Unveiling a World Cultural Heritage Site: A Journey into the Gassho Village

In recent years, destinations such as Kurobe Tateyama, Kanazawa Kenrokuen, and Shirakawa-go Gassho Village have become popular among travelers, all of which are part of the Chubu and Hokuriku regions. As early as the 1940s, the gassho-style architecture gained fame when a German architect referred to it in the book "The Rediscovery of Japanese Beauty" as “an extremely logical and precious example of traditional Japanese vernacular architecture.” In late 1995, UNESCO designated Shirakawa-go and Gokayama as World Cultural Heritage Sites, making them even more renowned. On average, the villages receive over 100,000 visitors annually, which has improved the local economy and helped preserve the ancient gassho buildings.

A well-built gassho house must be able to withstand the strong winds and heavy snow each year, which requires high-quality timber, thatch, and skilled craftsmanship. Unfortunately, these resources are becoming increasingly scarce. Rebuilding a gassho house is extremely expensive, so many that can no longer be used have been abandoned or replaced with new buildings, sometimes with a makeshift triangular thatched roof to imitate the gassho style. Because of this, the remaining intact gassho houses are even more precious. With their beautiful triangular shapes, these houses create a unique rural atmosphere alongside the surrounding mountains and rice fields, and remain a popular attraction for tourists.

Located in the southwestern part of Toyama Prefecture, Gokayama is also a World Cultural Heritage Site. Currently, only two gassho-style buildings remain in the area. Compared to those in Shirakawa-go, the gassho buildings in Gokayama are more rustic and traditional, and retain a more primitive appearance. Many visitors who come to see the gassho buildings consider those in Gokayama even more charming.