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In the west Japanese prefecture of Toyama lies the village
of Ainokura, famous for its imposing A-frame farmhouses. The
building style is called Gassho-zukuri or 'hands-in-prayer'.
The peculiar houses were used in the Meiji period (1868-1912)
for the production of silk, once one of Japan's major exports.
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Traditional Gassho-zukuri farmhouses
in the village of Ainokura, Toyama prefecture. The village is
a World Heritage Site.
(Photo © Kjeld Duits)
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The silk worms were moved to different floors of the house
depending on how much light they required in the different stages
of their life. There was one more reason for the enormous size
of the houses. Every year a thick blanket of snow covers the
area. As the snow slowly blocks the lower floors, the entrance
is moved up.
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Steep roofs make that snow falls off without
any human effort.
(Photo © Kjeld Duits)
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In 1995 the inhabitants of several villages in the region
succeeded in getting their area listed as a World Heritage Site.
Many believed it was the only way to save the farmhouses for
future generations. Irony has it that the busloads of tourists
that followed has driven many of the villagers to quieter surroundings.
 Yosobei (05769-6-1172) - Gassho-zukuri
- In Shirakawa-go, Gifu.
Nodaniya (05769-6-1011) - Gassho-zukuri
- In Shirakawa-go, Gifu.
Minshuku Gorobei (0763-67-3502) - In Suganuma,
Toyama.
Yusuke (0763-66-2555) - In Ainokura, Toyama,
has marvelous bath.
Tourist Information (05769-6-1013) - Will
arrange reservations.
Detailed introduction to Gassho-zukuri villages
Homepage of nearby Shirakawa Village
The Japanese web site of the Shirakawa-go Tourist Office
Some travel info from Rough Guide Travel
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