Fascinating Gassho-zukuri Houses in Gokayama

Gokayama is a mountainous region in Japan that is well known for its picturesque villages. The most famous of these villages is Ainokura, which has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The main attraction of Ainokura is its gassho-zukuri houses. These unique houses have steep, thatched roofs that resemble the hands of Buddhist monks pressed together in prayer. The houses were built without nails and are constructed entirely of wood. I found the architectural design to be both aesthetically pleasing and functional. The history of the gassho-zukuri houses dates back to the Edo Period of Japanese history, when the village was an important center for silk production. The steep roofs were designed to allow snow to slip off easily during the winter months. I found it amazing how the design of these houses has managed to withstand the test of time and still be applicable today. Aside from the architectural wonders, Gokayama also offers various mountainous attractions such as hiking trails, snowshoeing in winter, and skiing resorts. The place exudes peace and tranquility with its gorgeous landscapes, beautiful rice paddies, and natural river. Compared to other famous travel destinations in Japan, Gokayama has lesser crowds which gives a sense of privacy. I also had a taste of their traditional food such as soba, hoba miso, and goheimochi. I particularly enjoyed the goheimochi which is a specialty in the region. It’s a grilled rice cake skewer coated with sweet and savory soy sauce and sprinkled with sesame seeds. Overall, my visit to Gokayama was inspiring and educational. I learned more about Japanese culture and was able to witness how humans adapt to the natural environment. This place is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in architecture, history, and nature.