region.

The Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama are not only a visual delight but also a living testament to the history and traditions of rural Japan. Their inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage list has helped raise awareness about the importance of preserving these unique cultural landscapes for future generations.

Hotels and places to stay

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(RYOKAN) Ryokan Yoshinoya(Toyama)

Address
Distance: 2,2 mi
366, Kaimukura, Gokayama, Nanto city, Toyama 939 1961, Japan.
9391961 Takaoka
Japan

Time Information

Checkout: 10:00 - Checkin: 15:00
Reception
Weekday: 10:00 - 22:00
Weekend: closed

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Gokayama Onsen Kokumin Shukusha Gokasanso

Address
Distance: 2,9 mi
333 1, TAMUKAI, NANTO SHI, TOYAMA, 939 1913, JAPAN.
9391913 Takaoka
Japan

Time Information

Checkout: 10:00 - Checkin: 15:00
Reception
Weekday: -
Weekend: closed

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(RYOKAN) Seihei Ryokan

Address
Distance: 4,4 mi
2484, Shimonashi, Nanto city, Toyama 939 1923, Japan.
9391923 南砺市
Japan

Time Information

Checkout: 10:00 - Checkin: 15:00
Reception
Weekday: 7:00 - 0:00
Weekend: closed

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(RYOKAN) Minshuku Choyomon

Address
Distance: 3,4 mi
418, AINOKURA, NANTO SHI, TOYAMA, 939 1915, JAPAN.
9391915 南砺市
Japan

Time Information

Checkout: 10:00 - Checkin: 15:00
Reception
Weekday: 7:00 - 0:00
Weekend: closed

Videos from the area

Historic Village of Gokayama/五箇山菅沼合掌造り集落

Published: June 08, 2011
Length: 45:47 min
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: koji horimoto

The World Heritage Historic Village of Gokayama 世界遺産五箇山菅沼合掌造り集落です。当日は雨で傘を持ちながらの撮影＆レンズのチョイスミスで多少...

UNESCO World Heritage Site:Suganuma Village,Japan 世界遺産五箇山菅沼合掌造り集落

Published: September 06, 2012
Length: 13:48 min
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: mimi33333333

みみさん白川郷と五箇山の合掌造りと金沢と片山津温泉に行く旅行記：目次http://miminome.blogspot.jp/2013/08/blog-post_19.html 白川郷・五箇山合掌造りと北...

The World Heritage - SUGANUMA VILLAGE / 菅沼合掌集落〜横断撮影

Published: September 08, 2007
Length: 42:49 min
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: dsBroadcast

In Gokayama Suganuma gassho-style villages (Suganuma Gassho Shuraku) of World Heritage on September 2, 2007. It starts from Suganuma-bashi (Suganuma Bridge), and it takes a picture while ...