Shiragawa-go Village

UNESCO Heritage Site

An hour away form Kanazawa, this well-hidden getaway has been earmarked as a must see locale.

Going through miles and miles of hinterland landscape, we were blessed with the opportunity to see Japan at one of its best backgrounds. The Malaysian guide who studied for an engineering degree in  a Japanese University related that were going to see a fascinating, quaint village ;  a secret so well kept before UNESCO decided that knowledge must be imparted through the architecture and way of life of this particular clan.

Meandering along stretches of winding road, we nevertheless saw rice fields whenever a low patch came into view. The volcanic soil surrounding the island provides fertile soil for toil and food. The rich rice species makes one crave for at each Bento treat.

The thick foliage covers a wide spectrum of flora and the air is fresh and clean. How some are fortunate to live under such a natural set up. Well, the grass is always greener on the other side.

Soon we approached the coveted village and the first impression that beheld us was the thatched Gassho -zukuri roof feature hardly seen anywhere in Asia. This thatched roof structure reminded us of the village in Wiltshire; the UK though,

Today, the Gassho -Zukuri shelters is turning commercialism. Try imaging of the past when it was left alone; created for indigenous people. The wifi connection here is strong and caters to everyone. 

Nestled in the thickness of a beautiful vegetation, legend has it that a particular clan of people were escaping the wrath of the then emperor and in the escapade form a village which has become a money churning concern today.

"This is a heavy snow area and Gassho-zukuri roofs avoid accumulation of snow. The Gassho-zukuri roofs, built without nails, provide a large attic space for silkworm cultivation. Some large houses have three or four stories and built in the 18th century. One of the largest is Wada-house, please see more detail in Wada-house article quote unquote." 

I found the above excerpt in a google search for lack of details. 

Besides pine trees, the mulberry tree is also abundantly found here and the silk industry is famous here too. People then must be making silk products for use, barter trade and the naught.

The summer flora is so colorful. In Spring and Autumn we can expect the Sakura and cherry blossoms blooming endlessly.

They say in winter this village is like a Winter Wonderland with lights sprouting freely everywhere.

Do try to imagine the snow-capped thatched roofs sitting on snow-filled plains.

This is a typical house found in this place. Apparently, if you want to visit the inside of the house, we need to pay a certain sum or maybe ask for permission? Then perhaps we can see how the villagers function during those ancient times.

Clement told us that whenever it is time to replace the roof, the entire village folks would gather together to do the job. It is a turn-taking process. Many of the younger breed have left for the city and only the older generation is left behind for the quiet life.

The retired will inherit this treasure.

The thatched roof however can also be a fire hazard. An evil act would mean a house burnt to the ground quite fast. On top of that, the wooden houses can collapse quite anytime under a fire. That is why there are many warnings against careless acts.

Shiragawa-go (a mouthful) village is peace in itself and nostalgia is felt. The serene ethos adds a calmness that seems to cling to the visitors. The village is memorable and a new experience.

The historic village.