Snow Country

“Snow Country” refers to northwestern Japan, a region which represents a simpler world like the historic villages of Shirakawa-gō. It’s picturesque cottages in the center of a remote, mountainous river valley on the border of the Gifu Prefecture are where locals and tourist can connect with the world beyond themselves. As a UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1995, Shirakawa traditional way of life has remained intact. When the village was registered by UNESCO it became one of Japan’s most popular tourist destinations, slowing eroding the historic landscape and culture with over-population. To preserve their way of life, heritage, infrastructure, the secluded community had to rethink their ec...View all