Circle Stock Images

Gassho Zukuri Thatched Houses in Shirakawago
Gassho-zukuri houses were built of wooden beams combined to form a steep thatched roof that resembles two hands praying together.
You can see houses such as these Shirakawago. These structures were built to suit the environment in Shirakawa and made to withstand heavy snowfall. The houses face north and south, to minimize wind resistance.