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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.
For more information email us: [email protected] or call: + 61 7 3186 8800
A quick note about our experiences: Our experiences are designed to be part of a complete, tailor-made travel package and are not available to book individually. This allows us to ensure every detail – from accommodation to transport – is perfectly coordinated for you. If you're interested in one of these experiences, we'd love to help you build a full itinerary around it!
Interested in this Experience? It is included in this tour:
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A budget 14-night adventure taking you into the heart of old Japan, with traditional accommodation and visits to the historic cities of Tokyo & Kyoto.
Traditional Japan
Leave bright lights and fast living behind and immerse yourself in the more traditional and laid-back side of Japan. This trip will show you a very different Japan, steering you away from the usual tourist haunts whilst also including the must-see cities of Tokyo and Kyoto.
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