The Historic Villages of Shirakawa-gō and Gokayama is located in a mountainous region in central Japan. The Gassho-style houses can be found in the Ogimachi which is in the Shirakawa-go(meaning “White River Old-District”) region, Ainokura and Suganuma villages can be found in the Gokoyama(meaning “Five Mountains”) region. These villages are all situated along the Sho River in Gifu and Toyama Prefectures.
These are also used in cultivation of mulberry trees and the rearing of silkworms which are very important in the economy of Japan. The houses also gives an awesome sight experience during winter because the house is constructed to shed snow from their roof.