Monday, January 21, 2013

Gassho Zikuri



Gassho zikuri is an ancient style of Japanese dwelling known as minka. The steep pitched roofs help snow to slide off, preventing water from getting inside and preventing the thatch from rotting. Gassho zukuri villages were listed as World Heritage sites by UNESCO in 1995 and this example in Shirakawa in Gifu prefecture will be illuminated for tourists until February 16, 2013.

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