Snow blankets Shirakawa-go for a week, creating a fairytale-like 'gingerbread village'

Reported by You T-Ru / Comprehensive report

As temperatures continue to drop, central Japan has also started to see snowfall. Shirakawa-go, a Gassho-style village in the region that saw its first snow in late November, has turned entirely white after a week of snow. The snow-covered Gassho houses create a dreamy, fairy-tale-like scene that is especially beautiful and ushers in a white prelude to the upcoming Christmas season.


▲ After a week of snow, the Gassho Village appears as a white valley when viewed from the observation deck. (Photo / From Shirakawa-go Facebook)


▲ The Gassho-style houses resemble fairytale homes and are incredibly adorable. (Photo / From Shirakawa-go Facebook)

"Wow, it looks just like a gingerbread house covered in powdered sugar!" Netizens couldn't help but respond to the sight of the Gassho Village rooftops blanketed in thick snow. The traditional Gassho houses, looking extra "delicious," reveal only the triangular roofs above the walls — as if giant gingerbread houses have landed in the valley. The thick snow on the thatched roofs of the Gassho houses resembles melting, mouthwatering butter. This world heritage site and popular tourist destination, the Gassho Village settlement, is set to spark another wave of "fairy-tale house" tourism this winter.

 
▲ Real-life 'gingerbread houses' actually exist!! (Photo / From Shirakawa-go Facebook)