Japan - Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama

"Located in a mountainous region that was cut off from the rest of the world for a long period of time, these villages with their Gassho-style houses subsisted on the cultivation of mulberry trees and the rearing of silkworms. The large houses with their steeply pitched thatched roofs are the only examples of their kind in Japan. Despite economic upheavals, the villages of Ogimachi, Ainokura and Suganuma are outstanding examples of a traditional way of life perfectly adapted to the environment and people's social and economic circumstances." 

Source: UNESCO World Heritage

Postcard 1A - Gokayama
View of traditional village house of Gokayama. Postmarked March 30, 2011 in Fukuoka Shi and arrived in Penang on April 5, 2011. Thanks to Kenji-san of Japan. Doumo arigatou gozaimashita.

Postcard 1B - Gokayama

Gokayama. Thanks to Jennier who visited Gokayama.

Postcard 2A - Shirawaka

Shirawaka in Autumn. Thanks to Phoebe of Hong Kong who visiting this lovely place.

Postcard 2B - Shirakawa

This unique farming community with triangle thatched roofs houses is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Water is frequently sprayed to avoid fire. Thanks to Adriana for sending me this lovely card.

Postcards 2C - Shirawaka

Postcard mailed from Shirakawa and a set of postcards of Shirawaka in all seasons bought there. Thanks to YL and family who were visiting in December 2014.

and other postcards from the postcard set.

Postcard 3

Illustration postcard. Thanks to Irene or mailing from Taiwan.