A small village in Japan, Gifu prefecture, famous for its traditional buildings called gasshō-zukuri, some of which being 250 years old. In 2009, the population of the village was estimated at 1,864 on a total area of 356.55 square kilometers. It is part of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The buildings are called gassho-zukuri because of their shape, resembling two hands hold together in prayer. Literally gassho-zukuri means 'constructed like hands in prayer'.
This specific style has been developed in time and in such a way that it can withstand the heavy snowfalls in winter. 95% of the village's area is covered by mountainous forests and it is one of the snowiest places in Japan.
If you're there to visit, don't just pass through, experience the village and spend a night at one of the houses.
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A small village in Japan, Gifu prefecture, famous for its traditional buildings called gasshō-zukuri, some of which being 250 years old. In 2009, the population of the village was estimated at 1,864 on a total area of 356.55 square kilometers. It is part of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The buildings are called gassho-zukuri because of their shape, resembling two hands hold together in prayer. Literally gassho-zukuri means 'constructed like hands in prayer'.
This specific style has been developed in time and in such a way that it can withstand the heavy snowfalls in winter. 95% of the village's area is covered by mountainous forests and it is one of the snowiest places in Japan.
If you're there to visit, don't just pass through, experience the village and spend a night at one of the houses.
Contact & location
Be the first one to add a review
The photos displayed on this page are the property of one of the following authors:
name_21944, name_6826, name_21945, name_7282, name_21946
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This travel guide also includes text from Wikitravel articles, all available at
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This travel guide also includes text from Wikipedia articles, all available at
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