Gifu
Culture

May 29, 2014 - 1 min read

Shirakawa-go at Golden Week

Picture-perfect remnant of Japan's rural past

By Cathy Cawood

Community writer

One of the biggest thatched roof houses, with two floor plus the attic.

Small thatched roof house in a field

New leaves and late cherry blossom

Stringing and drying chillies on a verandah

Carp streamers flying for Children's Day, which is one of the national holidays that make up Golden Week.

Tulips and wagon wheels, stone steps, and an ancient fire hydrant.

The spring breeze was trying to steal an umbrella from the gift shop.

View over the town of Shirakawago.

Blue kimono airing in the spring sunshine

This is what a thatched roof looks like from inside.

These are silkworm frames.

Thatched roof house beside a pond.

Shirakawa-go is a little off the beaten track, but that is why this beautiful rural town has survived the twentieth century intact. The ancient thatched roof houses are still lived in, the fields are still planted every year. This means that this World Heritage Site is so much more than a museum or a tourist attraction. It is also a living, working community. I visited at Golden Week, and spring was in full force, although I just missed most of the cherry blossom.

Was this article helpful?

Help us improve the site

Give Feedback

Cathy Cawood

By Cathy Cawood

Community writer

Following Follow

James Forest

James Forest 11 years ago

Wow! A nice look of an older Japan.

Reply

1 comment in total

Thank you for your support!

Your feedback has been sent.