Declared by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1995, Shirakawa-go in Gifu Prefecture is a picturesque village famous for its historical farmhouses, some more than 250 years old.

Although the village is beautiful all year round, Shirakawa-go transforms into a winter wonderland once the weather gets colder and snow begins to fall.

The roofs of these farmhouses were built in the traditional Gassho-Zukuri style, literally translated as “constructed like hands in prayer,” indicating the steep thatched roofs resembling the hands of Buddhist monks pressed together in prayer. These roofs were made to cope with the heavy snowfall of up to two meters (6.5 feet) that falls over the winter.

Since the attics of the houses were used for cultivating silkworms, the windows are located close to the roof so that wind and sunlight make it through the attic.

But even with all the history and tradition aside, Shirakawa-go is truly a mesmerizing village.

Many of the houses are still inhabited to this day, and if you want to experience what living in this majestic village feels like, you can actually book an overnight stay at one of these houses!