Text by Lai Peixuan | Photography by Chi Binghui
Nestled at the foot of Hakusan Mountain in Gifu Prefecture, in central Japan, the “Gassho Village” quietly passes the time like a hidden paradise, untouched by worldly strife. This serene environment offers an escape from the chaos of daily life. It is also home to Japan’s important traditional rural architecture — the “gassho-zukuri” style — which remained largely unknown until 1995, when it was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, drawing attention to this beautiful land.
The story behind how the Gassho Village became a hidden paradise adds a touch of melancholy to this beautiful land. Legend has it that during the long Genpei War of the 13th century, the Taira clan was ultimately defeated and perished. The surviving members of the Taira family sought refuge deep in the mountains to escape persecution by the Minamoto clan. To withstand the cold and hide from their pursuers, they devised a type of house that could be easily dismantled and relocated. When the war ended, the wisdom of these ancestors — who built to resist nature and conflict — lived on.
Villagers work together to replace the thatched roofs. (Photo provided by Gifu Shirakawa Village Office)
The “gassho-zukuri” houses are entirely constructed using wooden joints and rope ties, and are named for their steep thatched roofs shaped like hands placed together in prayer. This design allows heavy winter snow to slide off easily, preventing roof collapse. The thatch on the roofs needs to be replaced every 30 to 40 years, and the massive task of re-roofing requires the combined effort of the entire village. As such, the gassho-style houses also symbolize community unity and collective efforts to protect their shared home.
The beauty of the Gassho Village can be fully appreciated from the observation deck.