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Experience the life of olden times in a historical 'gassho-zukuri' (thatched-roof) house that has stood for 300 years.
Shirakawa-go's 'gassho-zukuri' village, praised as Japan's original landscape, is a charming area registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Among the houses in this area, the Wada House stands out due to its large scale, being one of the biggest, and it is the only one designated as an important cultural property by the nation.
The Wada family has a history dating back to 1573, during the Tensho era. In the Edo period, the family served as checkpoint officials and village headmen and were granted the prestigious right to have a surname and carry swords. They prospered through the trade of saltpeter, an ingredient for gunpowder, and it is said that more than 20 people lived there at one time. Although there are various theories about when the house was built, it is estimated to be from the middle to late Edo period. The entire property, including the main house, storehouses, waterways, and stone walls, has been well-preserved, which is why it is highly valued as a cultural asset.
The three-story residence is still used as a dwelling today. The first and second floors are open to the public for viewing. The view of the rural landscape from the second floor is particularly exceptional. Experience the lifestyle of the past in a 'gassho-zukuri' house that has been around since the Edo period.
Beautifully blending into the rural landscape
Still in use as a residence
Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.
Q
Do you have signs or pamphlets in foreign languages? (If you do, which languages are available?)
Japanese and English pamphlets available.
Q
Is free Wi-Fi available in the area?
SHIRAKAWA-GO Free Wi-Fi is available
Q
Are there restrooms available?
No, there are not.
Q
Is it possible to re-enter the premises?
Re-entry is not allowed.
Q
What was the second floor of the 'gassho-zukuri' used for?
It was used for sericulture (silk farming). Although it is not practiced as an industry now, the Wada House still raises silkworms for visitors in July and August.
最大規模合掌造民家～好有特色
