After a short, but steep, trek up a hill, we were rewarded with the spectacular view of Shirakawa-go, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. The thatched 3- and 4-story buildings, called Gasshos, date back to the 18th century, and were house, barn, and locale for raising silkworms. They relied on a constant supply of smoke to maintain the building’s structure, while also fumigating against noxious insects. The effect produced a rich black patina to the interior. A new highway, cut through the mountains, has greatly increased access to this magnificent village, where tourism has replaced farming and silkworm production. Having toured the impressive but drafty Gasshos in the museum village, you can understand why modern living has changed local life. Our accommodation at a private residence was billed as somewhat primitive, but it turned out to be comfortable and included the ubiquitous modern toilet. (Normally, I wouldn’t talk about such an indelicate subject, but it’s something that I’ll miss when I get back home. They come with a warmed seat, and variety of bidet selections. And a blow dryer. Ladies may also select fake flushing noises for those embarrassing moments.) Supper was delicious, but just like at home, everyone watched the TV news while eating. Not sure what Kim Jong-Il was saying, but it drew the attention of the Japanese guests.
The view on many postcards
Shirakawa-go Gassho manhole cover
This one's for you Dad!
This is the Shirakawa-go version of the back-40. This is a rice field in fallow before the June seeding.
Stacks of pampas grass used for the thatched roofs.
The irrigation system runs throughout the village in open channels.
A Shirakawa-go street
Lodgepoles at Banff?
Stacks of pampas grass used for the thatched roofs.
The irrigation system runs throughout the village in open channels.
A Shirakawa-go street
Lodgepoles at Banff?
No, not really. This was only a 100 m foot path, but these Norfolk pine were magnificent. Remember the Norfolk Pine? You'll likely find them in your living room in a pot at home.
Where else but Japan can you take a picture of snowy mountains and palm trees at the same time?
The natural way of keeping your Coke cooled.
The gasshos require re-thatching every 30 years.
A Shinto shine gate, gassho style
A view of a house similar to where we stayed
This was taken through a chink in the rice-paper window.
View from the look-out point
Where else but Japan can you take a picture of snowy mountains and palm trees at the same time?
The natural way of keeping your Coke cooled.
The gasshos require re-thatching every 30 years.
A Shinto shine gate, gassho style
A view of a house similar to where we stayed
This was taken through a chink in the rice-paper window.
View from the look-out point
No comments:
Post a Comment