Wada Gassho House
By Justin Dart
The Wada Family had been one of the leading families of the village from generation to generation. Some parts of the Wada House are open to the public today, and we can see a little of what their lives were like in the old days.
Since 1573, the head of the Wada Family had passed down the name of “Yoemon” therefore protecting the family lineage. Short of land for cultivation in Shirakawa-go, people worked on sericulture in addition to growing rice and vegetables. Lots of workers were necessary for this silkworm business, and kids were engaged in the work from a young age. Only the first son could marry and inherit the family estate. Other children, who were born out of wedlock, were raised in their mother’s house. The Wada's had a big family and that was the base of their home business.
In addition, people secretly produced gunpowder and sold them to feudal clans. Shirakawa-go was an isolated spot located in a deep mountain area. The Wada family kept the rights for this gunpowder commerce and did well with this business, as well.
The Gassho-zukuri (thatched roof houses in Shirakawa-go) are reasonable and functional. They people made gunpowder under the floor, lived on the first floor, and kept silkworms on the upper floors. Within the living space, they had a traditional-style fireplace. The fire for cooking made the house warm, and made the building stronger. The angled roof is good for heavy snow, and also good for collecting sunshine because of its wide surface. The roof itself is quite simple. It is made of logs that are tied together with vines of trees. So, shaking from storms or earthquakes doesn’t come down to the pillars and the base. The house protects itself!
By the way, the thatched roof needs to be repaired after winter, although a total re-thatching should be done every 30-50 years. The partial repair is usually done in spring. The Wada’s storehouse contains various farm tools and dry grass for the restoration of the roof.
Shirakawa-go Video Series:
- Walking around Shirakawa-go: Refreshed by a variety of sounds of nature
- Unique Experience in Shirakawa-go: Enjoy traditional Japanese life at “Magoemon” Inn
- Shirakawa-go’S Yamamoto-ya: Restaurant in spring and summer, guesthouse in winter
- Wada House, Biggest in Shirakawa-go: A glimpse at village life in the old days
