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Gassho-zukuri farmhouse stay
Get to the heart of traditional, rural Japan by spending a night in a historic thatched farmhouse.
Shirakawago, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1995, is home to a dozen or so traditional Japanese farmhouses, some more than 250 years old. The buildings are known as gassho-zukuri which literally means "praying hands" and describes the steep triangular thatched roofs which are several stories high and were cleverly designed to withstand the region's harsh winters.
Many of the farmhouses now run as guesthouses allowing visitors a fantastic opportunity to experience the traditions of rural Japan. With just two or three guestrooms per farmhouse, expect fairly basic facilities: futon, warm blankets and shared bathrooms; but also a very warm family welcome including delicious homemade, seasonal meals cooked around the irori open hearth.
For more information email us: [email protected] or call: + 44 117 244 3380
Important notice: We are pleased to be able to offer so many amazing experiences in Japan. However, we are sorry that we can only include these as a part of a full Japan holiday package which includes your accommodation and transport alongside the experiences presented in this section of the web site.
Interested in this Experience? It is included in this tour:
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A budget 14-night adventure taking you into the heart of old Japan, with traditional accommodation and visits to the historic cities of Tokyo & Kyoto.
Traditional Japan
Leave bright lights and fast living behind and immerse yourself in the more traditional and laid-back side of Japan. This trip will show you a very different Japan, steering you away from the usual tourist haunts whilst also including the must-see cities of Tokyo and Kyoto.
Other Sightseeing experiences
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Take a boat trip to see the mysterious island of Gunkanjima - aka 'Battle Ship Island'.
Peace Park & museum tour
Take a sobering tour of Hiroshima's Peace Park with a volunteer from an NPO that provides support to A-bomb survivors.
Beginners' Japanese lesson
Get your holiday on the right track with a lesson in survival Japanese.
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