Shirakawa-go and Gokayama, Historic Village of Japan - Historic village Shirakawa-go and Gokayama is one of the World Heritage Site in Japan. The site is situated in the valley of the river Shokawa (Shirakawa Village) on the border of Gifu Prefecture and Toyama Prefecture in the Tokai-Hokuriku region, Honshu. Shirakawa-go (White River District) is located in the village of Shirakawa in Gifu Prefecture. Gokayama (Five Mountain) is located in a region divided between the Village and Village Taira Kamitaira outside the city of Nanto in Toyama Prefecture.
These villages are famous for the traditional home-zukuri gasshÅ. Gassho-zukuri house model, or "praying hands construction" is characterized by a sloping roof form and symbolize the hands of people who are praying. The design of this house is very strong and has a unique roof materials that maintain the robustness of the building because this village will be seized with a very heavy snow in winter. Home village of Shirakawa-go is very large, with 3 to 4 levels below the roof is very low, so it becomes a place big enough for one family.
