In the remote, mountainous region of northern Gifu Prefecture lies Shirakawago which is famous for its old farmhouses.

The old farmhouses were added to the list of UNESCO world heritage sites in 1995.

The farm houses are built in an architecture style called gasshozukuri, as the houses' steep roofs resemble two hands folded for a prayer.

The massive construction is required for the houses to withstand the large amounts of snow falling in the region during winter.

Shirakawago makes a good day trip from Takayama or a stop over on the bus journey between Takayama and Kanazawa.