Gems of Winter Photography Shirakawa-go and Gokayama

A remote mountain range that spans the Japanese prefectures, Toyama and Gifu, holds two gems of Winter Photography, Shirakawa-go and Gokayama.  The Japanese government thought so highly of these compact villages that it nominated them from UNESCO World Heritage, and they were approved.  The towns’ appeal is the traditional style with which many of the villages are constructed.  The villages are constructed in the ‘gassho-zukuri’ style.  A ‘gassho’ is how the Japanese refer to Buddhist monks hands as they pray, so you can now imagine the shape of the houses that occupy these two villages.  Some of the residences have history dating back 250 years.  And you will have access with your Japan Dreamscapes (JDS) photo tour leader to photographically record these world heritage homes.

This style has been developed over generations as a method to mitigate the large amount of snow that falls in this region of Japan during the winter time.  In spite of the architectural design, there is still ample coats of snow atop the homes.  If you use your imagination, you will be able to see human faces with the lit windows and the shiny snow as a mane of white hair adoring several of the Shirakawa-go and Gokayama roofs.

During a few weekends in winter, several of the local villages are illuminated at night.  This area has become so well-known that it may require a reservation to participate, but leave all that to your JDS photography tour leader.  You may enjoy winter photography and the shimmering village homes while we take care of the reservations and travel arrangements.  All you have to do is enjoy yourself and the photo ops that Shiarkawa-go and Gokayama provide.