Gasshou-zukuri houses at Hida-no-sato

Takayama, Gifu pref., Japan
August 17 2005

Gasshou-zukuri refers to an architectural style with a very steep thatch roof resembling hands pressed in prayer (gasshou), hence the name. They are typical of the mountainous region north of Nagoya which gets heavy snowfall in winter. Hida-no-sato (Hida village) is a 'theme park' gathering some of the best examples of such houses formerly found all over the Hida district.