The Historic Villages of Shirakawa-gō in Gifu Prefecture, Japan, are renowned for their traditional gasshō-zukuri farmhouses, some of which are over 250 years old. These villages, set in a picturesque valley in the Chūbu region, have been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to their unique architectural style designed to withstand the region's heavy snowfall. The steep thatched roofs of the houses resemble hands joined in prayer, which is where the term 'gasshō' (meaning 'constructed like hands in prayer') originates. This area is not only a testament to the ingenuity of past generations but also a breathtaking sight for visitors from all around the world.