Shirakawago, found in Gifu Prefecture, is gaining popularity as a place to visit for both residents of Japan and foreign travelers. And just looking at images of the place, it's easy to see why. You can get sucked into the charm of the place, particularly against the seasonal backdrop of the four seasons. 

Shirakawago is known more specifically for a village known as Ogimachi, where visitors can view the traditional houses that make the area so famous, known as gassho-zukuri houses. The houses are historical and traditional, some of them date back over 200 years, with work done to keep them maintained. The farmhouses all appear quaint and traditional to the regular eye, but they are more than that. They are filled with history and reflect stories of those who lived there, and the construction of the houses themselves get a glimpse into what life was like in the past. Looking at the houses, you would see the appearance of a house uncommon by today's standards. With thatched roofs made from straw and wood, the roof was built in a way to withstand the heavy snowfall that the region got. The position of the house, the way in which it was built, and the materials used to build the houses were all considered in the construction of the house. As cultivating silkworms was a major part of the industry here, the roofs were also created in mind to maximize the success of growing the silkworms as well.

Labeled a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ogimachi in Shirakawago is a place that intrigues many. Many people visit on a day trip from neighboring areas like Takayama or Kanazawa. Others opt for staying overnight in one of the farmhouses to experience what it might have been like to live in one of these houses. Of course, you must reserve in advance as it is popular and can get booked up. 

If you do visit, but do not plan on staying in one, you can still view the inside of some of the houses, as some of them have been made into museums. Some interesting ones to check out include Wada-ke House and Kanda-ke House. Both houses have been converted into a museum where you can look into, each house having a history of its own and belonging to different owners in times past.

In addition to Shirakawago, you can also try visiting Gokayama in Toyama Prefecture for more gassho-style houses!