Discover the secrets of Gassho-style houses, characterized by their steeply sloping triangular roofs!

Most of the wood used in Gassho-style buildings is Zelkova. It is said that if a house is built using trees grown on the same mountain, the strength is well-balanced and the building will last a long time. In Gokayama, there are Gassho-style buildings that were built more than 150 years ago, and some that are more than 300 years old, and they still support people's lives today.
Some trees that grow on snowy mountain slopes are pressed down to the ground by the weight of snow when they are young, and grow large with their base bent. These trees make use of their curved shape as it is and use it as a thick beam to support the ceiling. Trees that grow on the same slope also have roughly the same curve at the base. This is a type of dwelling that makes use of the power of nature as it is.

There is an irori hearth in the center of a Gassho-style building. In the past, firewood was burned here to heat the rooms and for cooking. The smoke passed through the slatted ceiling, rose to the second and third floors, and was released through the thatched roof. Smoking the entire house in this way prevented insects from infesting the wood and thatched roof, and increased the durability of the entire building.
Nowadays, firewood is no longer used and charcoal fires are used, so no smoke is produced. However, the smell of smoke drifts from the shiny black pillars and ceilings that have been smoked for many years, reminding us of the way of life in the past when fire was valued.

Gassho-style buildings are constructed without the use of any nails. The pillars and beams are joined with tenons, and are firmly supported by each other, firmly supporting the large roof. The roof timbers are tied and secured with wisteria vines and straw ropes, which allow them to absorb and release even minor shocks. Combined with the thatched roof material, another advantage is that they are light for their size.
In some winter years, snow accumulates to nearly 2 meters, but the steeply sloping roof not only requires less frequent snow removal, but its strong triangular shape also enables it to withstand the harsh elements.

Bamboo that has been smoked for many years on the ceiling above the hearth is called "Susutake." Depending on how it is smoked, it turns dark brown or amber, and emits a unique luster. This beautiful, well-dried bamboo is cut into 7.5 sun (approximately 22.7 cm) pieces to create the "Kokiriko," an instrument. The "Kokiriko" is a musical instrument that beats out a four-beat rhythm by striking the tips of two bamboo stalks alternately, and is the instrument that represents the folk song "Kokiriko Bushi."

Large thatched roofs are re-thatched every 16 to 18 years. Rather than re-thatching the entire roof at once, each side is divided into roughly four sections, which are replaced in turn every few years. Once a full cycle is completed, the roof returns to the area that was originally re-thatched. In the past, the entire village would help with the re-thatching. Nowadays, the local forestry association takes on the task, protecting the village's precious landscape.

Hoonko cuisine is served in vermilion-lacquered dining utensils. The Buddhist event "Hoonko," held every year from the end of November to December, is a major event where mountain delicacies such as vegetables, wild plants, and Gokayama tofu are served, as well as heaps of rice, which is a rare commodity in mountain villages. Invited guests were allowed to take home any food they were unable to finish, and their families were given thanks for the blessings.
*In mountain communities where rice cultivation in paddy fields is difficult, rice was once a precious food ingredient that was purchased from communities at the foot of the mountain.