Visited with hubby as part of the Titan "Essence of Japan" tour.

Unfortunately we visited on a very rainy day, but none the less we all enjoyed our visit to this UNESCO World Heritage site.

The farm houses "Gassho-Zukuri" are referred to as "Praying Hands" because of the sharp A shape that look like the praying hands of monks. Some reach 9 metres high, built without nails just secured with rope. Some upperfloors were used to raise silkworms. The Wada House is the largest of all the houses, shoes to be removed before entering.

Various shops are dotted around and places to get refreshments. Toilet facilities are good.

Worth a visit if in the area.

We took a bus there, and the view was just beautiful. It is an old style, unique house that was made to survive in the heavy snow fall area in Japan.

Few houses are still occupied and being lived in, few are operated as a bed and breakfast. There is a house that is open to can inside to view how they live in those houses.

But what amazes everyone is the view. I went there in Spring, and combination of flowers and the houses were just magical.

一度は絶対に行きたい場所です。
私たちは、バスで行ったので快適でした。

今でも民家として使われている家と、民宿になっている家もあります。　
観光用に、一般に開放している家は是非入ってみてください。
春には花がたくさん咲いていて、また見事な風景です。

If you walk through Shirakawago and visit the houses in town you don't need to see these because they are the same style collected and transported here (from the region) - they say that craftsmen are displayibg their art and you can even participate but most houdes were closed when we were there for Easter vacation :-(