Ogimachi is the largest village in the World Heritage sites called 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.

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.