A World Heritage Site Brimming with People

Shirakawa Village was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site thanks to its traditional gassho-zukuri [thatched-roof] houses. The thatched roofs are one of Japan's traditional building styles. Thanks to their resilence to water, they are perfect for the often snowy weather of Shirakawa. The collection of around 100 thatched-roof houses of sizes large and small is the largest in Japan. Shirakawa truely is one of Japan's defining symbols. It's the perfect chance to see the history of Japan and the people who continue to live it even now.