I had no idea until recently that there were still such wonderfully preserved villages in Japan. I participated in a 1-night, 2-day sightseeing tour departing from Tokyo, and I was able to have this valuable experience.
Shirakawa-go in Gifu Prefecture
The thatching work on the "gassho-style roofs", characterized by their triangular shape, reportedly requires the cooperation of the villagers. This mutual assistance is called "YUI" and is considered an essential spirit of village life.
During my visit to the Nagase family, I learned that in 2001, over 500 volunteers from both the village and across the country came together to assist with the thatching work, stacking the reeds high. It’s incredible to think that so many people gathered for a single roof—there seems to be an immense energy of love infused in it!
↑ The picture inside the house displayed scenes from that time period.
↑ The attic of a Gassho-style house.
↑ The living room with a irori (a traditional Japanese sunken hearth).
Gokayama in Toyama Prefecture
Gokayama, located about 35 minutes by car from Shirakawa-go, is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.
It felt as though I had stepped into a set from the Edo period, with a sense of leisurely time flowing all around me.
↑ Old household items are being exhibited and sold.
This time, I participated in a tour organized by Club Tourism, traveling from Tokyo to Matsumoto on the limited express Azusa. After that, we took a bus to see the night illumination of Shirakawa-go, visited Kenroku-en in Kanazawa, and on our way back, we had the chance to explore Gokayama and Shirakawa-go during the daytime before returning to Tokyo.
Although Shirakawa-go is accessible at any time, the winter illumination event, which is a seasonal highlight, occurs only four times a year; therefore, reservations are required for those who wish to experience the illumination.
Japan truly is an amazing country, with unique and distinctive places gathered from north to south, east to west.
[ Shirakawa-go Tourist Association ]
https://shirakawa-go.gr.jp/en/
Report by Azusa Kondo
Wellness Life Coach, provides natural health-care
https://www.elevatedwellness-azusa.com/