Shirakawa-go (Historic Village)
Shirakawa-go, a beautiful area where traditional Japanese scenery still exists, is home to the largest number of still-standing traditional “gassho-zukuri” Japanese homes. As of 2016, there are around 100 buildings still standing, both large and small. It is the largest remaining historic settlement in Japan, and it is preserved as a Group of Traditional Buildings in the register of Cultural Properties of Japan.
I've heard before that the gassho-style houses are built without using a single nail, but seeing them in person, they felt way sturdier than I imagined. I also visited the Gassho-zukuri Minkaen, the open-air museum in the Ogimachi gassho village. There, you can try out traditional Japanese crafts like plant dyeing, making straw sandals, and even making soba noodles. Really cool experience!
