An example of the
characteristic "Gassho Zukuri" (Praying Hands) style of building,
typical of mountainous regions where the steep roof and thick straw
thatch protect against heavy snowfalls. The structural joints
are all tied together and nails are only used to fix the
floorboards. A complete village of
such buildings can be found in Shirakawa, although even there, the
buildings have been brought together from several original
locations. |