Shirakawa-go

Part of the village of Shirakawa has been entered on the UNESCO list due to its unique architecture. The houses called minka were built by farmers, artists and merchants – those members of Japanese society who did not belong to the samurai caste. To us, such buildings remind us a bit of the architecture of… Podhale! Due to the significant snowfall in this region, the houses are covered with a sloping roof. It covers up to 3 storeys. The ridge at the top of the roof is decorated with a decorative, wide comb. Apart from that, the houses are devoid of ornaments. Inside, there is a traditional kotatsu fireplace. The floors are covered with tatami mats. Everything here is well thought out and practical, and also beautiful in its functionality.