[Ogimachi] Let’s explore the largest gassho-zukuri village, with lots of things to do!
Ogimachi is the largest village in the World Heritage sites in Shirakawago and Gokayama.
Although the name “Shirakawago” can be seen in historical records in 13th century, it is not still clear when this village was established in this area. However, the gassho houses presumably said to be found in the late 17th century.
There are many shops, restaurants and museums. If you wish to enjoy those kind of things in the gassho-zukuri village, Ogimachi is a place for you.
The express buses and a private car are the only ways to access to Ogimachi. From Toyama station, for example, it takes about 80 to 100 minutes from Toyama station by car.
| General Information of Ogimachi World Heritage site | |
| Population | 1,600 |
| Number of Households | 500 |
| Village Area | 36,550ha (365.5km2) |
| Elevation | 500m |
| Non-thatched houses | 329 |
| Thatched houses | 114 |
| Inhabited gassho houses | 59 |
| 13th century | Ikko sect spead to Shirakawago |
| 17th century | Shirakawago became under control of Tokugawa shogunate |
| 19th century | Sericulture industry flourished and the population increased in Shirakawago |
| 20th century | Gassho houses decreased as the construction of the dam began. |
| 1976 A.D. | Ogimachi was designated as one of the Preservation Districts for Important Traditional Buildings to put a stop to the decline in gassho houses. |
Things to note in Shirakawago
- Please do not enter private homes and gardens that are not open to public.
- Please refrain from smoking while you are walking. Gassho houses are vulnerable to fire.
- Please bring back your trash. There are no trash bins in Ogimachi village.
Characteristics of gassho house
The gassho house is characterized by its great functionality.
- steep roof
It allows the heavy snow to easily fall off so as to prevent the house from collapsing under the weight of the snow. - gables facing north and south
It faces north and south so as to allow sunlight to reach both sides of the roof and easily melt the snow. It can ensure good ventilation to bring the clean air inside. As a result, it removes CO2 generated by the roasting of the hearth. - no nails
The structure of gassho house does not use a single nail, but instead uses a method of combining pieces of wood and tying them together with ropes. Therefore, the gassho house can bend under the weight of snow, distributing the weight and passing it through. - hearth on 1st floor
When the inhabitant uses fire on the 1st floor, the warm air and smoke goes up to the 2nd floor, creating a suitable condition for sericulture; It has a strong effect to keep out harmful insects. Moreover, roasting makes ropes much stronger like wire as the soot melts on them.