Shirakawago was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its uniqueness along with Gokayama.
The way the farmhouses are constructed is called “gabled A-frame construction.The roofs are built this way to withstand heavy snow during winter.
Also, the large attic space can be used for cultivating silkworm.
Every farmhouse undergoes the roof re-thatching every 30-40 years. It can involve about 200 villagers working on one house for about 2 full days.
This strong unity among the residents is called “yui”
