Gassho-zukuri farmhouse stay

Get to the heart of traditional, rural Japan by spending a night in a historic thatched farmhouse.

Shirakawago, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1995, is home to a dozen or so traditional Japanese farmhouses, some more than 250 years old. The buildings are known as gassho-zukuri which literally means "praying hands" and describes the steep triangular thatched roofs which are several stories high and were cleverly designed to withstand the region's harsh winters.

Many of the farmhouses now run as guesthouses allowing visitors a fantastic opportunity to experience the traditions of rural Japan. With just two or three guestrooms per farmhouse, expect fairly basic facilities: futon, warm blankets and shared bathrooms; but also a very warm family welcome including delicious homemade, seasonal meals cooked around the irori open hearth.

Gassho-zukuri farmhouse stay

located in Shirakawago

Interested in this Experience? It is included in this tour:

With a wide range of incredible World Heritage Sites, Japan is the perfect destination for this classic 17-night cultural and historical adventure.

World Heritage

This journey combines Japan's best World Heritage Sites, including ancient pilgrimage routes, mountaintop settlements and beautiful shrines and temples to provide a comprehensive overview of Japan's long history and beautiful natural countryside.

Read more >

Other Sightseeing experiences

Gunkanjima cruise
Take a boat trip to see the mysterious island of Gunkanjima - aka 'Battle Ship Island'.
Read more >
Beginners' Japanese lesson
Get your holiday on the right track with a lesson in survival Japanese.
Read more >
Shitamachi Tokyo old town
Experience the old town Tokyo atmosphere in the Shitamachi district.
Read more >